President Buhari Critics Are Impatient, Selfish – Governor Masari

Katsina State Governor Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, has said Nigerians are not in support of the people trying to sabotage President Muhammadu Buhari’s strategies to correct the wrongs committed by the previous administration in the country.

Governor Masari made the comment while speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Daura Senatorial Zone mega rally held at Dutsi town to receive about 11, 000 supporters of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other political parties who defected to APC.

He expressed dismay that the impatience or selfish interest of some Nigerians would not allow them to appreciate efforts of the Buhari administration.

The governor pointed out that the country under the watch of the President had overcome insurgency and insecurity, adding that things have started changing for the better as part of the change promised the APC government.

He assured those who defected to APC that both federal and the state government would continue to promote the well being of all citizenry and guarantee fairness and equity.

In its remarks, the Katsina caucus in the National Assembly promised to rally behind the President and the governor to improve on the socio-economic well being of all.

The caucus attributed the increasing popularity and support the party had been enjoying in the state and across the country to the good leadership being provided by the two leaders.

Earlier, in welcome address, the Daura Zonal Vice Chairman of the party, Alhaji Mohammed Usman, stressed that the largest rally of APC faithful in recent times marked a milestone in the history of APC in the state.

According to him, the presence of all members of the National Assembly from the state and other elected politicians among other stakeholders in the party at the rally had shown that APC remained a strong and united party.

MASSIVE DECAMPING:Governor Masari Receives more than 4000 PDP Decampees Into APC In Katsina State on Sunday 5th February 2017

 (Photos)

Katsina State Governor Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, welcomed the people into the APC during ceremony  at  Dutsi  local Governments area of the State.

Governor Masari Set to End portable water problem in Mashi and its Environs

Katsina State Governor  Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari has pledged to do something as an interim measure to overcome the perrenial shortage of water facing Mashi and its environs.

Governor Masari was speaking when he visited the palace of District head of Mashi, Alhaji Kabir Aminu shortly after attending a wedding fatiha in the area.

The Governor who was responding to a request made to that effect explained that government would through the ministry of water Resources consider rehabilitating broken down boreholes in Mashi to cushion the effect of shortage of water supply in the area.

In the long run ,Governor Masari hoped that the Zobe dam water supply project would in future be extended to supply water to not only katsina but Mashi and Mani as well.

This, he said was because he was not sure the ongoing rehabilitation and upgrading of Ajiwa dam could be made to cover Mani and Mashi.

 Alhaji Aminu Masari told the gathering at the Palace of District head that government would consider executing campaign promises based on available resources in its coffers .

He spoke at length on competing demands in the education, health and other social sectors of the economy.
The Governor hoped to execute programmes that would affect the electorates directly.

The Governor had earlier went down memory lane to revealed that he first visited and slept in Mashi in 1972 in an attempt to locate where to construct a dam then.

He said the late Iyan katsina and former District head of Mashi, Alhaji Aminu Ibrahim was responsible for placing Mashi in the political map of the then Kaduna state, adding that what Mashi people now require was unity to forge ahead.
The Governor also spoke at length on efforts being made by president Muhammad Buhari to repositioned Nigeria.
He cited example with the provision of bailout funds to states ,and overcoming the security challenges in the North East among other achievements too numerous to mention.

Earlier, the Head of local government administration in Mashi, Alhaji Ya'u Musa Duwan  commended the achievements so far recorded by Governor Masari on education and health in the area.

Alhaji Ya'u Duwan thanked the Governor for including Mashi in a European Union sponsored programme in mashi being a border local government with Niger Republic.

He said only two days ago, dry season farmers in Mashi have benefitted from provision of water pumping Machines, pesticides, herbicides and improved seeds through the Fadama three programme.
Alhaji Ya'u Duwan commended the Governor for selecting people of proven integrity to serve the APC administration in the state.

He announced that the Special Adviser on international foreign direct investment, Alhaji Ibrahim Zakari supplied an electricity transformer to improve power supply in Mashi.

On his part, the senior special Assistant on Radio, Alhaji Mansur Ali Mashi, ,Alhaji Ya'u Musa said had repaired a submersible borehole in Marke village.

He said the commissioner for women affairs, Hajiya Badiyya Hassan Mashi had repaired a broken floor in one of the schools in the area.

