Nasarawa Youth Leaders hail Nalaraba for Empowerment, Scholarship

— Lawmaker unveils fresh ₦500m SME loan scheme, plans second phase of scholarships, pledges ₦100m for vulnerable health coverage

By Abel Zwanke, Lafia

The Coalition of Youth Leaders under the auspices of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Nasarawa State chapter, has commended Hon. Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba, Member representing Awe, Doma, and Keana Federal Constituency, for his consistent commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable development in the state.

The commendation was made when the delegation of over 100 youth leaders from across the state, led by the NYCN Chairman Comrade Jafar M. Loko paid a courtesy and interactive visit to Hon. Nalaraba at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja Thursday.

Speaking during the visit, the NYCN Chairman expressed gratitude to the federal lawmaker, describing him as “a true friend of the youth and a visionary leader committed to human capital development.”

“We are deeply appreciative of Nalaraba’s numerous contributions toward the empowerment of young people in Nasarawa State,” the Chairman said. “His consistency in supporting educational development, skills acquisition, and entrepreneurship stands him out among his peers.”

The youth leaders lauded Nalaraba for influencing the establishment of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Keana, the only federal technical college of education in the entire North Central region, noting that over 80 percent of the institution’s staff and 95 percent of its students are youths.

He also hailed his recently launched scholarship scheme worth hundreds of millions of naira, which benefitted about 1,000 indigenous students of Nasarawa State, with each recipient receiving a minimum of ₦100,000.

“We also commend him for facilitating the Doma-Orozo Road project, a major infrastructure initiative valued at hundreds of billions of naira that will open up economic opportunities across the zone,” the NYCN leader added.

He further described Nalaraba as “a beacon of hope for young people and a leader with the passion and foresight to drive the state toward inclusive growth.”

They reaffirmed their commitment to continued engagement with political leaders across the state, pledging that youths will remain “the catalyst and determinant of the next Nasarawa beyond 2027.”

In his response, Hon. Nalaraba thanked the delegation for their visit and assured them of his continued commitment to youth development, education, and economic empowerment.

“I am pleased to inform you that by January 2026, we will roll out the second phase of the scholarship programme,” Nalaraba said. “We are also setting aside ₦500 million in soft loans for small and medium enterprises to support local businesses and drive economic growth in line with Governor Abdullahi Sule’s vision.”

The lawmaker further revealed plans to contribute ₦100 million to the Nasarawa State Health Insurance Scheme to cater to the medical needs of vulnerable and less privileged citizens.

“As part of our social responsibility, we are making arrangements to partner with Governor Abdullahi Sule to key into the state health insurance scheme. This is to ensure that the health needs of our vulnerable people are taken care of,” he added.

During the interactive session, Nalaraba reaffirmed his ambition to contest the 2027 governorship election in Nasarawa State, saying consultations were ongoing across all zones.

“I have consulted widely and can confirm that I will be contesting the 2027 governorship election,” he declared. “I remain loyal to Governor Abdullahi Sule for his visionary leadership and inclusive governance that has improved the living standards of our people. My aspiration is to sustain and build on his achievements.”

At the close of the meeting, Hon. Nalaraba presented a car gift to the leader of the youth delegation and donated ₦10 million to support transportation and logistics for members.

The delegation comprised representatives from various youth and student groups, including the National Youth Council (NYC), National Association of Nasarawa State Students (NASSA), National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Eggon Youth Movement (EYM), Miyetti Allah Youth Wing, Gbagyi Youth, GWADECA, Afo Youth, Igbira, Agatu, Gyede, and other associations.