FEDERAL AGENCY HONOURS GOV. LAWAL WITH AWARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE IN ZAMFARA

PRESS STATEMENT

FEDERAL AGENCY HONOURS GOV. LAWAL WITH AWARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE IN ZAMFARA

Governor Dauda Lawal was honoured with the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO) Award of Excellence for inclusive governance and social protection delivery in Zamfara State.

The governor received the award at the NASSCO stakeholder engagement with local government chairmen held in the Transcorp Congress Hall, Abuja.

The National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO), a Federal agency under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, implements social safety-net programs to protect and empower vulnerable populations.

In his remarks at the stakeholder engagement, Governor Lawal commended the Federal Government of Nigeria, the World Bank, and other development partners for supporting ongoing reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s social protection architecture.

He said, “I must commend the expansion of the National Social Register and the integration of the National Identification Number (NIN) to improve transparency, efficiency, and accountability in service delivery.

“This engagement is timely and strategic. In Nigeria, especially in conflict-affected states like Zamfara, social protection has shifted from welfare to a vital tool for governance, security, poverty reduction, and community resilience.

“In Zamfara State, insecurity causes displacement, livelihood disruptions, food insecurity, and economic impacts, increasing vulnerability of women, children, the displaced, disabled, and rural communities.

“Social protection interventions must be better coordinated, transparent, data-driven, and targeted to ensure resources reach those who need them most.

“Distinguished participants, Local Governments are the closest government tier to the people. Their role in community engagement, grassroots mobilisation, data validation, identity support, and intervention monitoring is vital. The national social protection framework must work with Local Government leadership to implement it.

“The integration of NIN with the National Social Register boosts credibility, reduces duplication, enhances transparency, and improves intervention efficiency. But technology alone won’t solve challenges without strong local governance, accountability, and stakeholder collaboration.

“Zamfara State supports efforts to enhance coordination among Federal, State, and Local Government, and to strengthen collaboration with development partners and agencies involved in social protection.

“I believe inclusive development should go beyond cash interventions to include livelihoods, skills, agriculture, healthcare, education, financial inclusion, and community resilience, helping vulnerable populations move from dependency to sustainable participation.”

Presenting the award of excellence to Governor Lawal, Dr Funmi Olotu, the National Coordinator of NASSCO, stated that the recognition reflects his administration’s efforts and dedication to improving social protection and promoting inclusive governance.

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
May 07, 2026

GOV. LAWAL WINS BON GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR FOR ZAMFARA’S INFRASTRUCTURE

PRESS STATEMENT

GOV. LAWAL WINS BON GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR FOR ZAMFARA’S INFRASTRUCTURE

The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) has awarded Governor Dauda Lawal the Infrastructure Governor of the Year honour for his administration’s giant strides in the Urban Renewal project across Zamfara.

The governor received the award at the second edition of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) held at the NAF conference centre, Abuja.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the BON acknowledged Zamfara state’s unprecedented and transformative achievements in infrastructure, recognising excellence beyond the broadcasting industry.

He added that Governors Bassey Otu of Cross River and Uba Sani of Kaduna, the minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, along with John Momoh, Shyngle Wigwe, Abubakar Jijiwa, and Sa’a Ibrahim, were among the prominent Nigerians honoured at the 2026 Nigeria Broadcasting Awards.

The statement read in parts, “The Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria, an umbrella body for public and private broadcasters in Nigeria, was established in 1973 to promote the interests of the broadcasting industry and ensure high standards in media practices.

“The organisation conducted a thorough months-long selection process aimed at recognising professional excellence and raising standards for media practice across Nigeria.

“The Awards Selection Committee was chaired by Dr Danladi Bako, former Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). The awards panel included veterans and representatives from the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and the NBC.

“The selection committee cited numerous reasons for awarding Governor Dauda Lawal, notably his significant progress across sectors, particularly for transforming Gusau into a modern State Capital.

“Zamfara has witnessed unprecedented achievements under Governor Dauda Lawal, including the historic construction of a modern International Airport in the State.

“Apart from urban renewal projects, as well as the construction and outfitting of General Hospitals, Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration has built, refurbished, and equipped over 800 schools across the 14 local government areas of the State.

