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NIGERIAN-AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HONORS GOV. LAWAL FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES IN ZAMFARA

PRESS STATEMENT

NIGERIAN-AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HONORS GOV. LAWAL FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES IN ZAMFARA

The Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) has recognized Governor Dauda Lawal with its prestigious leadership and community service award.

On Saturday, the chamber celebrated its 65th anniversary, inaugurated its 20th president, and honored deserving Americans and Nigerians with awards at the Lagos Continental Hotel in Lagos state.

A statement by the spokesperson of the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce is a trade organization that operates on a membership basis and is Nigeria’s first bilateral chamber of commerce.

The statement added that Governor Lawal was honored by the chamber alongside the Governors of Akwa Ibom, Kaduna, and Lagos state.

“Yesterday in Lagos, the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) held its 65th anniversary with the inauguration of Alhaji Sheriff Balogun as the 20th President of the chamber.

“The event with the theme ‘The Power of Cooperation: 65 Years of Optimizing Nigerian-American Economic Relations’ was attended by high-level American and Nigerian officials and the business community.

“The chamber acknowledged Governor Lawal’s support for commerce in Zamfara State, particularly in agriculture.

“The award presented to the governor is in recognition of his outstanding leadership skills, academic credentials, and strong commitment to tackling insecurity.

“The chamber also commended Governor Dauda Lawal for making the lives of the Zamfara people better by prioritizing healthcare delivery, education, agriculture, and empowerment initiatives.”

While accepting the award, Governor Dauda Lawal reiterated his commitment to enhancing the lives of the people of Zamfara State through improved service delivery.

“I want to thank the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce leadership for finding me worthy of this recognition. It will encourage me to do more. This is for all the people of Zamfara State.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
April 13, 2025

EIDL FITR: GOV. DAUDA LAWAL PREACHES UNITY AND PEACE

PRESS STATEMENT

EIDL FITR: GOV. DAUDA LAWAL PREACHES UNITY AND PEACE

Governor Dauda Lawal has appealed to the people of Zamfara State to embrace unity and peace.A statement issued on Saturday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, felicitates the Muslim community for Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan fasting.He urged the Muslim community in Zamfara State and beyond to reflect deeply on the sacrifices and devotion to Allah made during Ramadan.He said: “My dear Muslim brothers and sisters in Zamfara State and beyond, I extend the compliments of the seasons and my heartfelt congratulations as we mark the end of the year 1446 AH Ramadan fast. This holy month has been a time of deep reflection, sacrifice, and devotion to Allah (SWT).“As we celebrate the Eid-el Fitr, I urge every one of us to carry forward the virtues of discipline, patience, and generosity that Ramadan has instilled in us.“The challenges before us are enormous and require collective effort and cooperation to be addressed. Let us therefore set aside our differences, work together as one people, and support the government’s agenda for rescuing and rebuilding our dear State.”Governor Lawal also appreciated the efforts of religious and community leaders for their continued guidance in advancing harmony and promoting the values that bind people together.“As we gather with our loved ones to mark this joyous occasion, let us put our state in prayers for divine intervention as we work round the clock to address the myriad challenges facing our dear state. May Allah (SWT) accept our acts of worship, forgive our shortcomings, and bless our State and the nation at large with lasting peace and prosperity. EID MUBARAK”SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor April 1st, 2025

YOUR MANDATES ALIGN WITH MY ADMINISTRATION’S RESCUE AGENDA, ZAMFARA GOV. TELLS NORTHWEST DEV. COMMISSION

PRESS STATEMENT

YOUR MANDATES ALIGN WITH MY ADMINISTRATION’S RESCUE AGENDA, ZAMFARA GOV. TELLS NORTHWEST DEV. COMMISSION

Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal has expressed that the Northwest Development Commission’s mandates align with his administration’s six-point rescue agenda.

The governor hosted the management of the Northwest Development Commission for a courtesy visit at the council chamber in the government house, Gusau.

Last year, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu scrapped the Niger Delta Development Ministry and the Ministry of Sports Development with the creation of the Ministry of Regional Development.

The newly created ministry is mandated to oversee all the regional development commissions, such as Niger Delta Development Commission, Northwest Development Commission, Southwest Development Commission, and Northeast Development Commission.

In his remark, Governor Dauda Lawal commended President Tinubu for establishing the Northwest Development Commission.

“When His Excellency, President Bola Ahmad Tinubu, GCFR, assented to the bill establishing the Northwest Development Commission last year, I believe I was the happiest person in the country.

“Zamfara has been at the bottom of almost all developmental indices in the country and faces multi-faceted threats and challenges. With that in mind, I thank Mr. President again for this laudable initiative to revive the northwest region.”

Governor Lawal said that the visit by members of the commission presents an invaluable opportunity for collaboration in a shared vision to fast-track development in Zamfara state, one of the critical yet disadvantaged states in the northwest region.

