February 2024 – Zamfara State Government

Feb 29 2024

ZAMFARA GOV’T CONCLUDES THIRD PHASE OF FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH, TREATS 2,213 PERSONS

Zamfara State Government concluded the third phase of its free modified outreach program, treating 2,213 individuals.

The Special Modified Medical Outreach Program began in July last year, 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 the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that 2,213 persons were treated during the free outreach’s first, second and third phases.

According to him, the third phase of the free outreach lasted between the 23rd and 25th of February 2024.

The statement said: “Governor Lawal’s administration launched a free modified medical outreach program to provide medical assistance to vulnerable individuals in need. The program offers free medical treatment for people suffering from common surgical conditions such as cataracts, hernias, hydroceles, and vesicovaginal fistula repairs.

“Besides medical assistance, the program educates citizens about the importance of maintaining good health and wellness. This initiative is a positive step towards improving the overall health and well-being of the community.

“The Outreach program has so far treated 2,213 persons using 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.

“The three phases have so far operated cases include 876 Groin Swellings & Lumps/Special, 931 Cataract Extraction/ others, and 84 Vesico – vaginal/rectal fistula (VVF).

“The dedicated centres for the outreach are General Hospital Gusau, King Fahad General Hospital, Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, and all special cases would be referred to the Federal Medical Centre in Gusau.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Zamfara Governor
February 29, 2024

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Feb 28 2024

ZAMFARA GOVERNOR DISTRIBUTES LEARNING MATERIALS TO 250 PUBLIC SCHOOLS, SAYS EDUCATION IS THE BEDROCK OF CIVILIZATION

Governor Dauda Lawal has emphasised that education is a top priority in his Six Smart Agenda as it is the foundation of civilisation.

In a ceremony held on Wednesday in Gusau, the governor flagged off the distribution of teaching and learning materials to 250 public primary and junior secondary schools throughout Zamfara State.

A statement issued by the spokesperson of the governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the materials were provided by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Abuja and UNICEF.

According to the statement, the items to be distributed are for 250 beneficiary schools, which comprise 242,176 Textbooks for different grades, 200 Play Materials for ECCDE, 25 ECCDE Tables & Chairs, 8,210 Library materials resources and 35 UNICEF (NLP) focus schools for solar power equipment.

During the flag-off ceremony, Governor Lawal expressed that Zamfara, an educationally disadvantaged state in Nigeria, will continue to require support and engagement from national and international partners to advance education in the state.

He said, “I am delighted to be at this significant event of distributing reading materials to students in our basic education subsector. This gesture is one of the many interventions that Zamfara State benefits from.

“We are overhauling sixty (60) secondary schools across the state under the World Bank Assisted Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA). Each local government area has six (6) secondary schools undergoing renovation, while the state capital, Gusau, has eight (8).

“The education emergency declared in the state is not limited to only basic and secondary education but also tertiary-level education. Provision of new facilities and rehabilitation of old ones is ongoing in all tertiary institutions across the state.

“Today’s event is a step in the right direction at the right time. It complements our efforts to provide Zamfara with qualitative and equitable education to liberate our people from ignorance and poverty. UNICEF’s noble objectives of promoting literacy and educational opportunities for students and learners in the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) initiative, aimed at facilitating learning both within and outside the classrooms, are commendable”

Furthermore, the governor disclosed measures his government took to settle the backlog of WAEC and NECO debts owed by the previous administrations of the state.

“We are reviving education at all levels to give meaning to the lives of our young people. Today, our students are writing both WAEC and NECO examinations like their counterparts across the country, leading to timely result releases. We have negotiated with the examination bodies and began settlement of liabilities inherited due to the failure of the past regimes to meet this basic requirement.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Zamfara Governor
February 28, 2024

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Feb 27 2024

GOV. DAUDA LAWAL TO CONSTRUCT VEHICLE TRANSIT AREAS AS PART OF THE ZAMFARA URBAN RENEWAL PROJECT

Governor Dauda Lawal hosted the leadership of the Zamfara State chapter of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD).

The meeting held on Tuesday in Government House, Gusau, discussed several issues, including the construction of vehicle transit areas and traffic management in the Zamfara capital city.

A statement issued by the spokesperson of the Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the vehicle transit areas will be established to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion as part of the ongoing urban renewal project.

