ZAMFARA GOVERNOR VISITS FLOOD-RAVAGED COMMUNITIES IN GUMMI LGA, DONATES N100 MILLION AND RELIEF ITEMS
On Saturday, Governor Dauda Lawal conducted an on-the-spot assessment of communities ravaged by flooding in the Gummi local government area of Zamfara State.
Heavy rainfall last week flooded some communities in the Gummi local government area, submerging many houses.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said that Governor Lawal’s entourage began with a homage to the palace of the Emir of Gummi, His Royal Highness Justice Lawal Hassan.
According to the statement, the governor toured Gummi town to express sympathy with the flooding victims before proceeding to Gayari town to assess the extent of the damage.
Governor Lawal expressed deep concern after the assessment of the damage caused by the flooding. He mentioned that a team of engineers had already surveyed the areas to find a lasting solution.
“Today, I am in Gummi local government area to offer my condolences and conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the communities devastated by flooding caused by heavy rainfall last week.
“Immediately after I learned about the unfortunate incident, I sent two of my commissioners to visit and offer condolences to the affected communities.
“After the Deputy Governor’s visit, I dispatched a team of engineers to examine and evaluate the root causes of the flooding.
“It is important to note that I have instructed the immediate commencement of work to prevent such a situation.
“I want to take this opportunity to inform you that I have donated 10,000 bags of food, including rice, maize, and millet, to be distributed among the flood victims. The trucks are already on the way to Gummi for distribution.
“I am also, on behalf of the Zamfara State Government, supporting the affected victims with N100 million. In addition, all affected victims will be allocated lands away from the danger zone so that they can build new houses.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor August 31, 2024
GOV. LAWAL FLAGGS OFF CONSTRUCTION OF 11.65KM ROADS LINKING TWO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF ZAMFARA
Governor Dauda Lawal reiterated that the ongoing road projects across the state are evidence of his administration’s dedication to enhancing the transportation system by linking towns and villages with access roads.
On Wednesday, the governor flagged off the construction of 11.65-kilometer-long roads in the towns of Rawayya, Furfuri, and Kurya Madaro in Bungudu and Kauran Namoda local government areas.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that Bauhaus Global Investment Nigeria Limited has been awarded the contract for the 11.65 KM road for 6.6 billion naira.
The statement added that the project is expected to be completed within 12 months.
While flagging off the road construction, Governor Dauda Lawal said the rural and urban infrastructure deficit has significantly contributed to the state’s lack of development.
He said: “The near absence of rural infrastructure has severely affected farming and local business activities and hinders the social well-being of rural dwellers.
“This project is a testament to our administration’s commitment to improving our transportation system by connecting our towns and villages with access roads. It aligns with our infrastructural development agenda, which aims to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and address our security challenges.
“We consider building urban and rural infrastructure a development imperative. We desire to create a robust foundation for sustainable development and economic growth across all sectors.
“Distinguished guests and fellow citizens of Zamfara State, I would like to use this opportunity to reassure you of the unwavering commitment of my administration to sustaining our current efforts to advance our state in all facets of human life. This has been my mission in aspiring to lead our state, a responsibility that Allah, in His wisdom, has bestowed upon me.
“With these few remarks, it is my pleasure to flag off the construction of 11.65 km of roads in the towns of Rawayya, Furfuri, and Kurya Madaro.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor August 29, 2024
GOV. LAWAL DISTRIBUTES 135 TRUCKS OF FERTILIZER TO FARMERS, COMMITS TO BOOSTING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY IN ZAMFARA
Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal flagged off the distribution of 135 trucks of fertilizer to farmers across the state’s 14 local government areas.
The distribution was flagged off on Tuesday at the Zamfara State Ministry of Agriculture, where the fertilizers were stored.
A statement by the spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said 81,000 bags of assorted fertilizers will be distributed free of charge to 40,500 farmers across the 14 local government areas of Zamfara.
The statement added that at the flag-off, Governor Dauda Lawal reiterated his administration’s commitment to accelerating agricultural production in Zamfara by assisting farmers in boosting their production. “We will sustain our efforts to address challenges in the sector.”