The Head of administration requested the Governor to rehabilitate Mashi-Birnin kuka road, overcome some ecological problems and above all shortage of portable drinking water in Mashi and its environs.

Also speaking, the APC chairman in Mashi local government, Alhaji Armaya'u Doka requested for the construction of Doka-Randa-Doguru-Gallu road to fulfill one of the Governor's campaign promises to the people of Mashi.

In a vote of thanks, the District head of Mashi and Iyan katsina, Alhaji Kabir Aminu also harps on the need to asphalt Mashi-Birnin kuka road, provide water to people of Mashi and other social amenities in the area.

The District head expressed gratitude to the Governor for purchasing a new land for a new graveyard through the special Adviser, Alhaji Ibrahim Zakari.

He used the opportunity to thanked a chieftain of APC in the state, Alhaji Bara'u Mangal for the support and assistance being rendered to late Iya Aminu 's family.
The Governor has earlier attended the wedding fatiha of son of an APC supporter in katsina, Alhaji Sabo Musa in Mashi.

The marriage was between Yakubu Sabo and Hannatu Lawal,whose marriage was solemnized with a thirty thousand naira dowry by the chief Imam of Mashi.

The wedding fatiha was attended by the state Deputy Governor and the speaker of katsina state house of assembly among other dignitaries.

Our Loyalty to President Buhari In Katsina is 100 per cent–Governor Masari

Katsina State governor, Aminu Bello Masari, on Sunday declared total commitment of the entire people of the state to Muhammadu Buhari presidency, describing the Katsina-born politician as a leader without blemish.

Governor Masari re-affirmed the wishes of the people at the consultative meeting of the state All Progressives Congress (APC) during the Northwest zonal leadership meeting of the party led by the APC national vice chairman Inuwa Abdulkadir at the presidential lodge in Katsina.

Apparently making inferences to the soaring popularity of Buhari although he made no mention of presidential aspirations or 2019 Masari said the president is the person to beat come 2019 in Katsina State noting that the people of the state would not dissapoint Buhari’s.
He said, “Luckily enough, our members in the National Assembly are here.

For the record, our support and loyalty to President Muhammadu Buhari from Katsina State is 100 per cent.

“Let it be very clear, whether you are in position of governance or in the NASS or in business or in the civil service but you are representing the people of Katsina, this is our position. National Vice Chairman, thank you for giving us this opportunity.”

Governor Masari delved into history to show why the people are in favour of Buhari: “Everybody knows our leader; he doesn’t need any polishing either in Nigeria or outside. He had opportunity when he was young and he did not abuse it. So, how can you expect him to abuse the trust at his later years of life?”

The governor also urged Nigerians to give Buhari maximum cooperation to tackle the challenges confronting the country, saying, “The last eight years were the worst years in Nigerian history. Plundering, insecurity and insincerity.

We were heading for a very terrible end then Allah in his infinite mercy intervened through this change.
“So, those who lost out are not going to fold their hands and anybody who thinks they are going to fold their hands is joking.


And the transition from bad to good carries with it sacrifices and pains. In the process of pains, a mischievous person who lost out can easily incite people against you.”
Masari said the mission of the present administration is to leave a legacy of service to the nation, adding that political transition is always a difficult period that requires statesmanship, skills in terms of politicking , interactions and information management.

Earlier, the APC National Vice Chairman, North West Zone, Inuwa Abdul-Kadir, said the meeting became necessary because of the party’s desire to assess and appreciate its strength and weaknesses so far both as a party and government.
Abdul-kadir called on all APC faithful in the country to rise in the defense of their hard-won but overwhelming mandate of the majority of Nigerians by eschewing all forms of internal conflict of interest and division.

“There is more to gain from expanding the support base of the APC as one solid progressive political movement than getting engrossed in divisive ‘crisis management of intra-party squabbles,” he said.

A NORTH WEST ZONAL MEETING OF LEADERSHIP AND STAKEHOLDERS OF ALL PROGRESSIVE CONGRESS-APC HAS TAKEN PLACE IN KATSINA

Declaring the meeting opened in katsina, Governor Aminu Bello Masari emphasized the need for Governors and their legislators to work towards fighting the twin evils of illiteracy and poverty in the zone.