“This recognition by the highest broadcasting authority in Nigeria will motivate the governor to dedicate more effort to his mission to serve and rebuild Zamfara state.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
April 09, 2026

FACE OF AFRICA 2026: GOV. LAWAL WINS GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR AWARD IN LONDON

PRESS STATEMENT

FACE OF AFRICA 2026: GOV. LAWAL WINS GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR AWARD IN LONDON

Governor Dauda Lawal has been honoured with the Outstanding Governor of the Year award by Triangle Media International Magazine.

The International Magazine’s 10th annual lecture and award was held on Thursday at the Grand Hall of King’s College, London, United Kingdom.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, noted that the awards honoured public and private sector leaders whose leadership impacts governance and service delivery.

He added that the lecture, themed “Harnessing the roles of Nigerians in Diaspora for National Development,” brought together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.

The statement read in parts, “Yesterday, in London, the United Kingdom, Governor Dauda Lawal received the 2026 Face of Africa Leadership Award for Outstanding Governor of the Year.

“The 2026 edition coincides with the 10th anniversary of Triangle International Magazine, which has, over the years, celebrated notable Africans across diverse fields.

“The award recognises the Zamfara state government, under Governor Lawal’s leadership, for achieving a remarkable milestone in service delivery since his inauguration on 29 May 2023.

“The board of the Triangle International, among other reasons, said that despite inheriting an empty treasury, Governor Dauda Lawal has remained true to the Rescue agenda’s campaign promise: to rescue and rebuild Zamfara.

“The award also reflects the state government’s innovative approach to indirectly curbing insecurity through educational advancement, demonstrated by the declaration of a state of emergency in the educational sector.

“The state government’s swift payment of outstanding N3.4 billion for WAEC and NECO, and the reconstruction and rehabilitation of schools across all 14 Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.

“The International magazine finds these initiatives to be strategic interventions toward long-term efforts to make Zamfara State better.”

The colourful event was attended by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Sahara Group’s GMD, Kola Adesina, among others.

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
April 03, 2026

ZAMFARA GOVERNOR PARTICIPATES IN COVENTRY UNIVERSITY’S STRATEGIC GOVERNANCE WORKSHOP

PRESS STATEMENT

ZAMFARA GOVERNOR PARTICIPATES IN COVENTRY UNIVERSITY’S STRATEGIC GOVERNANCE WORKSHOP

Governor Dauda Lawal will attend a high-level workshop on strategic governance and resilience as part of his administration’s broader initiatives to improve Zamfara.

The workshop organised by the Centre for Resilient Business and Society is scheduled for March 30 and 31, 2026, at Coventry University in the United Kingdom.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the high-level workshop is supported under the United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) Institutional Support framework.

He added that the workshop also reflects a shared commitment to advancing research-driven solutions for governance, resilience, and societal development in institutions in Zamfara State.

The statement read in parts, “Governor Lawal is on Sunday set to travel to the United Kingdom for a two-day strategic governance workshop hosted by Coventry University.

“The workshop brings together global scholars, policymakers, and governance experts to explore methods for building resilient institutions and addressing societal challenges through research and data-driven solutions.

“Key sessions during the two-day workshop include Resilient Leadership in Dynamic and Resource-Limited Settings, Financial Resilience, Public Sector Innovation, Managing Change, and Ethical Data Use in Governance.

“Governor Lawal is joined by a high-ranking delegation that includes the Secretary to the State Government, key commissioners, special advisers, and the Executive Secretary of the Zamfara Information Technology Development Agency (ZITDA).

“As part of the engagement, the governor and his team will hold an interactive session with postgraduate research (PGR) students on the theme: ‘The Role of Research in Policymaking: Driving Strategic and Resilient Governance – Lessons from the Six-Point Rescue Agenda.”

“The session will provide a platform for meaningful dialogue on how research can move beyond theory to shape policy decisions and deliver measurable impact, while drawing practical lessons from the implementation of Zamfara State’s Six-Point Rescue Agenda.

