May 26 2024
EDUCATION IS AN ENABLER FOR OPPORTUNITIES, SAYS ZAMFARA GOVERNOR

PRESS STATEMENT

EDUCATION IS AN ENABLER FOR OPPORTUNITIES, SAYS ZAMFARA GOVERNOR

Zamfara Governor, Dauda Lawal described education as an enabler that provides the space and opportunity for easy social mobility worldwide.

The governor attended the Federal University, Gusau’s combined third and fourth convocation ceremony on Saturday at the university’s convocation arena.

A statement by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that Governor Lawal announced the state government’s scholarship for the overall best-graduating student.

While delivering his speech, Governor Lawal praised the university leadership for effectively utilizing limited resources despite operational constraints.

He said: “I am delighted to be with you today on the combined 3rd & 4th convocation ceremony of this incredible and promising university, the Federal University Gusau. I congratulate the university for achieving this feat despite the teething problems it has faced since its inception. I commend the parents, guardians, and all graduating students for dedicating their time and energy to attain this feat.
We look forward to a bright and fulfilling future despite the gloom of our challenges as a nation and people. We pray and are working round the clock to change the tide. These problems, too, shall pass by the unique Grace of Almighty Allah.”

The governor elaborated on his administration’s efforts to reform the educational system in Zamfara State after declaring a state of emergency last year.

“As a government, we are determined to educate all the children of Zamfara. Education is the enabler that provides the space and opportunity for easy social mobility.

“We have allocated a substantial amount of money to the education sector in our 2024 Appropriation and are hopeful to jack up the allocation to a higher level in 2025, 2026, and 2027. We hope to achieve the 25% to 30% recommended allocation to education as soon as possible. With reasonable allocation to the sector and efficient management of the resources, we are optimistic that we will revive the education infrastructure, hire more competent teachers, and train and retrain existing ones.

“We will also increase enrollment in both primary and post-basic schools through public enlightenment and the creation of better learning and teaching environments. Education is free, and we hope to make it compulsory as well.

“We have also made handsome budgetary allocations to our tertiary institutions in the state to begin the correction process of lifting them to efficient levels. The Zamfara State University is preparing to undergo, for the first time, accreditation of its programs by the National Universities Commission. We have directed contractors who were forced out of the site by the previous administration to return to the site, and we are hopeful that in the coming months, the university’s permanent site will be functional. At the same time, the NUC will accredit all courses.

“We inherited a state where the examination fees of WEAC and NECO to the tune of billions of Naira were not paid by the government for more than three years. We had to enter into special arrangements with the bodies, and payments have since commenced and will be completed as soon as possible.

“Within our limited resources, we will continue to render helping hands to the university. Our objective is to increase education in our state so that there is access and space for all our young people to be trained to attain the lofty heights that education provides.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
May 26, 2024

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May 23 2024
GOV. DAUDA LAWAL PRESIDES OVER SECURITY COUNCIL MEETING, VOWS INCREASED SUPPORT FOR TROOPS

PRESS STATEMENT

GOV. DAUDA LAWAL PRESIDES OVER SECURITY COUNCIL MEETING, VOWS INCREASED SUPPORT FOR TROOPS

Governor Dauda Lawal reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing more support for troops fighting banditry in Zamfara.

On Thursday, the governor presided over the Zamfara State Security Council meeting at the Government House in Gusau, the state capital.

A statement by the spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the meeting discussed the state’s security situation and the ongoing large-scale onslaught against bandits.

According to him, the meeting was attended by all heads of the state’s security agencies, including the military, police, DSS, and others.

While addressing the heads of the security agencies, Governor Lawal commended the troops for the successes recorded so far in the fight against banditry.

“Today’s meeting will evaluate the state’s security situation, assess our progress, and pinpoint areas requiring intensified efforts to enhance the security of our people’s lives and property.

“As I have always emphasized to the security council, the priority of my administration is the security of lives and properties. Therefore, we are always prepared to provide all the necessary support to various security agencies in the state to help them carry out their duties diligently and effectively.

“I want to thank the federal government and the military for deploying additional troops to Zamfara. This strategic move aims to eliminate all bandits, and we have started seeing results.