Alhaji Aminu Masari explained that it was for this reason that the seven Governors in the north west Zone formed the North west zone Economic cooperation and integration programme.

He reechoed the believe that no meaningful development could be recorded without education, adding that the zone could only record twenty percent enrolment among school going children while the remaining eighty percent are either roaming the streets aimlessly or hawking.

He reminded people in the zone that an illiterate could not gain access to aljanna as Allah says "know me before you worship me",stressing that how could you know God without education.

Alhaji Aminu Masari emphasized the need for farmers in the zone to take advantage of the agricultural policies and programmes of the APC led administration to boost their income generation activities.
Turning to the meeting, Governor Masari expressed gratitude to the APC in the zone for finding katsina worthy to host the meeting, adding that they have extended invitation to all stakeholders to attend the meeting.

He said those who failed to attend either sent in apology or choose not to come on their own.

In a welcome address, the state APC chairman, Alhaji Shitu S.Shitu Maslaha said being the first zonal meeting, the leadership sought to honour President Muhammad Buhari by holding the meeting in his home state.

Alhaji Shitu therefore thanked the organizers for giving katsina the right to host the meeting.

In a keynote address, the national vice chairman of APC ,Alhaji Inuwa Abdulkadir charged party leadership and members to rally round the Governors as they implement agenda especially conceived and packaged in the North west Economic cooperation and integration programme.
He commended Governor Masari for championing the economic integration programme.

Alhaji Inuwa Abdulkadir explained that the meeting was converted to revitalize the structure of the party in the zone.

Gratuity: Katsina Govt Verifies 4,000 Staff, To Pay N8bn

Katsina State government has commenced verification of no fewer than 4,000 staff preparatory to payment of N8 billion gratuity.

Special assistant to the state governor on Radio Monitoring and Public Relations, Mansur Ali Mashi said those to be verified and paid comprised of local governments and LEA staffs, and, state civil  servants who had left service from November 2015 to December 2016.

He said the state government would use part of the refund from Paris Club debt relief to settle the outstanding workers entitlements noting “this is in furtherance of Governor Masari’s pledge to ensure prompt payment of pension, gratuity and other entitlements of civil servants.”

He said the affected local government and LEA staffs being verified and paid are those who either died or disengaged from the service between November 2015 and December 2016 while affected state civil servants are those from January to December 2016.

Mashi who is a member of the verification committee currently sitting at the state secretariat conference hall in Katsina, said the essence was to clear backlog of gratuity and pension arrears owed staffs.

“The latest payment is coming on the heels of N11 billion pension and gratuity paid to deserving staffs and or their next of kin as inherited liability from the immediate past PDP administration in the state”

“Additionally too, the state government will soon verify and subsequently settle all the entitlements of other deserving staffs who were unjustly schemed out by the previous administration,” he added.

It would be recalled that the state government recently set up a verification committee under the chairmanship of former accountant general in the state, Alhaji Umaru Adamu.

Source: Leadership

Nigeria: Katsina State Is Committed to Agricultural Development

The African Leadership Magazine recently caught up with the Honourable Commissioner of Lands & Survey, Mr. Sadeeq Sada to discuss some of the policy directions of the Governor Aminu-Masari-led administration of Katsina State. Excerpt:

Our findings have shown that the Computerization of the cadastral and land registry remains one of the indices that contribute to enhancing the ease of doing business; how is your ministry contributing towards simplifying this process?

The finite nature of Land makes it a very valuable natural resource and therefore its use and management need to be carried out in a sustainable and rational manner.

Over the years, Land administration in Katsina state has not been accorded the necessary attention needed for sustainable economic development; since over 90% of Land in the state is yet to be registered, which in-turn has adversely affected economic growth.

The need for legislative and executive interventions in the management of Land cannot be overemphasized, as some of the laws & regulations governing the use of Land are obsolete. Clearly, The Land Use Act 1978 vests the responsibility of holding in trust all lands in urban areas of the state on the Governor for the benefit of the people.  It is in line with this provision that our administration is revisiting some regulatory provisions that serve as bottlenecks to achieve efficient land administration.