“Zamfara State’s participation highlights the government’s commitment to integrating research and data into governance. This approach supports the Six-Point Rescue Agenda, focusing on security, peacebuilding, agriculture, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and economic empowerment.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
March 29, 2026

ZAMFARA 2027: GOV. LAWAL DIRECTS ALL COUNCIL MEMBERS SEEKING POLITICAL OFFICES TO RESIGN

PRESS STATEMENT

ZAMFARA 2027: GOV. LAWAL DIRECTS ALL COUNCIL MEMBERS SEEKING POLITICAL OFFICES TO RESIGN

Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal has directed all council members who wish to run for political office in the 2027 general elections to resign.

The governor issued the directive on Monday during the State Executive Council meeting at the Government House in Gusau.

According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the directive aligns with the Electoral Act, signed into law by the President, and INEC’s release of the 2027 election timetable.

The statement read in parts, “Today, Governor Dauda Lawal presided over the 64th Executive Council Meeting, where critical issues were deliberated for the development of Zamfara State.

“In his opening remarks, the governor directed that all council members vying for political offices should resign on or before the 31st of March 2026.

“The governor instructed the Secretary of the State Government to issue a circular to all political appointees aspiring for elective offices, requiring them to resign from their appointments before the due date.

“The Head of Service is directed to issue the same to all Civil Servants who nurse the aspiration to contest an election.”

Governor Lawal reiterated his administration’s commitment to serving the people of Zamfara State.

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
March 23, 2026

EID-EL FITR: GOV. LAWAL URGES MUSLIMS TO INTENSIFY PRAYERS FOR PEACE

PRESS STATEMENT

EID-EL FITR: GOV. LAWAL URGES MUSLIMS TO INTENSIFY PRAYERS FOR PEACE

Governor Dauda Lawal urged Muslim faithful to increase their prayers for peace in Zamfara State and across the country.

The governor appealed for prayers while congratulating the Muslim faithful on completing 30 days of fasting during Ramadan.

Governor Lawal reiterated that Eid El-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast, pray, and reflect spiritually.

“I congratulate the Muslim faithful in Zamfara and Nigeria as we conclude the 30-day Ramadan fast, marking this year’s Eid El-Fitr, the ‘festival of breaking the fast.’

“Eid El-Fitr is a joyous occasion, representing gratitude, unity, and renewal. It is a moment to intensify our prayers for peace in our beloved state and throughout the nation.

“The 30-day fast we just observed aims to instil patience, self-discipline, empathy, spiritual mindfulness, and a deeper connection with God.

“To improve Zamfara and Nigeria for everyone, we must unite. We have a collective responsibility to be our brothers’ keepers and work towards a better future for our state and nation.”

Governor Lawal prayed for a peaceful Eid celebration and hoped for the blessings of good health, peace, and a thriving economy in the years to come.

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
March 19, 2026

ZAMFARA GOVERNOR IN TINUBU’S DELEGATION FOR HISTORIC UK STATE VISIT

PRESS STATEMENT

ZAMFARA GOVERNOR IN TINUBU’S DELEGATION FOR HISTORIC UK STATE VISIT

Governor Dauda Lawal has been selected to accompany President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a historic State Visit to the United Kingdom.

The President and the First Lady, along with other members of the presidential entourage, will depart Abuja for the United Kingdom on Tuesday, marking the start of the state visit.

A statement by the spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that King Charles will host President Tinubu, his wife and the entourage at Windsor Castle from Wednesday, March 18, to Thursday, March 19.

The statement read in parts, “Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal will join President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s entourage for a historic visit to the United Kingdom on March 18 and 19, 2026.

“The purpose of the state visit, according to the presidency, is to strengthen bilateral relations and explore collaboration opportunities in immigration, trade, investment, and cultural exchange.

“At Windsor Castle, President Tinubu, the First Lady, and their entourage will be invited by Their Majesties to view a special exhibition of Royal Collection items related to Nigeria. In the evening, the Royal Family will host a State Banquet in honour of the Nigerian guests.

“During the visit, President Tinubu will meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer, leading to expanded bilateral talks ending with the signing of MoUs on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.

“The President will serve as the guest of honour at the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, which features modern art and culture, and will also participate in a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders as well as diaspora community members.

“The state visit will provide Governor Lawal with networking opportunities, opening significant prospects for investment and economic benefits for Zamfara State.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
March 16, 2026