By Francis Nansak, Lafia
Stakeholders and residents of Nasarawa Local Government Area have commended Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu for initiating a 22-kilometre road project linking Onda, Kana and Apawu communities in Nasarawa State.
The commendations followed the official groundbreaking and grading of the Onda-Kana-Apawu road, a project reportedly funded personally by the senator at a cost of more than ₦240 million.
Wadada, who represents Nasarawa West Senatorial District and is aspiring to become governor of Nasarawa State in 2027, said his ambition was driven by a desire to serve the people and contribute to the state’s development.
Speaking at the event, several political stakeholders described the road project as an intervention aimed at improving rural infrastructure and connectivity. They also expressed optimism that the initiative could enhance transportation and economic activities in the benefiting communities.
Among those who spoke were Dr. Faisal Shuaib, the APC candidate for Nasarawa West Senatorial District; Dr. Aliyu Bello, Nasarawa State APC Chairman; Hon. Samuel Egya, Special Adviser to the Governor on Solid Minerals; and Hon. Sani Ottos, Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Investment.
The speakers highlighted Wadada’s reported interventions in grassroots development and called for continuity in the development programmes of the APC-led administration in the state.
Aliyu Bello Commends Road Initiative
The Nasarawa State APC Chairman, Dr. Aliyu Bello, commended the senator for initiating the project, describing it as a demonstration of his stated commitment to public service.
Bello said the road intervention had raised expectations among residents even before the project was completed, adding that infrastructure development remained important to improving the lives of rural communities.
He also reiterated the APC’s position on supporting the party’s candidates across electoral levels, referencing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s call for party unity during a presidential campaign event in Kaduna.
According to him, the party intends to mobilise support for its candidates from the presidential level to other elective positions.
Faisal Shuaib Highlights Grassroots Interventions
Also speaking, Dr. Faisal Shuaib praised Wadada’s reported contributions to grassroots development and humanitarian activities, noting that his interventions dated back to his time in the House of Representatives.
Shuaib said the senator had introduced several programmes for his constituents since assuming office in the Senate.
He described the road project as another intervention intended to address infrastructure needs in rural communities.
Egya, Ottos Speak on Development Prospects
Hon. Samuel Egya and Hon. Sani Ottos also commended the senator’s initiative, arguing that his current interventions offered an indication of the development priorities he might pursue if elected governor.
They maintained that the project, which they said was being financed from Wadada’s personal resources rather than constituency funds, demonstrated his interest in rural infrastructure.
The two officials expressed hope that Nasarawa State would sustain its ongoing development efforts beyond the current administration.
My Ambition Is to Serve, Wadada Says
Addressing the gathering, Senator Wadada said his aspiration to become governor was not driven by a desire for power or personal recognition but by a commitment to public service.
He said his objective was to serve humanity, contribute to the development of Nasarawa State and support broader national development.
“I am not vying for governor to be the boss and be respected, but rather to render service, service to humanity, service to the state and, by extension, to contribute to building the Nigeria of our dream and add value to the chain of infrastructural development already established by Governor A.A. Sule,” Wadada said.
He added that his aspiration was not about claiming superiority over other contenders but about what he described as a divine calling to serve.
The Onda-Kana-Apawu road project adds to the ongoing debate over rural infrastructure, community development and the priorities that should shape Nasarawa State’s political and governance agenda ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Residents will ultimately assess the project by its execution, completion and impact on transportation and economic activities across the benefiting communities.