The governor said, “We are determined to tackle challenges and provide our farmers the necessary support and incentives to realize their full potential and contribute more to the State’s socio-economic development.
“A few months ago, I visited all 14 Local Government Areas to launch the distribution of fertilizers and other farming implements to our farmers under the NG-CARES program. Fertiliser is a critical input for crop production as it enhances soil fertility, increases crop yield, and improves produce quality.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that agricultural production is not limited to the rainy season but becomes a year-round activity that engages our farmers. By doing so, we can achieve our target of food sovereignty and increase farmers’ incomes.
“Before I conclude, I urge the beneficiaries of this gesture to use these fertilizers appropriately. I also wish to reassure you of our continuous support in providing a conducive environment for agricultural production across the state to enable all our farmers to return to their farmlands without any fears.
“With these remarks, it is my honor and privilege to launch the distribution of 135 trucks of assorted fertilizers to the farmers across the 14 Local Government Areas of our state for the 2024 wet season farming in Zamfara State.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor August 21, 2024
GOV. LAWAL COMMISSIONS RENOVATED, EQUIPPED KAURAN NAMODA GENERAL HOSPITAL, VOWS TO REVAMP ZAMFARA HEALTH SECTOR
On Tuesday, Governor Dauda Lawal commissioned the newly rehabilitated and equipped General Hospital in Kauran Namoda local government area of Zamfara State.
The General Hospital serving Kauran Namoda and its neighboring communities has been equipped to deliver quality healthcare services effectively.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the general hospital had been equipped with diagnostic sets, delivery beds, ECG machines, centrifuge machines, blood mixing machines, an automatic hematology analyzer, an electronic weighing system, and an LED theatre operating lamp, among other equipment.
The statement emphasized that general hospitals are crucial for providing advanced care, which should be accessible and affordable to the people of Zamfara state.
At the commissioning, Governor Lawal reiterated that his administration’s primary focus is revitalizing the deteriorating infrastructure and addressing the problems across all sectors of the state’s economy. “This vision guided our decision to develop a transformation agenda comprising six pillars, with health being the third pillar, following education and security.
“Our objective in revitalizing hospitals is to ensure that quality healthcare services are available to our people, whether in rural communities or urban and semi-urban centers. This understanding led us to renovate and rehabilitate dilapidated health centers, especially in critical towns like Kaura Namoda, strategically located among the urban local governments and serving as a reference point for many surrounding communities.
“I am delighted to report that in the last 14 months, we have made significant strides in improving the health sector by investing in renovating and upgrading hospitals and primary healthcare centers across the state. We are also concluding plans to recruit and train more health workers, procure essential drugs and equipment, and introduce free maternal and child health services. These interventions, we hope, will result in improved health outcomes for our people through the reduction in maternal mortality, infant mortality, and morbidity rates across the state.
“Today’s inauguration demonstrates our commitment to providing quality healthcare for all residents of Zamfara, regardless of their location, status, or income.
“The project scope included the complete renovation of the hospital, providing 32 kW of steady solar power, installing 25 streetlights, and supplying essential medical equipment. With the successful completion of this facility, I am confident that the people of Kaura Namoda and neighboring towns and villages will now have access to affordable and quality healthcare services.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor August 20, 2024
Governor Lawal’s China Visit Sparks Strategic Partnerships for Zamfara’s Development
As part of the Zamfara State Government’s ambitious development agenda, Building Your Future, Governor Dauda Lawal led a high-powered delegation on a five-day working visit to China from August 18th to 23rd, 2024. The mission, which included key government officials and an investment promotion team led by the Zamfara State Investment Promotion Agency (ZIPA), aimed to attract strategic investments and foster bilateral cooperation to transform the state’s economy.
Upon arrival at Daxing International Airport in Beijing, the delegation was warmly received by their host, Mr. William Lui. Governor Lawal was accompanied by Hon. Abdullahi A. Turaji (Principal Private Secretary), Prof. Ahmed Mohammed Bakori (Commissioner for Agriculture & Livestock Development), Alhaji Adnan Na Habu (Commissioner for Trade, Commerce & Investment), Zamfara Investment Promotion team among others.