In addition, our administration understands the need to provide Land sector reform in the broader state policy instruments like Poverty alleviation and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The challenges faced in the administration of Land in the state stems from poor leadership that lacks a clear policy and or strategy to manage this ultimate scarce resource. His excellency, the Governor has recently approved a Programme (Restorative Land Title Registration) proposed by the ministry to ensure that all lands within the state are registered, this Programme will provide Land security, reduce Land disputes and bring economic empowerment through access to finance, thus addressing some of the pressing issues on Land administration & management.



Since the promulgation of the land Use Act in 1978, it has remained, it has continued to throw us crises and litigations, arising majorly from wrongful acquisition of land from their owners, amongst other issues; what are some of the modalities put in place to ensure that investors are fully protected from some of this unhealthy practices by landowners in your state?

Currently some of the processes of land administration are done manually, but in compliance with global best practice, our administration is in the process of automating the business process of Land management & administration for improved efficiency, transparency and accountability.

We understand the power of Information technology and the huge significance of spatial data infrastructure, multi-purpose cadastral systems and Land information business systems.

So far, most files in our survey department have been digitalized, while our deeds registry is undergoing digitization. Despite the economic challenges of our time, our administration hopes to establish the Katsina Geographic Information Systems (KATGIS) by the 4th quarter of 2017, which will make the process of land administration even more efficient and transparent, while enhancing the revenue generation of the state.

Nigeria is blessed with arable land and holds about 60% of Africa’s uncultivated lands – most of which are situated in the northern part of the country, where Katsina State is located; what is the Masari-led administration doing to fully optimize the benefits of this resource for the advancement of the Katsina State economy?

Katsina state has an area of 25,320km2 with a projected population of about 6,740,500 and a density of 160 inhabitants per km2; thereby making Land such a very critical resource. Besides, the overwhelming majority of the state’s citizens derive their livelihood directly from Land, which makes it a very valuable resource.

Population pressures and customary practices on Land in an agrarian economy like ours have resulted in increasing fragmentation of Land parcels both within the urban and rural areas of the state. This practice is inefficient and leaves households with holdings that are too small to support them and the need for urgent concern by government.

Households rent and borrow Land according to need and annual cropping requirements in rural areas, buying and selling is a widespread and acceptable practice in an uncontrolled market. Urban migration has played a significant role in the over-exploitation of Land and deep modifications in the use of Land.

Consequent upon which the state government has initiated a series of Programs: our government is in the process of capturing the data of all farmers within the state, so as to have accurate and concise information on those that are indeed real farmers. This initiative will narrow down those that should be real beneficiaries of any government intervention schemes, one of which is the anchor borrower Programme.

Similarly, the Rt Hon. Aminu Bello Masari led administration has promised to provide C-of-O to any serious Organisation that wants to invest in the state within 30days of grant. This promise has so far been fulfilled by our recent allocation of about 2700 hectares of land in the Sabuwa LG area to ERISCO FOODS NIG LTD for the farming and processing of tomatoes.

Additionally, Katsina state is setting aside about 5400 hectares of land to participate in the Federal Government led Grazing Reserve Project, which will provide adequate space for cattle breeding. Also His Excellency, the Governor has been a champion in the fight against cattle rustling in the north, which has created a lot of economic loss & security concerns for herdsmen and farmers. His relentless effort to fight this menace in rallying the federal government and some of his colleagues has begun to yield tremendous result with the recent declaration by the rustlers to end the menace.

What are your final words on the Governor’s recent honour, from the Georgia Legislative Black caucus?

The award by the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus to His Excellency, Rt Hon Aminu Bello Masari couldn’t have come at a better time than now, when he is striving real hard to build on his previous achievements as the number one Legislator in the country, where as speaker of the House of Representatives he stood firm to fight against the alteration of the constitution to give the then government mandate for tenure elongation. We as a people owe this fine gentleman a great deal of gratitude for his patriotism.

In my dealings with him, I find in him a true, honest and sincere Person that is worthy of commendation, he is a fine gentleman, who in character is a team player rather than a master. He believes in hard work, dedication and commitment to serve and not be served. He is a visionary leader who spends every day of his life with the honest desire & will to better the lot of his people. In fact he is a true Nigerian who transcends all of the rhetoric that divides us as a people. As such he is a leader worthy of emulation by many of us that are his proteges.