He added that Governor Lawal plans to establish the designated vehicle transit areas on two state axes to improve transportation infrastructure.

Addressing members of the two unions, Governor Lawal said the initiative will lead to an enhancement of the quality of roads in the state’s capital.

“I have directed the construction of trailer parks at two entrances of Gusau: one on the Funtua to Gusau road and the other on Sokoto to Gusau road. I invited NARTO and PTD members to join the committee to set up vehicle transit areas.

“We will conduct a thorough assessment of potential locations to determine the most suitable spots for the trailer park construction. We will take into consideration factors such as accessibility, demand, and available resources to ensure that the parks not only generate revenue for the state government but also provide a valuable and enjoyable experience for visitors.”

The Chairman of the Zamfara state chapter of NARTO, Alhaji Mustapha Musa Sarkin Kagara, assured Governor Lawal of their members’ compliance with the initiative.

He said: “We will ensure that the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) support the government in establishing the proposed trailer parks.

“We are honoured with this invitation to discuss a critical matter regarding our work. We will comply and give maximum cooperation to ensure that vehicle transit areas or trailer parks are established. This project will create over 5000 job opportunities for the people of Zamfara. Both NARTO and PTD will ensure total compliance with the plan.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Zamfara Governor
February 27, 2024

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Feb 26 2024

GOV. DAUDA LAWAL PRESIDES OVER EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING, RECEIVES UPDATE ON ONGOING PROJECTS

Governor Dauda Lawal was presented with comprehensive updates on the status of various ongoing projects in Zamfara State.

The governor presided over the Zamfara State Executive meeting on Monday at the council chamber of the Government House in Gusau.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the Executive Council had sat for the sixteenth time since the inauguration of Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration.

According to him, the chairman of the council, Governor Lawal, received detailed reports on the progress, challenges encountered, and expected timelines for the completion of each project.

These updates covered various sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, education, and law enforcement.

During his address to the council, Governor Lawal emphasised the core values of his administration’s rescue mission, which prioritises accountability and transparency.

“We have an enormous responsibility ahead of us as we embark on a rescue mission to set an example. Our mission is to rescue and rebuild Zamfara, as we don’t have any other place to call home.

“I have approved the immediate employment of 250 people for the Zamfara Road Traffic Agency (ZAROTA) to enhance ongoing road constructions as part of my administration’s urban renewal projects.

“I directed the commissioner for justice and attorney general to establish a tribunal to handle traffic offences and violations due to increasing road accidents.

“In addition, we are creating two truck parks in Gusau to manage heavy traffic caused by trailers.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Zamfara Governor
February 26, 2024

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Feb 25 2024

MY GOV’T COMMITTED TO PROVIDING HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATION TO FUTURE GENERATIONS, SAYS ZAMFARA GOVERNOR

Governor Dauda Lawal has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensure that future generations receive a high-quality education in Zamfara.

Governor Lawal said this on Saturday during the third annual inter-house sports competition 2024 of the Almufida International Academy in Gusau.

A statement by the governor’s spokesman, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the school’s proprietor awarded Governor Lawal with an award as the Grand Commander of Friends of the College (GCFC).

He said the governor was impressed by the students’ high skills and enthusiasm displayed during various sporting activities.

During his speech, Governor Lawal expressed appreciation for the school’s management in maintaining high standards.

He praised the students for their excellent sportsmanship, teamwork, and professionalism. “I am impressed by what I saw here. These positive attributes indicate a bright future.

“I am here today to show my support and encouragement towards revamping the educational sector in Zamfara State. As you may recall, I have declared a state of emergency in the state’s education and health sectors as part of my government’s agenda.

“The decision to respond to the challenges faced by the Zamfara education system is a positive step towards ensuring that the future generation receives a high-quality education.

“Education is the backbone of any society, and Zamfara can not afford to neglect it any longer. We are making bold decisions for future generations because the level of education in Zamfara is far below the acceptable standard, and we are determined to address this issue by allocating additional resources and funding, improving the quality of education, and enhancing teachers’ training.”

The governor inspected the college’s facilities and the students’ exhibition of their skill acquisition products.

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Zamfara Governor
February 25, 2024

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Feb 23 2024

GOV. DAUDA LAWAL VISITS COMMUNITIES ATTACKED BY BANDITS IN ZURMI AND B/MAGAJI LGAs, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO END INSECURITY

On Friday, Governor Dauda Lawal visited communities attacked by bandits, renewing his administration’s commitment to end insecurity in the state.