Throughout the visit, the delegation engaged with top-tier Chinese government officials and industry leaders across sectors such as renewable energy, agricultural mechanization, and industrial manufacturing. Notable engagements included meetings with Sinotruck International and Jinan Zhongnihaihe, as well as visits to agricultural machinery giants like Shandong H.T-BAUER, Guitai Group, YIJIA Machinery, and LOVOL. These interactions focused on modernizing Zamfara’s agricultural sector through mechanization, irrigation systems, and advanced farming technologies.
A major highlight of the visit was the strategic dialogue with Shandong Min Sheng Group, where discussions centered on boosting soybean and sesame exports via the Funtua Dry Port and exploring mining ventures. These talks are expected to culminate in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on September 5, 2024, formalizing the partnership.
In addition, the team explored collaborations with manufacturers of solar panels, power tillers, and solar water pumps—critical components for enhancing agricultural productivity and improving rural livelihoods across Zamfara State.
The participation of ZIPA was instrumental in facilitating these engagements, showcasing Zamfara’s investment potential and ensuring alignment with the state’s long-term economic goals. The Zamfara State Government remains optimistic that the visit will yield transformative partnerships and sustainable investments that will accelerate industrial growth and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
Governor Lawal Strengthens Global Agricultural Partnerships at 2024 World Food Prize
Governor Malam Dikko Umar Lawal of Zamfara State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to agricultural transformation and global collaboration at the prestigious 2024 World Food Prize event in Des Moines, Iowa. Joined by representatives from the State Investment Promotion Agency (ZIPA), the Governor showcased the state’s innovative approach to Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ), positioning Zamfara as a rising hub for agribusiness investment.
ZIPA played a vital role in engaging with international stakeholders, participating in high-level business forums and networking sessions to promote Zamfara’s investment-ready agricultural ecosystem. Their presence helped amplify the state’s message of openness to strategic partnerships and sustainable development.
In his keynote presentation, Governor Lawal emphasized the importance of targeted investments in driving food security, economic growth, and job creation across the agricultural value chain. He also reiterated Zamfara’s commitment to adopting global best practices and leveraging international expertise to unlock the full potential of its agro-industrial sector.
This collaborative effort between the Governor’s office and ZIPA marks a significant step toward attracting foreign direct investment and accelerating inclusive growth in Zamfara State.
ZIPA Launches Sponsored Campaigns to Promote Zamfara’s Investment Potential
The Zamfara State Investment Promotion Agency (ZIPA) is excited to announce the launch of sponsored and targeted advertising campaigns across Facebook and other leading social media platforms. These campaigns are part of our strategic effort to spotlight Zamfara State’s vast investment potential and attract both local and international investors.
What We’re Promoting:
The transformative benefits of the Zamfara Green Economic Zone (GEZ)—a purpose-built hub for sustainable industrial growth.
Key priority sectors including agro-allied industries, solid minerals, construction, light manufacturing, and services.
Incentives and support packages available to investors, including access to land, tax reliefs, and streamlined regulatory processes.
The state’s rich agricultural and mining resources, offering profitable opportunities for value addition and export.
Through these digital outreach efforts, ZIPA aims to connect with entrepreneurs, investors, and development partners who are ready to be part of Zamfara’s economic transformation.
Stay updated by following our official Facebook page and other social media handles. Join us in building a vibrant, investor-friendly Zamfara—where opportunity meets innovation.
For inquiries or partnership discussions, reach out via info@ZIPA.kt.gov.ng or visit www.ZIPA.kt.gov.ng.
Zamfara State Showcases Investment Potential at 9th Nigeria-EU Business Forum
At the 9th Nigeria-EU Business Forum held on July 2, 2024, in Abuja, Zamfara State, led by Deputy Governor Malam Faruq Lawal Jobe, demonstrated its dedication to international cooperation and sustainable development. The state was the only one fully represented at the event themed “Investing in Jobs and Sustainable Future.” Executive Director for Development Partners, Mrs. Maryam Yahaya Musa, stressed the importance of direct engagement with states for impactful results. Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Hadiza Yar’Adua, highlighted reforms in educational infrastructure and youth empowerment. Dr. Kabir Masanawa, Executive Director for Economic Development and Investment, outlined Zamfara’s investor-friendly policies and economic opportunities. Chief Economic Adviser, Hon. Khalil Nura Khalil, emphasized the state’s strategic economic vision under Governor Lawal’s leadership. Zamfara’s active participation reflects its commitment to fostering partnerships, sustainable growth, and job creation.