“Your mandates align with my administration’s six-point rescue agenda: security, agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment.

“I would like to assure you that we remain committed to working with your commission to ensure that you deliver on your mandate for the overall development of the Zamfara state and northwest, which forms the most prominent political block in the country. My administration will provide you with all the necessary support you may require to facilitate your activities in the state.

“On a final note, I welcome you to Zamfara State as I look forward to witnessing the immediate takeoff of your responsibilities in the state as outlined in your agenda, which include addressing insecurity and ecological issues, among others. I believe that addressing some of Zamfara’s challenges, especially insecurity – rooted in poverty, unemployment, and illiteracy, among others – will translate into peace, stability, and general development of the region and the country at large.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the Northwest Development Commission, Alhaji Lawan Isma’ila Abdullahi Yakawada, stated that Zamfara State feels like home to him due to his strong relationship with the governor and the people of the state.

“We are here for a courtesy visit to get acquainted. I told my colleagues that if it’s Zamfara, it’s easier for us than even Kaduna because I feel at home here.

“Your Excellency, this commission is your baby; fortunately, the Northwest is the biggest zone in the country. The challenges we face are vast. We have a 10-year development plan of what the zone intends to achieve.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
March 11, 2025

GOV. DAUDA LAWAL SWEARS IN NEW ZAMFARA HEAD OF SERVICE, 12 PERM. SECS, CREATES OFFICE FOR DONOR PROGRAMS

PRESS STATEMENT

GOV. DAUDA LAWAL SWEARS IN NEW ZAMFARA HEAD OF SERVICE, 12 PERM. SECS, CREATES OFFICE FOR DONOR PROGRAMS

Governor Dauda Lawal has sworn in Yakubu Sani Haidara, mni, as the newly appointed head of the Civil Service of Zamfara State, along with 12 new permanent secretaries.

The swearing-in ceremony, which marks the beginning of the tenure of the new Head of Service and Permanent Secretaries, took place on Thursday in the old chamber of the government house in Gusau.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the Coordinator of Donor Activities and Programs office has also been established under the Executive Governor’s office.

The statement added that the newly created office will be headed by a Permanent Secretary, reporting directly to the governor. “The main role of the Permanent Secretary is coordinating all donor/ developmental partner activities and programs, in conjunction with implementing MDAs.”

In his speech at the swearing-in, Governor Lawal referred to the newly appointed Head of Service as a distinguished bureaucrat with an outstanding administrative career spanning over three decades.

“Your appointment is a recognition of your capacity and dedication to public service. This new role presents an opportunity to deploy your wealth of experience in repositioning the civil service towards greater efficiency, productivity, and purposeful service delivery.

“As the Head of Service, you are responsible for driving forward the current public service reforms initiated by this administration. These reforms aim to build a more effective and responsive system capable of meeting the needs and aspirations of the people of Zamfara State.

“You are entrusted with supervising the Permanent Secretaries and the entire civil service to ensure that government policies and programs are effectively formulated and implemented.”

The governor also noted that the Permanent Secretaries’ appointment results from a thorough and transparent process. This involved an intensive refresher course, written exams, oral interviews, and ICT-based tests, culminating in a professional assessment by the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN).

“The decision to reform the appointment processes of Permanent Secretaries in the state to conform with current standards of service and best practice is informed by our desire to entrench merit rather than arbitrariness and favoritism as a tool for career advancement in the state civil service.

“We believe that to reform the public service, which is the central institution of policy formulation and government implementation, competence and professionalism must be the topmost priority. Alhamdulillah, with this exercise, we have set the necessary standard to sustain In sha Allah.

“Having taken the oath of office as Permanent Secretaries of Zamfara State Government, you should understand that your roles are critical to the successful implementation of the objectives of our administration; I believe that by your intellects and proven capacities, you will rise to the occasion with diligence and a sense of responsibility.

“As the accounting officers in your respective ministries and posts, you are expected to align your actions with the six points agenda of this administration and ensure that every policy and program under your supervision contributes to 4 the realization of the objectives of our mission of delivering good governance to the people of Zamfara State.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
March 06, 2025

‘WE ARE WINNING WAR ON BANDITRY,’ GOV. LAWAL TELLS WORLD BANK AS HE REQUESTS MISSION TO ZAMFARA

PRESS STATEMENT

‘WE ARE WINNING WAR ON BANDITRY,’ GOV. LAWAL TELLS WORLD BANK AS HE REQUESTS MISSION TO ZAMFARA

Governor Dauda Lawal has informed the World Bank that his administration is gradually winning the war against banditry in Zamfara State.

The governor was on an official visit to the World Bank office in Abuja on Friday.

A statement by the spokesperson of the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the meeting focused on development projects in education, health, climate resilience, and agriculture.