“I also commend the successful arrest of a group of kidnappers in Gusau and the rescue of kidnapped victims across the state, including in Gusau, Maradun, Kauran Namoda, and other local government areas. These achievements are a testament to the effectiveness of the ongoing military operations in the state.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
May 23, 2024

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May 22 2024
WE’LL BEGIN N30,000 MINIMUM WAGE PAYMENT IN JUNE, ZAMFARA GOV. DECLARES

PRESS STATEMENT

WE’LL BEGIN N30,000 MINIMUM WAGE PAYMENT IN JUNE, ZAMFARA GOV. DECLARES

Governor Dauda Lawal has announced that his government will begin paying the minimum wage starting next month.

The governor announced this on Wednesday during a meeting with the leadership of the Zamfara State chapter of the Labour Union.

A statement by the spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that implementing the minimum wage reflects the state government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare.

The statement added that the Zamfara State Government will start paying a minimum wage of 30 thousand Naira instead of seven thousand Naira effective June this year.

While addressing the leaders of the Zamfara State chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), Governor Lawal reiterated that implementing the 30 thousand Naira minimum wage aimed at motivating Zamfara workers.

“Today, I want to announce to the Zamfara State Labour Union leaders that my government will commence payment of 30 thousand Naira minimum wage next month in June.

“Since assuming office as the governor of Zamfara State, my administration has implemented numerous civil service reforms to ensure workers’ welfare.

“We have achieved the payment of withheld three months salaries of workers, payment of leave grant, and other bonuses.

“My government has paid a total of N4,337,087,490 billion in four batches to state and local government retirees, which have not been paid since 2011.

“We have further plans to improve the efficiency of the civil service in Zamfara. No employee should be concerned about retirement, as we will ensure timely payment of retirement benefits without any delays. We are committed to our rescue mission.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
May 22, 2024

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May 20 2024
GOV. LAWAL FLAGS OFF DISTRIBUTION OF TONNES OF ASSORTED COMMODITIES TO VULNERABLE HOUSEHOLDS IN ZAMFARA

PRESS STATEMENT

GOV. LAWAL FLAGS OFF DISTRIBUTION OF TONNES OF ASSORTED COMMODITIES TO VULNERABLE HOUSEHOLDS IN ZAMFARA

Governor Dauda Lawal has flagged off the distribution of tonnes of assorted commodities to vulnerable households in Zamfara.

The flag-off ceremony was held on Monday at the Zamfara State Commissioner for the Humanitarian Affairs office in Gusau, the state capital.

A statement by the Zamfara Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) handed various commodities to the State Government for distribution to the less privileged.

According to the statement, Dr. Ishaya Chonoko, the NEMA’s Zonal Director of the Northwest Zone, represented the agency’s Director General, Hajiya Zubaida Umar, at the ceremony.

During his speech, Governor Lawal disclosed that the distribution comes at a crucial time as people are facing significant challenges due to bandit activities and the impact of recently introduced policies aimed at strengthening the nation’s economy.

He said: “I wish to express my gratitude to Mr President for his determination to end the menace of insecurity, as without this commitment, no meaningful achievements can be recorded in any sector that contributes to development. This assistance will undoubtedly provide much-needed relief to the beneficiaries and significantly support the ongoing efforts of the State Government in this regard.

“This effort by the Federal Government will complement my administration’s efforts to address the longstanding problem of banditry in the state and provide succor to our teeming populace.

“Since my assumption in office as the Governor, I have been working tirelessly to garner support for our fight against banditry and support the vulnerable people across the state, especially women, children, and the elderly. On behalf of the good people of Zamfara, I thank the Federal Government for this and numerous other supports extended to our state.

“Needless to say, these items will go a long way in alleviating the food difficulties faced by our people. I, therefore, urge those receiving the items to make the best use of them.

“With these few remarks, it is my pleasure, on behalf of the Government and the good people of Zamfara State, to receive 42,000 metric tonnes of assorted commodities and flag off their distribution to vulnerable residents of Zamfara State.