Last week, bandits attacked Nassarawan Zurmi in Zurmi and Nasarawan Godel in Birnin Magaji local government areas of Zamfara.

A statement by the spokesman of the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said that the visit was to show support to the people affected by the recent tragedy and to offer condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.

According to the statement, the governor expressed solidarity with the communities, reassuring them of his government’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to the security situation.

While inspecting the police station burnt by bandits in Nasarawan Zurmi, Governor Dauda Lawal assured the police of his readiness to provide necessary assistance to enable them to continue their operations unhindered.

“I would like to express my heartfelt condolences for the two officers who lost their lives during the recent attack by bandits in Nasarawan Zurmi. I understand how devastating this incident must have been for everyone involved, and I want to assure you that my thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen officers and the entire community.

“I commend the collective efforts of our brave troops fighting against banditry. Your commitment to keeping our communities safe is genuinely commendable.

“My government will continue to extend all necessary support and assistance to the troops. Together, we can overcome this challenge and emerge stronger.”

Also, in Zurmi LGA, Governor Lawal paid homage to the Emir, His Royal Highness Alhaji Bello Sulaiman.

During his visit to Nasarawan Godal in Birnin Magaji local government area, Governor Lawal assured the people that he had sent relief materials immediately after the attack.

“I’m here today to offer comfort to grieving families of victims and demonstrate the government’s commitment to ensuring people’s safety and security.

“I hope that my visit today conveyed a message of hope to the people of Nasarawan Godal and reassured them that they are not alone during this difficult time.”

While on his way back to Gusau, Governor Lawal made a stop at Kasuwan Daji in Kauran Namoda local government area, where he visited Alhaji Hamisu Kasuwan Daji, whose house was recently attacked by bandits.

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Zamfara Governor
February 23, 2024

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Feb 21 2024

ZAMFARA GOV’T DENIES BANNING BREAD PRODUCTION, SAYS IT ONLY BLOCKED SUPPLY CHAIN TO BANDITS

Governor Dauda Lawal clarified that the Zamfara State Government did not ban bread production in any part of the state.

The Bakers Association in Zamfara State ordered a halt to bread production due to the government’s ban on motorcycles delivering bread to bandit enclaves.

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Gusau, the spokesperson of the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the government’s decision only targets the supply chain to bandits across the state.

According to the statement, the ban on bread and fuel supply to volatile areas was implemented to disrupt the operations of bandits terrorising the state.

The statement read in parts: “The Zamfara State Government would like to clarify the news that has been circulating, claiming that bakers have been banned from producing bread in the state.

“The government wants to state categorically that this is not true and that the rumours have been causing confusion and concern among residents and business owners.

“The Zamfara State Government has no intention of interfering with the production or sale of bread, a staple food item in many households.

“Furthermore, we want to stress that our government is dedicated to supporting local businesses and ensuring all citizens can access essential food. We recognise the vital role that small businesses play in our state’s economy, and we are committed to creating an enabling environment for them to thrive.

“We devised a plan to counter the bandits’ attacks, creating chaos in certain parts of the state.

“This strategy involves prohibiting the supply of bread and fuel to unstable areas to disrupt the bandits’ activities since they rely on these essential items to carry out their criminal acts.

“The Zamfara State Government hopes that by implementing this ban, they can restore peace and security to the affected areas and safeguard the lives and properties of the people. This ban is part of a broader strategy to achieve these goals.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Zamfara Governor
February 21, 2024

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Feb 18 2024

ZAMFARA GOVERNOR HOSTS SWEDISH AMBASSADOR, DISCUSSES POTENTIAL COLLABORATIONS.

ZAMFARA GOVERNOR HOSTS SWEDISH AMBASSADOR, DISCUSSES POTENTIAL COLLABORATIONS

Governor Dauda Lawal expressed readiness to collaborate with Sweden across various sectors, including mining, agriculture, renewable energy, education, and healthcare in Zamfara.

Governor Lawal hosted the Swedish ambassador in Nigeria, Annika Hahn-Englund, last week in his Abuja office.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the spokesperson of the Zamfara State Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the Swedish Ambassador’s visit allowed both parties to engage in bilateral talks.

According to the statement, Governor Lawal has resolved to explore all possible ways to attract foreign investments and support from international partners.

