ZAMFARA GOVERNOR SIGNS N426 BILLION 2024 ‘BUDGET OF RESCUE’ INTO LAW

On Saturday, Governor Dauda Lawal signed the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N426 billion for the Zamfara State budget.

The N426,563,671,000.00 billion approved ‘Budget of Rescue’ was passed by the Zamfara State House of Assembly last Friday.

A statement by the spokesperson of the Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the 2024 estimate has N118,358,079,515.00 (27%) allocated for recurrent expenditure and N308,205,591,485.00 (73%) for capital expenditure.

He added that the budget of rescue would enhance domestic and foreign investments, productivity, and ease of business in Zamfara state.

The statement read in parts: “The 2024 budget signed by Governor Lawal prioritizes six critical sectors for Zamfara State’s development: security, education, agriculture, health, infrastructure, and others.

“The budget has the following estimates: Administration – N72,093,326,763 (17%); Economic Sector – N244,729,584,729 (57%); Social Sector – N103,139,659,508 (24%); Law and Justice Sector – N6,601,100,000 (2%).

“Furthermore, the assented 2024 budget has estimated on sub-sectors: Agriculture – N38,144,000,000; Education – N51,370,787,508; Health – N33,922,370,000; and Infrastructure & Urban Development – N109 Billion.

The rescue budget has allocated sufficient funds for social intervention programs to mitigate the impact of the current economic difficulties and insecurity.

“These programs include micro-credit disbursement to Small and Medium Enterprises, the FADAMA Program for food security, and other initiatives to reduce poverty. We will also be strengthening our Skills Acquisition programs to provide job opportunities to our large population in the State.

“The approved budget is consistent with the strategic plan of Governor Lawal’s long-term vision. It emphasizes citizen-nominated projects, and some programs are also considered to have a direct bearing on the yearnings and aspirations of our people.

“The proposed budget is balanced as the projected revenue equals the estimated expenditure.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Zamfara Governor
December 31, 2023

FRIDAY MOSQUE REOPENS AFTER SEVEN YEARS, AS ZAMFARA GOVERNOR INTERVENES

Governor Dauda Lawal resolved a seven-year dispute that led to the closure of one of the largest Juma’at mosques in Moriki town, Zurmi Local government.

The Juma’at mosque in Moriki had been closed for over seven years due to a dispute between two factions in the community.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the intervention was necessary to address the disunity issue among the people.

According to him, the governor recognizes unity’s crucial role in fostering social harmony and promoting sustainable development, especially in trying times.

“Yesterday, the Zamfara State Government, under the leadership of Governor Dauda Lawal, resolved the seven-year dispute that resulted in the closure of one of the largest Friday Mosques in Moriki town, Zurmi local government.

“The Zamfara State government deemed it necessary to intervene and take measures to mitigate any factors contributing to disunity among the people.

“Governor Lawal directed the Ministry of Religious Affairs to construct a new mosque for the other party in the dispute. The new mosque is expected to be completed in three months.

“Both parties have agreed to comply with the terms of the government’s agreement.

The Friday prayer yesterday was led by Sheikh Abbas Moriki, whose sermon centred around unity among people.

In his remark, the Emir of Moriki, Bashar Isma’ila Muhammad, extended his gratitude to God for witnessing the reopening. He also commended the state government for its timely intervention in resolving the end of the dispute.

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Zamfara Governor
December 30, 2023

GOVERNOR DAUDA LAWAL MOURNS ELDER STATESMAN, M.Z ANKA

Governor Dauda Lawal has expressed his condolences on the passing of Elder Statesman M.Z Anka, stating that Zamfara has lost an experienced leader.

Ambassador Anka a prominent figure passed away in the early hours today.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, Governor Lawal said the death of Ambassador Anka has created a significant void due to his vast experience.

According to the governor, “The loss of Ambassador M.Z Anka is not only felt by his immediate family, but by the entire people of Zamfara state.