GOVERNOR LAWAL, DG ZAMFARA STATE INVESTMENT PROMOTION AGENCY AND OTHER KEY OFFICIALS AT THE WESTMINSTER AFRICA BUSINESS GROUP (WABG) IN THE UK PARLIAMENT.
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State highlighted the state’s economic potential during a keynote speech at a lunch hosted by the Westminster Africa Business Group (WABG) in the UK Parliament. He emphasized opportunities in agriculture, sustainable mining of lithium, gold, and iron ore, as well as investments in energy, healthcare, and education, particularly for disadvantaged children. The Governor was accompanied by key officials, including Hajiya Bilkisu Sulaiman Ibrahim, Director General Investment Promotion Agency Hajia Mariam Yaro, Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Development Management Board; Hon. Jabiru Abdullahi Tsauri, Chief of Staff; Mouktar Mohammed Lugga, Principal Private Secretary; Lawal Umar Maradun, Chief Economic Adviser; and Ibrahim Musa Gusau, Chairman of Zamfara Football Academy. The delegation, guided by lead consultant Haroun Abba, toured the historic Houses of Parliament to observe parliamentary proceedings. The event was hosted by Andrew Rosindell MP, with WABG Chairman Laurence Robertson and Vice Chairman Tim Johnsen present.
ZAMFARA GOVERNOR COMMISERATES WITH GUMMI FLOOD VICTIMS, ASSURES IMMEDIATE SUPPORT
Governor Dauda Lawal has commiserated with victims of flooding in Gummi local government area of Zamfara State.
Heavy rainfall on Friday caused flooding in some areas of the Gummi local government area, submerging scores of houses.
In a statement on Saturday by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the governor expressed deep concern and sympathy for the Gummi flood victims.
The statement read in part: “I received sad news about the flooding in some parts of the Gummi local government area. This is genuinely distressing, and my thoughts are with everyone affected.
“I have been in contact with the relevant authorities, leaders, and elders in the local government since the unfortunate incident.
“I immediately sent a delegation from the Zamfara State Government to the local government to assess the situation and provide immediate relief support to the victims.
“My government is committed to taking all necessary measures to prevent future occurrences of such sad incidents. All hands will be on deck to ensure that victims of the flooding receive the necessary support they may require.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor August 17, 2024
GOV. LAWAL RECEIVES FCET GOVERNING COUNCIL, SAYS COLLEGE CRITICAL TO HIS ADMINISTRATION’S STATE OF EMERGENCY ON EDUCATION
Governor Dauda Lawal has described the Federal College of Education (Technical) as a platform that nurtures and produces qualified teachers for public schools in Zamfara.
The governing council of the Federal College of Education (Technical) Gusau paid a courtesy visit to Governor Lawal at the Zamfara State Government House on Wednesday.
A statement by the spokesperson for the governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the courtesy visit was for familiarization and improved synergy between the state government and the FCET, Gusau.
In his address, Governor Lawal welcomed members of the governing council and emphasized the need to give the Federal College of Education (Technical) all necessary attention.
“I want to start by saying that the people of Zamfara State have greatly benefited from the Federal College of Education (Technical) Gusua. Let me be clear: about five of my sisters graduated from FCET.
“As mentioned by the chairman, the state of education in Zamfara State has been at the bottom for many years when considering all the indicators. We have consistently vied with Yobe for the last position.
“Last year, I declared a state of emergency in the educational sector of Zamfara due to its challenges. Over the past three years, the previous government failed to pay fees for the NECO and WAEC exams, which was unfortunate. However, we have settled the debt, which is now a thing of the past.
“Just recently, you may have read in the news about the performance of our students in the NECO entrance examination for gifted students. Our dear state, Zamfara, emerged as the best-performing state in the entire North and the second-best in the whole country.
“We are dedicated to ensuring every child has access to quality education. Currently, we are renovating and constructing over 290 schools throughout the state.