The statement added that the visit is expected to strengthen cooperation and partnership between the Zamfara state government and the World Bank.

In his remarks, Governor Lawal emphasized his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the World Bank.

“I want to begin by thanking the World Bank for its ongoing support for our state. We have aligned our development objectives with the World Bank’s mission to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development.

“We also recognize the security challenges that have previously impacted project implementation in Zamfara State, particularly those that have hindered the full achievement of targets due to constraints on operational activities. We are, however, making progress as the challenge is being addressed, and things are returning to normal.

“We have enhanced security measures through proactive steps taken by the state to improve security through increased patrols and strategic measures that mitigate threats.

“Our administration is dedicated to ensuring the safety of lives and property by providing adequate logistics and support to security agencies to maintain peace and stability.”

Governor Lawal assured the World Bank staff of their safety during support, supervision, and monitoring visits, including secure accommodations, transportation, and communication protocols.

Governor Lawal assured the World Bank staff of their safety during support, supervision, and monitoring visits to Zamfara State.

“I assure the World Bank that we have established mechanisms for ongoing security assessments to promptly address any emerging threats and ensure a secure environment for all development partners.

“Banditry attacks on our highways, villages, and cities are under control. We are gradually winning the war against criminals, and life is returning to our communities. This is evident in the number of incidents reported daily and the increasing project implementation across the length and breadth of Zamfara State.

“Let me conclude by extending our invitation to the Country Director to visit Zamfara anytime soon and see the implementation of all World Bank-supported programs and our modest efforts in changing the narrative in our state.”

The World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Ndiamé Diop, commended Governor Lawal for positively advancing Zamfara State.

“I am impressed by the system you put in place. Congratulations on achieving such feats in such a very short time.”

During the meeting, the Task Team Leader of the NG-CARES project highlighted the success of the implementation model in Zamfara. “We are not only adopting the Zamfara model in other states of Nigeria but are also extending it to other countries for implementation. I must commend the governor and the state government for their efforts,” she said.

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
February 08, 2025

His Excellency, Governor Dauda Lawal was represented by the Executive Secretary ZITDA, Dr Habib Gajam at the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN) in Lagos

His Excellency, Governor Dauda Lawal was represented by the Executive Secretary ZITDA, Dr Habib Gajam at the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN) in Lagos, which aims to provide the framework for collaboration between the FG and states to achieve nationwide broadband penetration.

Dr Habib Gajam was also a panel discussant on the theme ‘Accelerating Our Collective Prosperity Through Connectivity’, highlighting the role of broadband infrastructure in driving economic growth.

Zamfara—alongside other states—was also recognised for pioneering broadband-friendly policie.

ZITDA staff participated in an intensive session on Web Development, led by Aliyu Yusuf, as part of their efforts to enhance their digital capabilities.

ZITDA staff participated in an intensive session on Web Development, led by Aliyu Yusuf, as part of their efforts to enhance their digital capabilities. The training covered various aspects, including frontend development (client-side), backend development (server-side), full-stack development, web hosting, and security and performance.

It also provided a deep dive into the fundamentals of building a user-friendly website, ensuring a comprehensive understanding from coding basics to advanced development techniques.

30 Jan 2025

WeMeanBusiness

Digital Governor

Having successfully automated the Zamfara State Executive Council Chamber, Zamfara Information Technology Development Agency – ZITDA had the pleasure of also demonstrating the newly developed Government House Visitors Management System to H.E Dauda Lawal Govzamfara

With the setting up of the mini data centre in the Government House, we are also on course to deploying Phase 1 of the Zamfara Electronic Governance Platform (e-GovConnect).

17 Jan 2025

WeMeanBusiness

Dr. Habib Abubakar Gajam PhD, the Executive Secretary Zamfara Information Technology and Development Agency (ZITDA) celebrates one year in office

Today marks the first anniversary of the Executive Secretary Dr Habib Gajam’s stewardship at the Zamfara Information and Communications Technology Development Agency (ZITDA). It has been a year of dedication, progress, and collaboration in driving the digital transformation agenda for Zamfara State.

Over the past year, we have worked tirelessly to position ZITDA as a hub for innovation, digital capacity building, and e-governance excellence. Together with my dedicated team, we have championed strategic initiatives aimed at empowering our youth, fostering technological inclusion, and creating opportunities for sustainable development through technology.

Key milestones include the successful launch of digital literacy programs, partnerships with key stakeholders in the ICT ecosystem, and the development of frameworks that will shape the future of digital governance in our state. These achievements have been made possible through the unwavering support of the government, our partners, and the hardworking staff of ZITDA.

As we celebrate this anniversary, the Executive Secretary remains committed to furthering our vision of a digitally empowered Zamfara, where technology serves as a catalyst for innovation, economic growth, and social impact. The journey has just begun, and he is inspired by the endless possibilities ahead.
15 Jan 2025

WeMeanBusiness