Vice-President Kashim Shettima has reiterated the value of traditional institutions to the overall development of the country.
The Vice-President, while receiving a delegation on Wednesday in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, praised traditional unstitutions for their role in nation building.
He also expressed gratitude to the delegation, led by the Chairman of the Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs, retired Justice Sidi Bage the first.
He appreciated traditional rulers, the Government and people of the State for their love and support to President Tinubu during the last electioneering campaign.
“You are the custodians of our rich cultural heritage; the people listen to you more than us because you are the closest to the people.
“We appreciate you and value you because you are our link to the past.
“If we productively utilise our solid minerals, Nasarawa can be to the North what Lagos is to the South-West.
“It can be the engine room in this region because of its proximity to the FCT; opportunities abound more in Nasarawa State.”
Vice-President Shettima urged the people of Nasarawa State to be peaceful in order to develop, given that Nasarawa is home to all the solid minerals in the country.
In an interview with journalists, Bage, said the visit was to reiterate the support of the people of Nasarawa State to President Tinubu’s administration.
“We are here today on a courtesy visit to the Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and, by extension, we are here on a courtesy visit to this administration.
“This administration is our friend.
“It is a friend of Nasarawa State, it is a friend of our people and both Mr President and the Vice-President are our own; they know how close they are to Nassarawa State.
“Since the assumption of office, we’ve not had the opportunity of coming around physically to congratulate them; that’s why we’re here today.
“We congratulate him and give him assurances that our people are with this administration.
“Our loyalty, our support to this administration is 100 per cent and we are here in support of all their aspirations, all the good things that they have laid out for this country.”
The traditional ruler expressed confidence in the ability and capacity of Tinubu’s administration to pilot the country to the desired level.
“They are people that we know and can give trust to; we are sure that tomorrow will be better than today with the two of them at the helm of affairs in this country.
“Mr President has started and we are confident that he has started right.
“The policies and all of those things that are laid out for this country are the best at this time.
“So we are here to tell Mr President to please carry on with the good work that you are (he is) doing for this country; Nasarawa State is with you, we are behind you.
“We’ll give you all the support that is necessary for you to succeed in what you have laid out to do for this country; thank you,” Bage said.
In the delegation were the Emir of Keffi, Dr Shehu Chindo Yamusa III; Emir of Awe, Alhaji Isa Abubakar and Emir of Nasarawa, Alhaji Usman Jibrin, among others.