“The steps we are taking involve providing suitable furniture and offering continuous training to our teachers. In this endeavor, FCET plays a significant role as we aim to enhance the capacity and quality of our teachers. So, we will work in synergy to revamp the educational system of Zamfara State.
Earlier, Professor Muhammad Bashir Nuhu, chairman of the governing council of the Federal College of Education (Technical), commended the governor for prioritizing education in his administration’s agenda.
He said, “We are the governing council of the prestigious FCET. It is considered prestigious because it is the only one of its kind in the entire federation at the time of its establishment. When it was established, there was a lot of envy regarding why it was located in Zamfara. Later on, I realized that this was because Zamfara is one of the most disadvantaged states in terms of education.
“Today, we are here due to your government declaring an emergency in the state’s education sector and the positive steps you are taking to improve the sector.
“We commend you for your efforts, and we would like to take this opportunity to praise your wife, the First Lady Hajiya Huriyya Dauda, who sponsored 20 students in the college and awarded three computers to the top three graduating students.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor August 16, 2024
ZAMFARA GOV’T DENIES BUDGETING N19.3 BILLION FOR KITCHEN EQUIPMENT, SAYS FUNDS ARE FOR PROJECTS UNDER EDUCATION
Zamfara State Government has refuted the claim that it budgeted 19.3 billion Naira for purchasing kitchen equipment in 2024, stating that fake news is intended to mislead the public.
On Tuesday, an online platform reported that a review of the Zamfara State budget performance document has shown that the state budgeted N19.3 billion to purchase kitchen and canteen equipment for the 2024 fiscal year.
In a response during a press briefing in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara state, Mallam Abdulmalik Gajam, the state commissioner for budget and planning, expressed disappointment in the misleading report.
Mallam Gajam provided details of the breakdown of the N19.3 billion budgeted for projects under the Ministry of Education. “The news platform that peddled the fake news pushed half-baked statistics, omitting the vital information from the complete budget performance document.”
Gajam said: “The breakdown of 19.3 billion was budgeted under the Ministry of Education, and it is under the category of capital expenditure.
“The name canteen & kitchen is a fixed asset purchase the coded name of a particular category of multiple expenditures which contain a provision on the agile program, construction of zonal primary schools, provision of smart primary school in gusau, procurement of kitchen utensil for all government school for 40 million, construction of teachers training center and creation of teachers development funding scheme.
“All this put together is what constituted 19.3 billion.
The commissioner further stressed that Governor Lawal’s administration came to reduce the abuse of public funds and block leakages. “We would not be found wanting in relation to such mismanagement and irresponsibility.”
IN SEVEN BATCHES, GOV. LAWAL PAYS N7.3 BILLION OWED GRATUITY TO ZAMFARA RETIREES
Governor Dauda Lawal has paid over seven billion naira in owed gratuities to retired local government and Zamfara State workers.
The Zamfara State Government established a committee on January 26, 2024, to verify unpaid gratuity for state workers who retired between 2015 and 2024 and local government pensioners between 2012 and 2019.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Gusau, the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that N7,345,674,918.42 was paid as a backlog of gratuities in seven batches.
The statement added that the process of settling the owed gratuity is progressing smoothly and recording tremendous success.
“The Zamfara State Government, under Governor Dauda Lawal, is committed to clearing the backlog of over N13 billion gratuities owed to retired LGA and State civil servants.
“It is disappointing that Zamfara workers experienced hardship due to non-payment of their retirement benefits by previous administrations, which Governor Lawal promptly addressed by settling the backlog.
“The 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th batches of 1,926 out of the 3,880 verified state pensioners were paid their total gratuity entitlements totaling N3,345,642,807.22, out of the total N8,095,948,906.63 owed.
“The seventh batch of 215 verified State pensioners with gratuity arrears worth N499,886,578.77 was recently paid.
“On the other hand, 3,513 retired Local Government and Primary School Teachers have been paid in seven batches totaling N3,500,145,532.43.
“This effort will continue as it is part of the state government’s commitment to revamp the Zamfara civil service for improved efficiency and effectiveness.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor August 01, 2024