“Late Anka lived a principled and exemplary life full of modesty, honesty, and hard work. His role in the realization and creation of Zamfara State is a testament to his commitment to his people’s progress and prosperity.

“Ambassador Anka was a great leader, a wise counsellor, and a source of pride for our state.

“On behalf of the state government, we extend our deepest condolences to the immediate family and the Anka emirate.

“May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Zamfara Governor
December 29, 2023

WELFARE: GOVERNOR LAWAL PAYS ZAMFARA WORKERS 13TH MONTH SALARY

WELFARE: GOVERNOR LAWAL PAYS ZAMFARA WORKERS 13TH MONTH SALARY

Governor Dauda Lawal has paid the 13th month salaries of government workers in Zamfara State.

On Thursday, the Zamfara State Government announced the decision to settle the 13th month salary in a circular communicated by the Head of Service, Ahmed Aliyu Liman.

A statement by the Spokesperson of the Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the remarkable payment of a 13th-month salary is the first of its kind in the State’s history.

According to him, the decision aligns with the state government’s commitment to the welfare of workers and to motivate the workforce to high performance.

“Today, Governor Dauda Lawal has approved the swift payment of end-of-the-year bonuses for public and civil servants in Zamfara State.

“This kind gesture is meant to boost the workers’ morale and provide them financial support during the holiday season.

“It’s worth noting that this is the first time in Zamfara’s history that the state government is paying workers a 13th-month salary.

“This move is a testament to Governor Lawal’s desire to implement policies that enhance working conditions, increase salaries, and provide career advancement opportunities for government workers.

“The payment of the 13th-month salary is just one of many initiatives aimed at empowering workers and promoting economic growth in Zamfara State.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Zamfara Governor
December 28, 2023

EDUCATION: ZAMFARA GOVERNOR FLAGS OFF RENOVATION OF COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY TSAFE

Governor Dauda Lawal flagged off the renovation of the College of Health Sciences and Technology in Tsafe on Friday as part of his commitment to revamp the education sector in Zamfara State.

The renovation is part of the NG-CARES program of the World Bank to empower community members by rehabilitating existing facilities through public works geared towards empowerment.

According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the renovation of the College of Health’s structures is the first in a series of similar exercises that will take place in selected institutions throughout the state.

During his speech at the flag-off, the statement added that Governor Lawal reaffirmed his commitment to overhauling the state’s education sector.

“We intend to ensure prudent use of the NG-CARES funds in line with the processes and procedures of the World Bank so that our public institutions are improved and our people gainfully employed in the process.

“The flag off today is the beginning of several other public works projects across the state. Many of our schools, hospitals, and rural roads are selected for renovation and rehabilitation in line with the World Bank’s prescribed requirements. At the same time, a substantial component of the grant shall go to cash transfers.

“I am confident that our citizens will take full advantage of this scheme and honestly reap its benefits. We are hardworking people who strongly focus on industry, commerce, and trade. As a government, we are committed to doing everything within our power and by the Grace of God to create an enabling environment to generate economic activities for all benefit.”

“I hope that the work that begins today on this campus will improve the quality of Infrastructure in the college to support learning, teaching and research. We are determined to rehabilitate all dilapidated structures in our institutions and provide the necessary furniture and equipment for the good of our children and a better tomorrow.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Zamfara Governor
December 22, 2023

GOVERNOR LAWAL VISITS ZURMI LGA, SAYS BANDITRY WILL SOON BE OVER IN ZAMFARA

Governor Dauda Lawal has expressed his administration’s commitment to end banditry in Zamfara State.

On Thursday, the governor visited Zurmi local government and assured the people that banditry would soon be a thing of the past.

A statement by the spokesperson for the governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the visit to Zurmi LGA was to sympathise with the emirate and victims of the recent attack.

The statement commended President Tinubu’s administration for its efforts in fighting banditry in the State.