Source: African Leadership

Governor Masari Condoles with Ibrahim Tukur Jikamshi on the loss of his Mother

The katsina state Governor, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari has paid a condolence visit to the families of Special Adviser on Entrepreneurship Development  Alhaji Ibrahim Tukur Jikamshi over the demise of his mother, Hajiya Sa'adatu.

While in Jikamshi, Governor Masari prayed Allah to grant eternal rest to late Hajiya Sa'adatu and for the family to have the fortitude to bear the loss..

Responding, the special Adviser on Entrepreneurship Development,,Alhaji Ibrahim Tukur Jikamshi prayed Allah to reward the Governor abundantly for the condolence visit.

In another development, the Governor has congratulated the special Adviser on the wedding of his junior sister   Hajiya Umma held this Saturday in Jikamshi.

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 5-DAY KATSINA STATE GOVERNMENT RETREAT THEMED “A ROBUST PUBLIC SERVICE – KEY TO RAPID SOCIETAL DEVELOPMENT” ORGANIZED FOR THE STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS AND OTHER TOP GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS HELD FROM MONDAY 23rd – FRIDAY 27th JANUARY, 2017 AT FIFTH CHUKKER RESORT, KADUNA

PREAMBLE:

1.1 The Administration of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, CFR, fnim in Katsina State came on board with a philosophical foundation anchored on a well articulated Restoration Agenda aimed at restoring the State to its lost glory.  Coming half way into its First Term, the Administration found it desirous for Stakeholders to undertake a critical assessment of the journey so far regarding the progress recorded and challenges met on the path of attaining its set goals and objectives, with a view to tackling them so as to effectively prepare for a successful outing against the second lap of the First Term. 

1.2 It was on this premise, that this Retreat was organized with the theme “A Robust Public Service – Key to Rapid Societal Development” which took place from 23rd – 27th January, 2017 at the 5th Chukker Resort, Jos Road, Kaduna.  The Retreat essentially aimed at repositioning Public Office Holders both elected and appointed towards further imbibing the virtues of good governance for effective service delivery and rapid development of Katsina State as targeted by the Restoration Agenda.
 
2.0 OPENING CEREMONY:

2.1 The Retreat was formally declared open by His Excellency, the Governor, who also personally and humbly chaired proceedings as a mark of his commitment towards its successful conduct.  Similarly, His Excellency, the Deputy Governor also chaired sessions in the absence of His Excellency, the Governor.  The Rt. Hon. Speaker, Deputy Speaker and other Hon. Members also participated actively in the Retreat.

2.2 In his Keynote Address, His Excellency, the Governor emphasized that manpower training and development is an integral part of the policy thrust of his Administration, hence the series of trainings conducted for or attended by Executive Council Members, Permanent Secretaries, Directors and other cadres in the State Public Service, both locally and internationally.

3.0 PRESENTATIONS:

3.1 The Retreat witnessed the presentation of 10 papers that were carefully selected to position the participants on a sound pedestal towards the realization of the aspirations and objectives of the Restoration Agenda of the State Administration. The distinguished personalities who served as Resource Persons comprised of seasoned past and serving Public Servants, Political Icons and scholars who shared their fountain of knowledge, specialization and professional experiences with the participants on a variety of topical issues pertaining to the policies, programmes and governmental processes and procedures. The papers presented included:

Muhinmanchin Rikon Amana Ga Aikin Gwamnati “the Importance of Trustworthiness in Public Service” by Prof. Arsalam Muhammad, ABU, Zaria.

LEAD PAPER: Restoration Agenda as a Vehicle for Rapid Transformation of Katsina State: Issues and Challenges by Alh. Muntari Lawal, SA/PS Government House.

Structure and Role of the State Executive Council in Katsina State: Understanding the Code of Ethics, the Workings and the Role of the State EXCO by Mallam Abidu R. Yazid.

Good Governance through Restructured and Harmonious working Relationship between Politicians and Civil Servants by Prof. Saddiq I. Ridda.

Effective Preparation and Presentation of Council Memos and Executive Bills by Alhaji Muhammad Lawal Aliyu, mai.

Public Procurement Policies and New Zero Base Budgetary Process by DFID Representative.

