BY SULEIMAN ABUBAKAR RIMI UKU LAFIA
In a brief but symbolic ceremony marking a minor cabinet reshuffle in Nasarawa State, the handover and takeover of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources took place as Hon. Isaac Danladi officially handed over leadership of the ministry to Princess Margaret Itake Elayo.
Hon. Danladi, who served as the Commissioner for Environment for just under two months, has now been redeployed as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of the state.
In his farewell remarks, he expressed deep gratitude to Governor Abdullahi Sule for the opportunity to serve and described his redeployment as a mark of confidence in his capacity.
“I appreciate His Excellency, the visionary leader of our dear state, for first appointing me into the cabinet and now elevating me to serve as the Attorney General,” he said.
He also welcomed Princess Elayo, describing her as “the Amazon of the house,” and commended her history of trailblazing achievements as the first female Commissioner for Women Affairs and Humanitarian Services, and now the first female to lead the Environment Ministry.
Princess Margaret Elayo, who officially assumed office as Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, was warmly received by the ministry’s leadership and staff.
In her remarks, she acknowledged the significance of her new role and assured the ministry of her open-door leadership style.
“I am here to work, and I work because I want to give meaning to what leadership should represent. Environment is no longer just about sweeping streets. His Excellency has redefined it to include climate change, mineral resources, and more,” she stated.
She pledged to carry forward the transformation agenda of the administration, adding that her commitment to excellence and collaboration with the ministry’s directors and staff will be unwavering.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry praised both outgoing and incoming commissioners, describing Danladi as “a simple and knowledgeable leader with technical expertise,” while hailing Elayo as a “mentor and seasoned administrator” whom the ministry staff are excited to work with again.
The reshuffle, according to sources within the government, also affected two other commissioners, reflecting the governor’s commitment to strategic repositioning of ministries to ensure optimal delivery of service.
