By Rayyanu Bala

Thirty years is more than an anniversary. For Nasarawa State, it is a moment to celebrate, reflect and, above all, remember.
The creation of Nasarawa State in 1996 was not an accident. It was the result of years of agitation, consultations, advocacy and sacrifice by people who believed that their people deserved a state of their own.
When we remember that journey, we must acknowledge the late General Sani Abacha, whose administration formally created Nasarawa State in 1996.
But the dream was nurtured long before the announcement.
We remember the late Emir of Lafia, HRH Dr. Alhaji Isa Mustapha Agwai II, whose commitment supported the cause; and the late Emir of Nasarawa, HRH Ibrahim Ramalan Abubakar, whose traditional institution was part of that historic journey.
We remember Alhaji Umaru Suleiman Azores, a member of the Dr. Mbanefor Committee on the Creation of States and Local Governments, and the late Alhaji Mohammadu Ari Gwaska, whose contributions formed part of the wider struggle.
The memorandum supporting the creation of Nasarawa State carried the endorsement of traditional rulers: HRH Otaki Agbo II, Osana of Keana; HRH Ishaku Bulus, Esu Karu; Gamu Yare, Chun Mada; HRH Bala Abene Angbazo, Aren Eggon; HRH Paul Azige, Zhe Migili; HRH Muhammadu Chindo Yamusa, Emir of Keffi; HRH Usman Idrisu, Ohimege Opanda; and Yahaya Ari, Andoma of Doma.
We also remember John Awa Viko, Emmanuel Otaki Elayo, James Akabe, Amos Idakula, Philip Iyakwari, Anthony Sani, Philip Ajeh, Ignatius Nuhu Aboki, Senator Solomon Ewuga, Philip Dada, Mary Galadima, Dr. Aaron Abubakar, Adamu Musa, Sulaiman Ubam, Abubakar Kana, Muhammadu Wada, Ibrahim Okposhi, Alhaji Yahaya Sabo, Alhaji Ahmadu Al-Makura, Alhaji Kasimu Idris and Dr. Dalhatu Araf.
We remember prominent organisers and advocates: Aliyu Akwe Doma, Emmanuel Elayo, Halilu Bala Usman and Solomon Ewuga.
And we remember the late Comrade Hadi Kasim and the Lafia Youth Forum, Dr. Hassan Liman, SAN; retired Grand Khadi Abdullahi Mohammad; Alhaji Abubakar Lamino; Sani Bello; and yours sincerely, Rayyanu Bala, for submitting their memorandum and giving voice to the aspirations of their people.
Almost 70 percent of those whose names we invoke today are no longer with us. They dreamed, advocated, signed and sacrificed; we inherited the reality.
Our greatest tribute is therefore not only to remember their names, but to build the Nasarawa they envisioned.
Thirty years on, we remember them with gratitude.
May their voices, though silent, continue to speak through the state they helped create.
Happy 30th anniversary, Nasarawa State.