A group of six federal parliamentarians from Canada are in Nasarawa state on a visit. They are being led by the Deputy Speaker of the Canadian House of Commons, Hon. Bob Kilger and accompanied by the Canadian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Howard Strauss.

Addressing the Parliamentarians at Government House Lafia, Governor Abdullahi Adamu said it was a privilege for Nasarawa state to host the visitors since Nigeria and Canada have shared common colonial experiences and are now both members of the Commonwealth. Governor Adamu said it was good for Nigeria’s democracy for the people of Nasarawa state and Canada to rob minds on ways to advances the development of both societies.

Governor Adamu took time to recall Canadian support for Nigeria’s struggle for democracy during the dark days of military dictatorship when Canada put pressure on the military authorities to relinquish power. He briefed the delegation that since the return to democratic rule in 1999, the challenges of development has been at the apex of issues faced by the governments at various strata of the nation. These challenges were mainly in the areas of Education, Health and Social Services. He said the infrastructure was so dilapidated that it would take many years for an acceptable standard of living to be reached. He therefore urged the Government of Canada to assist the people of Nasarawa State in whichever area they may deem fit.

As part of the delegation’s visit to Nasarawa state, a special session of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly was convened to enable them watch and advice on parliamentary procedures in Nigeria. They also held discussions with top Government officials and members of the judicial arm of Government.

The delegation was composed of the High Commissioner, Howard Strauss; Hon. Robert Kilger, Deputy Speaker and Chairman of Committees of the whole House of Commons; Senator Raynell Andreychuk; Senator Mobina Jaffer; Hon. William D. Casey; Hon. Keith P. Martin; Hon. Peter Adams. Some parliamentary assistants as well as High Commission officials accompanied them.

In attendance at the reception were Deputy Governor Labaran Maku, Speaker of Nasarawa House of Assembly, Hon. Mohammed Onawo and top Government officials.