Address by President Goodluck E. Jonathan, GCFR, on the occasion of the commissioning of Nigeria State Geographical Information System Complex, Minna, on 20th October, 2011.
1. I am delighted to be in Niger State once again, the first since my last visit in early March during my presidential campaign.
2. I still have fond memories of the unique hospitality that was extended to me by the Government and People of Niger State during that visit, and the massive endorsement which the good people of Niger State gave to me and other candidates of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the last general election.
3. I recall that during that visit, I commissioned a number of projects that were testimonies to the commitment and efforts of the Chief Servant of Niger State, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, OON (Talban Minna) towards the transformation of the State, in the spirit of Niger State’s Vision 3:2020. The commissioned projects also fit within the broader context of our nation’s Vision 20-2020 development strategies.
4. I commend the contribution of Dr Aliyu and members of his cabinet to our nation’s development efforts. Indeed, if everyone in or outside government plays his or her roles with the same level of dedication on display in Niger State, the task of national transformation would be a much easier one to accomplish.
5. I am aware of the enormous work that the State Government has been doing, in laying the foundation for the realization of its vision of turning Niger State into one of the most developed States in the Federation by year 2020.
I am also aware of the laws being enacted to strengthen good governance in the State. Some of the laws include the Medium Term Plans, the Fiscal Responsibility Law, the Public Procurement Law, the establishment of the State’s Planning and Public Procurement Commissions as well as efforts to attract investors through robust Public Private Partnership initiatives.
6. These efforts are aligned to the Transformation Agenda of the federal government and we will like to assure His Excellency, the governor of Niger State, of our commitment to partner with him to bring growth and development to this State.
7. We are aware that forging a new culture of good governance and increased productivity come with great challenges, but I have no doubt that the Chief Servant has the courage and character to make great changes in Niger State. I hope Niger State will continue to be a shining example.
8. The commissioning of the Niger State Geographical Information System (NGIS) for the purpose of effective land management and development is a step in the right direction. This State is blessed with large tracts of fertile lands and should be seen as a resource to be utilized for the development of the state.
9. The Geographical Information System will, therefore, not only improve Niger State’s capacity for land administration, it will also be a viable source of Internally Generated Revenue for the government. Such revenue yielding efforts, in various aspects of our developmental strides, would discourage state governments from total reliance on the Federal Allocations.
10. I therefore commend the State government for this wise investment and for keeping pace with the modern technological trend in land management and development.
11. The Chief Servant, please extend my congratulations to the people of Niger state for this major achievement of your administration, as I implore you to do more in creating new income streams to finance the attainment of Niger State Vision 3:2020.
Indeed, I urge your colleagues to take a cue from your passionate commitment to development.
12. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, on behalf of the people of Nigeria and Niger State, I have the singular honour and privilege to commission Niger State Geographical Information System (NGIS) complex this day, the 20th October, 2011 to the glory of God and for the good of humanity.
13. I thank you all.