“Last week, Governor Dauda Lawal hosted the Sweden Ambassador, Annika Hahn-Englund, in his Abuja office.

“The meeting aimed to create collaboration and partnership in critical areas of the economy, build long-term relationships, and implement transformative projects to benefit Zamfara State and its people.

“At the meeting, Governor Lawal assured the Swedish Ambassador of his administration’s readiness to promote collaboration and sustainable development across various sectors.

“Sweden has expressed interest in partnering with Zamfara State to build long-term relationships and implement transformative projects for the state’s people in Nigeria.”

Furthermore, the Ambassador pledged to offer Zamfara technical expertise in responsible mining practices, modern agricultural techniques, renewable energy infrastructure, and support in improving education and healthcare services.

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Zamfara Governor
February 18, 2024

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Feb 14 2024

EDUCATION: GOV. DAUDA LAWAL MEETS WAEC LEADERSHIP, SECURES RELEASE OF WITHHELD RESULTS OF ZAMFARA STUDENTS

Governor Dauda Lawal has secured the release of the West African Examination Council results that were withheld for Zamfara Secondary School students.

The West African Examination Council (WAEC) withheld the results of Zamfara students over non-payment of N1.4 billion examination fees owed by the previous administrations in the state.

A statement issued by the spokesperson of Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the governor met with the leadership of the West African Examination (WAEC) at his Abuja office on Monday.

According to him, the delegation of the WAEC was led by the Chairman of the Administrative and Finance Committee of WAEC Nigeria, Hajiya Binta Abdulkadir and the head of the National office of WAEC Nigeria, Dr. Amos J. Dangut.

He said: “As part of the present administration’s determined effort to ensure that the state of emergency declared in education is seriously addressed, Governor Dauda Lawal hosted the leadership of the WAEC in his Abuja office.

“The Governor, who was in the company of the honourable commissioner of education, science, and technology, Mallam Wadatau Madawaki, discussed with the WAEC officials the issue of outstanding debt owed by the Zamfara state on examinations conducted under the previous administrations.

“The nonpayment of the WAEC fees for many years led to the non-release of the West African Examination results for the affected students. This, by extension, has caused many students not to participate in the mandatory National Youth Service Corp programme due to non-collection of their results.

The statement added that an agreement has been reached between the Zamfara State Government and WAEC on how to go about resolving the issue.

“At the end of the meeting, the examination body agreed to release the previous results and allow Zamfara students to participate in the 2024 WAEC Examinations.

“Both the state government and WAEC agreed on a payment plan of backlog debt, and the withheld results will be released before the end of this month.”

Also present at the meeting are senior officials of WAEC Nigeria, including Mr Ambrose Okelezo, the Zonal Coordinator; Mr Victor C. Odu, the Director of Finance; and Mr Segun U. Jerumeh, the Deputy Director.

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Zamfara Governor
February 14, 2024

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Feb 10 2024

RESCUE MISSION: ZAMFARA GOVERNMENT BEGINS PAYMENT OF BACKLOG OF N13.4 BILLION GRATUITIES

Zamfara State Government has commenced the payment of the backlog of N13.4 billion in gratuities to retirees in the state.

The state government established a committee to authenticate retired civil servants’ data to pay off the gratuity debt accumulated from 2011 to date.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the spokesperson of the Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that retirees who have been owed gratuities since 2011 have finally started receiving their payments.

The statement added that the backlog of gratuities accumulated over the years is now being cleared, and payment has commenced since Thursday.

“The state government has taken a significant step towards addressing the outstanding debt of gratuity owed to retirees, which comprises death gratuities, retirement gratuities, and contract gratuities.

“Governor Dauda Lawal set up a committee to validate and authenticate retiree data to settle the debt of gratuities that has accumulated since 2011.

“After validating the data of retired civil servants, the government discovered that the total amount owed from state and local governments is 13.4 billion Naira.

“The committee has already gone far with the authentication of data submitted by local government and state pension commission and physical verification of beneficiaries.

“Retired state and local government employees who were verified have begun receiving their gratuity payments since Thursday.

“The government would ensure that all retirees are authenticated and paid their gratuities without any difficulties.

“The Zamfara State Government is fulfilling its promise to serve the people of Zamfara by rescuing and rebuilding the state for the better.

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Zamfara Governor
February 10, 2024

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