“May Almighty Allah continue to crown all our efforts with success at various levels of governance. May He also restore the legendary harmonious coexistence among our people. May these commodities serve their intended purpose of providing immediate relief to the vulnerable persons across the state.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
May 20, 2024

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May 15 2024
INSECURITY: GOV. LAWAL COMMENDS TROOPS OVER RENEWED ONSLAUGHT AGAINST BANDITS, EXPRESSES SYMPATHY FOR AFFECTED COMMUNITIES

PRESS STATEMENT

INSECURITY: GOV. LAWAL COMMENDS TROOPS OVER RENEWED ONSLAUGHT AGAINST BANDITS, EXPRESSES SYMPATHY FOR AFFECTED COMMUNITIES

Governor Dauda Lawal has commended the Joint Task Force for the renewed large-scale onslaught against bandits in Zamfara State.

The military deployed more troops to Zamfara last weekend in its efforts to thwart the operations of bandits in volatile areas of the state.

A statement by the spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, described the ongoing military onslaught as a necessary measure to disrupt the criminality of bandits in Zamfara.

The statement sympathizes with communities affected by recent bandit attacks in volatile areas while also assuring full and continued support by the state government to the troops at the frontline.

The statement read in parts: “The ongoing military operation in the volatile areas of Zamfara is highly commendable, especially considering the successes recorded since the start of the onslaught last weekend.

“The operation has resulted in significant successes in Bungudu, Tsafe, Maru, and Zurmi local government areas, leading to the elimination of the bandit kingpin, Abu Dan Dunkwuifa, famous for terrorizing villages in Bungudu and Maru.

“In Magama Mai Rake of Dansadau area in Maru LGA, the troops have successfully neutralized scores of bandits.

“The renewed military onslaught in Nasarawan Burkullu in Bukkuyum LGA resulted in the rescue of many kidnapped victims in Kamaru, Tungar Rogo, and Matsare villages, as well as the recovery of many rustled cows.

“The rumor that over 500 people were kidnapped is false and peddled by individuals who do not want peace to return to Zamfara State. Most of the identified volatile areas in Zamfara are undergoing extensive military operations, yielding positive results.

The governor further expresses sympathy for the communities that were recently attacked by bandits in the state.

“The Zamfara State Government wishes to express sympathy with communities recently attacked by bandits. We are fully committed to ensuring the safety of the lives and properties of the people.

“Our government will continue to support the troops fighting insecurity and extend all necessary emergency support to the victims of banditry in the state.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
May 15, 2024

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May 10 2024
GOVERNOR DAUDA LAWAL PAYS N4.3 BILLION AS BACKLOG OF GRATUITY OWED SINCE 2011

GOVERNOR DAUDA LAWAL PAYS N4.3 BILLION AS BACKLOG OF GRATUITY OWED SINCE 2011

Governor Dauda Lawal has paid over four billion Naira in gratuities to retired workers in Zamfara State, which has been owed since 2011.

Retired state and local government workers in Zamfara State have not received the gratuities that have accumulated over the years.

A statement by the spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that gratuity payments began in February for state and local government workers after retirees were authenticated and validated.

According to the statement, the Zamfara state government has paid a total of N4,337,087,492.06 billion in four batches to state and local government retirees.

“In February, Governor Dauda Lawal set up a committee to validate retiree data and settle the gratuity debt that has accumulated since 2011 as part of his effort to sanitize the civil service in Zamfara State.

“After verifying the data of retired civil servants in Zamfara, the government discovered that state and local governments owed a total of N13.4 billion.

“In the first, second, and third tranches of payment, 1,088 verified state pensioners were paid their total gratuity entitlements. The total amount paid was N1,836,836,018.95

“This month, 284 verified state pensioners were paid their gratuity arrears worth N499,435,942.42 in the fourth batch. The total amount paid by the state pension rose to N2,336,271,961.37.

“Furthermore, a total of 1,744 retired Local Government and Primary School Teachers who retired between 2011 and 2018 have been paid N2,000,815,530.69 in four batches.

“The ongoing gratuity payment is a remarkable achievement, and it is expected to provide some relief to the beneficiaries who have been waiting for years to receive their benefits.

“Governor Lawal’s administration has shown that it remains focused on fulfilling its promises to the people of Zamfara State.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
May 10, 2024

PRESS STATEMENT

GOVERNOR DAUDA LAWAL PAYS N4.3 BILLION AS BACKLOG OF GRATUITY OWED SINCE 2011

Governor Dauda Lawal has paid over four billion Naira in gratuities to retired workers in Zamfara State, which has been owed since 2011.

