UNDP COMMENDS GOV. LAWAL, SAYS ZAMFARA GOV’T SETS PACE FOR OTHER STATES ON COUNTERPART FUNDING
PRESS STATEMENT
UNDP COMMENDS GOV. LAWAL, SAYS ZAMFARA GOV’T SETS PACE FOR OTHER STATES ON COUNTERPART FUNDING
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) praised Governor Dauda Lawal for his commitment to providing counterpart funding to benefit the people of Zamfara State.
On Wednesday, the UNDP launched the Northwest Prevention Facility Project at the Garba Nadama Hall in the State Secretariat, Gusau.
A statement by the spokesperson of the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the project includes distributing irrigation equipment to 300 farmers carefully selected based on their needs.
The statement added that 1,000 entrepreneurs will receive a start-up capital of N150,000 each, aiming to transform their business ideas into thriving enterprises across Zamfara State.
In his remark, Governor Dauda Lawal restated that upon his assumption of office, his administration initiated several empowerment programs and created opportunities to achieve his rescue mission agenda.
“These initiatives are part of a larger strategy to build a prosperous Zamfara State by actively engaging development partners in tackling our wide-ranging socio-economic challenges.”
“Numerous poverty reduction initiatives launched by this administration have positively impacted the lives of thousands of our citizens. Our commitment to alleviating poverty remains steadfast. We will continue to strengthen strategic partnerships with the UNDP and other donor organizations to develop sustainable solutions that empower our people and lift them out of poverty.”
“From the inception of this program, I made it clear that a transparent and inclusive selection process shall be the yardstick of choice of beneficiaries. As a result, the beneficiaries were selected from various towns and villages, including Sankalawa, Furfuri, Karal, Gusau, and Bungudu.”
“I have consistently emphasized that economic empowerment must be inclusive under our purview, leaving no community behind. That is why I insisted on the equitable distribution of opportunities across all local government areas.”
“Equally, comprehensive training programmes were held for all beneficiaries of Irrigation farming and SMEs. We firmly believe that providing resources without knowledge could limit the sustainable impact the programme aims to achieve.”
Governor Lawal further extended gratitude to the United Nations Development Programme for believing in his administration’s shared vision for development. “To the beneficiaries, I charge you to utilize these resources responsibly. The faith I have placed in you must be justified.”
“With these remarks, it is my honour to officially flag off the distribution of irrigation inputs to 300 beneficiaries and disbursement of start-up capital of N150,000.00 to 1,000 entrepreneurs.”
Earlier, the Head of the Office of UNDP Northwest Nigeria, Ashraf Usman, expressed that the effectiveness, desire, and determination of the Zamfara State Government are evident to all, which is crucial for the partnership.
“Thank you, Your Excellency. These are the reasons why we are here. Congratulations to you for supporting such a large number of people. Thank you for setting an example for other state governments in providing counterparts funding. Thank you for your leadership.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
April 23, 2025
