The Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, Ph.D, has called on Nigerians to embrace patriotism, peace, unity and positive attitudinal change as the country enters the year 2026, stressing that national development can only thrive when citizens support government and leadership at all levels.
Speaker Jatau, the number three citizen of Nasarawa State, made the call in his New Year message during a visit to his hometown, Angiri, in Kokona Local Government Area, where he celebrated the New Year with his kinsmen and attended a church service.
He urged the people of Nasarawa State to appreciate their cosmopolitan nature, noting that unity in diversity, regardless of ethnic, religious or political affiliations, remains key to achieving the aspirations of the state’s founding fathers.
According to him, peace and mutual understanding among citizens are critical for sustainable development, while patriotism and support for constituted authorities will help leaders deliver on their mandates.
The New Year celebration in Angiri was marked by jubilation, church services and cultural displays as residents welcomed the Speaker home. During the visit, community members from Bassa District appealed to Governor Abdullahi Sule to construct the Dare–Bassa–Angiri road linking the area to Garaku, the headquarters of Kokona Local Government Area, citing its socio-economic importance.
Responding, Speaker Jatau expressed optimism that Governor Sule would approve and execute the road project before the end of his tenure.
At a church service held to mark the New Year, Pastor Bature Komi Mallo of ECWA Angiri, who preached from Second Kings Chapter Six on the topic “The Purpose of Living,” urged worshippers to serve God wholeheartedly, regardless of their status in society.
Back at his residence, the Speaker hosted community leaders, politicians and various socio-political groups who paid him New Year homage. Some of the groups also called on him to contest for the House of Representatives seat for Keffi–Kokona–Karu Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections.
Using the occasion, Speaker Jatau advised youths in the state to embrace skills acquisition and self-reliance in view of the scarcity of white-collar jobs, stressing that technological advancement has made entrepreneurship and vocational skills more relevant than ever.
The Speaker also used the platform to express his heartfelt condolences to the Eggon Nation and the entire state over the demise of Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who represented Nasarawa North Senatorial District. He prayed for the repose of the late senator’s soul and for God to forgive his shortcomings.
During his stay in Angiri, Speaker Danladi Jatau engaged with community leaders, politicians and various groups on issues affecting the area and the state at large.