Retired state and local government workers in Zamfara State have not received the gratuities that have accumulated over the years.

A statement by the spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that gratuity payments began in February for state and local government workers after retirees were authenticated and validated.

According to the statement, the Zamfara state government has paid a total of N4,337,087,492.06 billion in four batches to state and local government retirees.

“In February, Governor Dauda Lawal set up a committee to validate retiree data and settle the gratuity debt that has accumulated since 2011 as part of his effort to sanitize the civil service in Zamfara State.

“After verifying the data of retired civil servants in Zamfara, the government discovered that state and local governments owed a total of N13.4 billion.

“In the first, second, and third tranches of payment, 1,088 verified state pensioners were paid their total gratuity entitlements. The total amount paid was N1,836,836,018.95

“This month, 284 verified state pensioners were paid their gratuity arrears worth N499,435,942.42 in the fourth batch. The total amount paid by the state pension rose to N2,336,271,961.37.

“Furthermore, a total of 1,744 retired Local Government and Primary School Teachers who retired between 2011 and 2018 have been paid N2,000,815,530.69 in four batches.

“The ongoing gratuity payment is a remarkable achievement, and it is expected to provide some relief to the beneficiaries who have been waiting for years to receive their benefits.

“Governor Lawal’s administration has shown that it remains focused on fulfilling its promises to the people of Zamfara State.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
May 10, 2024

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May 3 2024
GOV. LAWAL PRESIDES OVER EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING, APPROVES ESTABLISHMENT OF ZAMFARA ECONOMIC PLANNING BOARD

PRESS STATEMENT

GOV. LAWAL PRESIDES OVER EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING, APPROVES ESTABLISHMENT OF ZAMFARA ECONOMIC PLANNING BOARD

Governor Dauda Lawal has approved the establishment of the Zamfara Economic Planning Board.

The governor chaired an extraordinary meeting of the Zamfara State Executive Council on Thursday at the council chambers of Government House, Gusau.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the council had approved key projects that would benefit the development of Zamfara state.

“During an extraordinary Executive Council meeting yesterday, Governor Dauda Lawal approved the establishment of the Zamfara Economic Planning Board. The Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Hon. Abdulmalik Abubakar Gajam will lead the board.

“The Zamfara Economic Planning Board will develop and implement economic policies and plans to promote sustainable development and growth in the state and is expected to play a key role in driving economic progress and prosperity in the region.

“The economic planning board will go a long way in ensuring the state attends all its economic policies for the betterment of the good people of Zamfara State.

“The planning board will be a collaborative effort, comprising all State Executive Council members, local government chairmen, and key drivers of the state economy within the civil service. The board is similar to the National Economic Council.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
May 03, 2024

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May 2 2024
INSECURITY: ZAMFARA GOVERNOR RECEIVES EIMC PARTICIPANTS, PLEDGES PARTNERSHIP WITH NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR SECURITY STUDIES

PRESS STATEMENT

INSECURITY: ZAMFARA GOVERNOR RECEIVES EIMC PARTICIPANTS, PLEDGES PARTNERSHIP WITH NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR SECURITY STUDIES

Governor Dauda Lawal has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with relevant security agencies, including the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), to tackle insecurity in Zamfara State.

On Wednesday, a team of Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 17/2024 participants and faculty officials from the National Institute for Security Studies visited Zamfara State and met with Governor Lawal.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, explained that the course theme is “Artificial Intelligence, Security and Emerging Economies in Africa: Challenges and Prospects,” participants are drawn from various agencies within and outside the country.

The statement added that the composition allows participants to share ideas and brainstorm on critical and diverse issues from different perspectives, resulting in a much richer output.

Addressing the officials and course participants, Governor Lawal commended the institute for choosing Zamfara State for a study tour. “The decision is apt and promising in appreciating some critical variables for proper dissection of the theme. Like other parts of Nigeria, our State is endowed with abundant natural and human resources, which, as a necessary catalyst for economic progress, could open a broad spectrum of economic opportunities.

“Going back on the theme with a focus on the application of AI, the place of global trends, including the innovative application of Artificial Intelligence components towards maximization of benefits from minerals available in our state and in tackling existential threats bedeviling us, is a reality we must come to terms with. Fully aware of this, my administration has been working with security agencies and other partners toward leveraging available technological expertise to address our challenges.

