By Ali Abare

Nasarawa State is indeed writing a new story. It is a story of transformation, not by chance, but by design. At the center of this change is a unique leadership team, a powerful trio known as a tripod of excellence.

This group consists of Governor Abdullahi Sule, his Deputy, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, and the Secretary to the State Government, Labaran Shuaibu Magaji, PhD, SAN. Like a strong tripod that stands firm on uneven ground, the combination of their different skills creates a stable and effective government, driving rapid progress for the people of Nasarawa.

Governor Sule is the first leg of this tripod and the source of its vision. He is not a career politician. Before coming into government, he was a world-class engineer and a top executive in the organized private sector.

For years, he worked in the United States and later became the Group Managing Director of Dangote Sugar Refinery. This experience gave him a deep understanding of how to manage large projects, create jobs, and run things efficiently.

He is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, a title that speaks to his high professional standing. As governor, he brings this uncommon patience and focus to the task of governing.

He sees the state like a complex engine that needs careful tuning. His leadership is not loud or rushed, but steady and purposeful. He is the inspiration behind the state’s push for economic diversification and public-private partnerships, aiming to build an economy that lasts.

The second leg of the tripod is the state Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe. He is a renowned ophthalmologist, a doctor who specializes in eye care, and a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Surgeons.

Where the Governor brings a global business perspective, Dr. Akabe brings a deep understanding of public health and community service. Before becoming Deputy Governor, he served as the Commissioner for Health in the state. He knows the system from the ground up. His presence ensures that the human face of governance is never forgotten.

In the synergy of this leadership, when Governor Sule plans large-scale economic projects, Dr. Akabe helps ensure that the benefits touch the lives of ordinary people, especially in critical areas like healthcare.

His medical background brings a sense of precision and care to the administration’s work, making sure that policies are not just well-intentioned but are also healthy for the people.

Completing this powerful team is the Secretary to the State Government, Labaran Shuaibu Magaji. A Legal Luminary and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), he adds the crucial element of the law to the government.

His recent appointment was celebrated because of his proven track record as a technocrat. Just before this role, he served as the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. In that position, he tackled complex legal challenges head-on. He is credited with resolving dozens of difficult court cases that were costing the state money, moving to make Nasarawa a “garnishee-free” state.

He also led the effort to digitalize the courts, moving towards a modern, paperless system. As the SSG, he is now the engine room of the state’s bureaucracy, responsible for keeping all government ministries and agencies working together smoothly and accountable for their results. He translates the vision of the Governor into actionable plans and ensures that the government operates with integrity and within the framework of the law.

The true success of Nasarawa State, however, is not just in the individual qualities of these three men. It is in the remarkable way they work together. Their collaboration is marked by a constant sharing and exchange of ideas.

The practical business sense of the Governor, the compassionate health expertise of the Deputy, and the sharp legal mind of the SSG create a complete picture. A policy is not formed until it has been viewed from these three different angles. Is it economically sound? Is it socially beneficial? Is it legally right? This process ensures that decisions are well-rounded and strong.

This synergy is solidifying a new kind of leadership for Nasarawa State. It is a leadership chaperoned by a leader, Governor Sule, who manifests uncommon patience. It is a leadership driven by a shared commitment to reposition the state for the better.

The successes being witnessed in areas like infrastructure, economic planning, and legal reform can be directly attributed to this collaborative spirit. There is no single source of ideas, but a fertile ground where ideas from these three wise men meet, mix, and grow into something greater than the sum of their parts.

With this stable tripod of excellence in place, built on integrity, intellectual capacity, and a shared moral purpose, Nasarawa State is truly destined to stand tall among its equals. The state is, without doubt, experiencing a rare season of fortune, blessed with a unique trinity of leadership that combines the pragmatic problem-solving of an engineer, the compassionate precision of a medical doctor, and the rigorous advocacy of a lawyer.

This potent blend of expertise has engineered a remarkable transformation, turning the state into a strategically developed and efficiently governed entity. Critical sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, and justice are receiving targeted, professional attention, creating an environment of stability, growth, and renewed promise.

It is this very manifest progress and demonstrable potential that have made Nasarawa the attractive bride in Nigeria’s political and economic landscape. Consequently, a diverse array of suitors, from several political actors ahead of the 2027 governorship election, as well as heavyweight investors to international development partners, are now eagerly courting her, recognizing a golden opportunity.

Abare is the Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor Abdullahi Sule.