He said: “In his commitment to ensuring peace in Zamfara, Governor Dauda Lawal visited Zurmi local government area to sympathise with the emirate and its people. He pledged to increase security measures to prevent future attacks.

“The Governor was received by the Emir of Zurmi, His Royal Highness Alhaji Bello Suleiman, at the palace.”

While at the Zurmi LGA military formation, Governor Lawal commended and encouraged the troops with words of appreciation.

“We appreciate the federal government’s support, especially the increased presence of troops in volatile areas across the state. The security forces are doing an excellent job of securing the lives and properties of the people.”

The Governor visited internally displaced persons at GSS Zurmi, Government Secondary School Nasarawan Zurmi, and Primary School Dauran. He sympathised and assured them of his commitment to ending banditry in the State.

He presented the internally displaced persons with relief materials and promised to work towards returning them to their homes, where they rightfully belong.

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Zamfara Governor
December 21, 202

GOVERNOR DAUDA LAWAL PRESENTS 423BN ‘RESCUE BUDGET’, RESTATES COMMITMENT TO DUE PROCESS

The Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, presented a budget estimate of N423,523,730,000.00 for the 2024 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly.

The theme of the 2024 Zamfara budget is “Rescue Budget” and was presented on Thursday at the Chamber of the State House of Assembly Complex, Gusau.

A statement by the Spokesperson for the Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the proposed budget comprises N118,134,730,000.00 for recurrent expenditure and N305,389,000,000.00 for capital expenditure.

According to him, the Zamfara state government plans to extend the ongoing urban renewal projects to cover all 14 local government areas in the 2024 appropriation proposal.

“Today, Governor Dauda Lawal presented to the State Assembly a budget estimate of N423,523,730,000.00, which comprises N118,134,730,000.00 for recurrent expenditure and N305,389,000,000.00 for capital expenditure.

“The proposed 2024 budget is broken down into N160,425,064,000.00 and N263,098,666,000.00 as projected recurrent revenues and capital receipts, respectively. These revenues are based on multiple grant resources to make them fiscally realisable, coherent, and consistent with medium and long-term strategic plans. Similarly, the year has a corresponding expenditure outlay of N118,134,730,000.00 for the recurrent component and N305,389,000,000.00 for the capital component.

“The Rescue Budget has considered the current situation in Zamfara State and has made detailed provisions to address the people’s immediate needs. After a thorough process, the allocations to different sectors of the economy have been carefully considered by our Executive Estimates Committee and the entire Executive Council.

“Furthermore, the ‘Rescue Budget’ is not just a financial plan; it is a blueprint for building a new Zamfara State, designed to navigate us through challenging times and pave the way for a more prosperous future. We are committed to maintaining due process, transparency, and accountability, especially in financial dealings.

“The Zamfara State Government intends to execute during the year 2024 the following projects: Continuation of Urban Renewal Programme; construction of 17 kilometres Mallamawa to Bukkuyum road; Bukkuyum to birnin zauma to Gummi road; Maradun to Makera road; Damri to Aje Wargi to Dakko to Rafin Gyero to Barayar Zaki to Nasarawar Burkullu road; Maradun to Magami to Faru Road; Magami-Dangulbi-Dankurmi-Bagega to Anka road among others.”

He added that the proposed budget emphasises citizen-nominated projects, and some programmes are also considered to have a direct bearing on the yearnings and aspirations of the people of Zamfara.

REMAIN THE BEACON OF HOPE FOR THE WEAK, GOV. LAWAL CHARGES NEW ZAMFARA KHADIS OF SHARI’A COURT

Governor Dauda Lawal charged the three new Khadis of the State Shari’a Court of Appeal to be honest and committed while discharging their duties.

The Chief Judge of the State swore in three new Khadis of the Zamfara State Shari’a court on Wednesday at the council chambers, government house, Gusau.

A statement by the spokesperson for the Zamfara governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the Sharia courts play a significant role in the state’s legal system.

According to him, the Shari’a courts in Zamfara were expanded in 1999 to handle criminal and other matters and have since been at the forefront of dispensing justice.