“I therefore urge you, the course participants, to critically interrogate and analyze the existing scenarios and provide us with practicable recommendations relevant to the state government for implementation. If this is achieved, this study tour will be worth its while.”

Furthermore, Governor Lawal restated that the Zamfara State government collaborates closely with security, law enforcement agencies, and other relevant stakeholders to stem the ugly trend.

“Since we assumed office about a year ago, we have initiated specific measures, including regular State Security Council meetings to review the security situation, begin a thematic course of action for implementation, and establish the Zamfara State Security Trust Fund.

“We also engage in periodic issuance and enforcement of restriction orders on specific activities that tend to aid insecurity in the State; Promulgation of an Executive Order prohibiting traditional rulers from issuing consent letters for mining across the fourteen (14) LGAs in response to the established correlation between banditry and illegal mining.

“Declaration of State of emergency on Health sector and Education to achieve fast and drastic progress in these sectors for the well-being of citizens and a brighter future of the state; Establishment of the Zamfara State Community Protection Guard (ZSCPG) to complement conventional law enforcement outfits in tackling security challenges in the State.”

Earlier, the team leader of the delegation from the National Institute for Security Studies, Madam Patricia Edak, praised the impressive achievements of Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration.

She stated, “Your Excellency, we have toured the state and witnessed the significant transformation you have brought about in a short period of your tenure. Zamfara State is fortunate to have you as their governor.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
May 02, 2024

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May 1 2024
MAY DAY 2024: GOV. DAUDA LAWAL RENEWS COMMITMENT TO IMPROVE WELFARE OF ZAMFARA WORKERS

PRESS STATEMENT

MAY DAY 2024: GOV. DAUDA LAWAL RENEWS COMMITMENT TO IMPROVE WELFARE OF ZAMFARA WORKERS

Governor Dauda Lawal reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the well-being of Zamfara workers.

The governor participated in the May Day celebration, which took place on Wednesday at JB Yakubu Secretariat Complex, Gusau.

A statement by the spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, restated that the state government is committed to actively involving workers in the governance of Zamfara.

He added that, while addressing the Zamfara State workers, Governor Lawal pledged to fully implement all the six points of his administration’s Rescue Mission, which will form the basis of the transformation agenda.

“My administration has recognized workers’ vital role in delivering services and implementing government policies. Workers and governments are partners in actualizing our people’s dreams of development.

“Workers serve as the machinery through which the government achieves its goal of providing services to the people. In view of this, we will continue to explore ways of improving your well-being and that of your families, most especially considering the current difficulties being faced as a result of the removal of the oil subsidy and monetary policies that have led to a decline in the value of the naira and unprecedented inflation in the country.”

The governor also highlighted some of the achievements of his administration during his first eleven months in office.

“My fellow comrades, I am happy to state that within eleven months of our administration, workers in Zamfara state have every reason to celebrate. We have made a solid beginning by clearing the backlog of inherited salaries while ensuring the prompt payment of current salaries and extending additional welfare packages.

“To sustain these efforts, the government has implemented mechanisms to ensure that only genuine workers are on our payroll. We are also in consultation with labor on salary and wage review, given the realities of living today. I would like to put on record here my appreciation for my administration’s support and harmonious and synergetic relationship with the leadership of labor unions in the state. It is indeed one of the success factors of progress in restoring and improving governance.

Furthermore, the Zamfara State Governor pledged to digitize all government activities and reform the civil service to adopt a modern approach to conducting government business.

“To improve service delivery, we shall soon unveil our plans for digitizing all government activities and civil service reform to actualize a modern approach to conducting government business. This will include new methods of assessing workers’ performance, training and retraining, and the entrenchment of accountability mechanisms, among many other initiatives.

“Similarly, the government is determined to block leakages and prevent frauds that have, in some instances, characterized government business.

“In recognition of the sacrifices made by workers during their active service, it is only fair that they are treated with respect and dignity. This informed our decision to settle the backlog of gratuity arrears inherited by this administration. As soon as we clear the backlog, we shall ensure the prompt payment of gratuities to all retirees from state and local government services. With this act, in sha Allah, workers will no longer have any reason to fear retirement, which often leads to falsifying records to remain in service.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
May 01, 2024

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