Dialogue on the Economics of Effective and Efficient Public Financial Management by Prof. Shehu Dalhatu, Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria.

Harmonization of Youth and Women Empowerment Programs for Effective Grassroots Development by Maj. (Dr) A.S Imam (NDA Kaduna).

Executive Stress Management in the Public Sector by Alh Ibrahim S. Othman (ELCS).

A syndicate presentation on Executive-Legislature Relationship was equally made, led by His Excellency, the Governor with inputs by Rt. Hon. Speaker and former and serving Legislators at State and Federal levels.

Having painstakingly and successfully digested the issues raised in the presentations on the one hand, and the elaborate comments, observations and suggestions by the participants during the question and answer sessions, the Retreat was able to arrive at some far reaching resolutions.

RESOLUTIONS:

4.1 The Retreat affirmed the sanctity of public trust guided by the fear of Allah.  To achieve this, merit, motivation and sanctions should be applied justly in the conduct of Government business;

4.2 The Retreat considered the philosophy espoused by the Restoration Agenda and expressed confidence on the level of adherence and attainment so far and therefore urged sustenance of the momentum to guard against inertia and lethargy.  It was also recognized that the Government has accorded MDAs due leverage to perform their statutory functions, hence the implementers should have the courage to do the right thing in the implementation of Government policies and programmes;

4.3 The Retreat recognized the fundamental role of the State Executive Council as the highest policy making organ of the State Government.  Accordingly, the importance of observing and respecting the basic ethics, norms and conduct as driving principles of an effective and efficient Executive Council were analyzed and upheld;

4.4 The primacy of synergy between the Legislature and Executive, Politicians, Civil Servants and between and within MDAs, should be promoted in the conduct of Governmental affairs.  In particular it was resolved that harmonious working relationship between Legislature and Executive Arm is critical in bringing about rapid transformation/development. Thus, both Arms of Government need to emphasize, promote and sustain the idea of mutual respect, noble virtues and tolerance;

4.5 The proceedings of the Retreat brought out the preponderance of empowerment programmes being handled by various MDAs, as a result of which a recommendation was proffered for the establishment of a Standing Inter-Ministerial Committee to coordinate and synchronize these programmes;

4.6 The importance of training and re-training was emphasized for the purpose of updating knowledge, expanding policy makers/implementers mental horizons with the aim of developing capacity and enhancement of productivity;

4.7 With deference to the universal trends in handling public finances, the need to depart from the conventional trends and practices of preparing budget has become obvious.  In view of this, the Retreat recognized the need to key into the emerging trend in view of its appeal, transparency and universalism;

4.8 While both classical and modern roles of Taxation as an instrument of regulating fiscal policy was acknowledged, however, in cognizance of environmental factors, emphasis on taxation was shifted to established enterprises, factories and corporate bodies in the State in order to lessen taxation burden on individuals;

4.9 The Retreat accepted in unison that the State should be up and doing in generating its data on all activities and not to be reliant on figures generated by extraneous bodies.  To this end, the Retreat acknowledged the effort of the State House of Assembly regarding the Bill on establishment of State Bureau of Statistics;

4.10 The Retreat noted the increasing complexity of running governmental affairs with inefficient time management as a major causative factor for stressful conditions to public servants.  It was resolved that conduct of routine exercise, strict adherence to annual leave calendar and observance of approved work hours should be encouraged;

4.11 The fundamental role of good leadership as a catalyst for mobilizing human and material resources of society was duly acknowledged by the Retreat.  A consensus was therefore reached on the need for all and sundry to rally round His Excellency, the Governor whose major traits of humility, compassion and fairness to all are common knowledge, for the rapid development of Katsina State.
 
5.0 CONCLUSION:

5.1 In conclusion, it was generally recognized that the REREAT was a huge success.  Participants were not only engaged but mentally aroused. The ideas generated, observations made and recommendations proffered will provide the fulcrum of raising the banner of Katsina State in the comity of States within the Nigerian Federation.  Katsina State Government therefore thanks all persons, groups and institutions that in one way or the other contributed to the success achieved.

Signed and issued at Kaduna on 27th of January, 2017

-----------------------------------------------
Secretary to the Government of the State