During his speech, Governor Dauda Lawal urged the newly appointed Khadis to maintain the integrity of their office.

“I believe your appointment as kadis of the Sharia Court of Appeal is in recognition of your vast experience, Islamic jurisprudential expertise, and commitment to upholding the tenets of Shari’a.

“You have a role to play in ensuring an equitable dispensation of justice to people. Yours is therefore a great trust. As kadis, you should always remember that you will ultimately account for all your judicial decisions before Almighty Allah on the Day of Judgment.”

Furthermore, Governor Lawal tasked the new Khadis with upholding the people’s trust in the Sharia legal system and ensuring that the courts remain a beacon of hope, especially for the vulnerable.

“In line with the Rescue Mission of my administration, I assure you that we shall remain committed to the implementation of sharia across the state, both in terms of legal adjudication and undertaking projects.

“With your swearing in today, you should bear in mind that you have a great task of maintaining the integrity of our Sharia system. Justice must be done to all manners of people irrespective of their political, economic, and social status.”

ZAMFARA GOV’T CONCLUDES SECOND PHASE OF FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH

The Zamfara State Government has completed the second phase of its free modified medical outreach program.

The first phase of the Special Modified Medical Outreach Program began in August, providing free medical services to individuals with cataract extraction, groin swellings such as hernias and hydroceles, vesicovaginal fistula repairs, and health education.

A statement by the Spokesperson of Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that 1,858 medical cases were treated successfully during the first and second phases of the free outreach.

According to him, the outreach’s second phase lasted from the end of November to the first week of December.

He said: “Governor Dauda Lawal initiated the ongoing modified medical outreach to address prevalent surgical problems in Zamfara, including cataract extraction, groin swellings (hernias, hydroceles), vesicovaginal fistula repairs (VVF), and health education.

“The Special Medical Outreach program, led by Professor A. I. Mungadi and staffed by trained medical experts, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully operating on 1,858 cases.

“The operated cases include 747 groin swellings, 246 Groin Swellings & Lumps/Special, 781 Cataract Extraction/ others, and 84 Vesico – vaginal/rectal fistula (VVF).

“The program uses tele-screening to provide specialist care to patients from rural and semi-urban areas, covering the 14 local government areas of the State. This approach has enabled patients in remote locations to receive the medical attention they need from qualified professionals.

“With this program, the Zamfara State government aims to enhance people’s overall health and well-being, decrease mortality rates, and foster a healthier society.”

ZAMFARA GOV’T CONCLUDES SECOND PHASE OF FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH

The Zamfara State Government has completed the second phase of its free modified medical outreach program.

The first phase of the Special Modified Medical Outreach Program began in August, providing free medical services to individuals with cataract extraction, groin swellings such as hernias and hydroceles, vesicovaginal fistula repairs, and health education.

A statement by the Spokesperson of Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that 1,858 medical cases were treated successfully during the first and second phases of the free outreach.

According to him, the outreach’s second phase lasted from the end of November to the first week of December.

He said: “Governor Dauda Lawal initiated the ongoing modified medical outreach to address prevalent surgical problems in Zamfara, including cataract extraction, groin swellings (hernias, hydroceles), vesicovaginal fistula repairs (VVF), and health education.

“The Special Medical Outreach program, led by Professor A. I. Mungadi and staffed by trained medical experts, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully operating on 1,858 cases.

“The operated cases include 747 groin swellings, 246 Groin Swellings & Lumps/Special, 781 Cataract Extraction/ others, and 84 Vesico – vaginal/rectal fistula (VVF).

“The program uses tele-screening to provide specialist care to patients from rural and semi-urban areas, covering the 14 local government areas of the State. This approach has enabled patients in remote locations to receive the medical attention they need from qualified professionals.

“With this program, the Zamfara State government aims to enhance people’s overall health and well-being, decrease mortality rates, and foster a healthier society.”