Search for:
GOV. LAWAL PRESENTS STAFF OF OFFICE AND OFFICIAL VEHICLES TO 19 ZAMFARA EMIRS

GOV. LAWAL PRESENTS STAFF OF OFFICE AND OFFICIAL VEHICLES TO 19 ZAMFARA EMIRS

Governor Dauda Lawal has presented staff of office and official vehicles to 19 emirs in Zamfara State.

The coronation and presentation ceremony took place at the Trade Fair Complex in Gusau, the state capital.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto, the Etsu Nupe and the Emir of Gwandu.

Following their oaths of office, Governor Lawal presented staff of office to 11 first class emirs and eight second class emirs.

Each newly coronated emir also received a GAC ULTRA SUV (2025/2026 model), a MIKANO ZNA HILUX vehicle and an EV ANTIQUE MODEL car (DDP). The vehicles are intended to support their travels and help them engage more closely with their communities.

In his remarks, Governor Lawal said the ceremony reflected his administration’s recognition of the traditional institution as an enduring part of society and an important partner in promoting peace, stability and development.

He noted that the ceremony also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to giving traditional rulers the recognition and institutional support they need to carry out their responsibilities effectively.

He said, “The staff of office being presented today signifies the authority entrusted to you by the State,” he said.

“It also represents a responsibility to govern your respective domains with fairness, wisdom, integrity, and compassion.

“I expect every emir to carry out their responsibilities without discrimination, uphold justice, and ensure that the traditional institution remains accessible to all members of the community.

“Our people must find guidance, fairness, and reassurance in their traditional rulers.

“Recognising the importance of royal palaces as centres of traditional authority and community engagement, I reaffirm our commitment to completing the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the remaining royal palaces.

“This is part of our broader effort to strengthen these institutions and improve the conditions in which traditional rulers carry out their responsibilities.

“We are also providing official vehicles to the 19 emirs. These include GAC ULTRA SUVs (2025/2026 models), MIKANO ZNA HILUX vehicles, and EV ANTIQUE MODEL cars (DDP).

“This provision is intended to facilitate travel across your respective emirates, encourage closer engagement with your communities, and improve coordination with government institutions.

“I expect these vehicles to be properly maintained and used responsibly in support of your official duties.”

The governor also urged the royal fathers to build a productive partnership between their emirates and the State Government.

Earlier, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, urged the newly coronated emirs to remain fully loyal to the authority. He also encouraged them to respect and uphold the dignity of the traditional institution as they discharge their duties.

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
31 October 2026

ZAMFARA IS EVIDENCE OF TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP UNDER GOV. LAWAL, SAYS EFCC CHAIRMAN

PRESS STATEMENT

ZAMFARA IS EVIDENCE OF TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP UNDER GOV. LAWAL, SAYS EFCC CHAIRMAN

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede, affirmed the presence of transformational leadership in Zamfara State under Governor Dauda Lawal.

The EFCC Chairman delivered the keynote address at the 30th anniversary of Zamfara State, held at the Grand Chamber of the Government House in Gusau.

Other notable speakers at the anniversary lecture are Professor Tijjani Muhammad Bande, Professor Sulaiman Kura, Professor Murtala Rufai, Professor Taofik Aminu, among others.

Mr Olukoyede stated that he conducted due diligence on Zamfara State and its governor before accepting the invitation to serve as a keynote speaker.

He said, “By virtue of the ethical demands of my office, I don’t attend political events; I don’t go to the government house as a matter of principle. But when I received this invitation, something told me to accept and see what was going on there.

“I did a little due diligence on His Excellency and the state. I saw when the state was created and noticed the drastic change over the past 3 years. And I made up my mind. I went to meet my boss, Mr President, and he said, go. I told him what I have seen about Zamfara and the need to support the work His Excellency, Dauda Lawal, is doing in this state.

“I am deeply honoured to be with you this morning. My acceptance to be with you today stems from two distinct realities: first, my professional engagements rarely bring me to this vibrant part of the nation because my office is based in Abuja. This is my first time in Zamfara State.

“As I arrived in Gusau, the first thing I noticed was the new airport. It is noticeable even to first-time visitors. The capital city speaks of visible transformation, as we have seen. Newly paved roads align with street solar lights.

“Zamfara unfortunately ranked near the bottom, not for lack of natural allure, but because the perception of rigid social tendencies overshadowed its immense natural potential.

“Even after becoming a state capital in 1996, transformation was gradual. For years, despite the efforts of previous governors, Zamfara remained among the country’s less-developed states.

“However, today, the contemporary outlook is shifting; indeed, the physical evolution of Gusau serves as a powerful metaphor for the broader Zamfara State.

“I am incredibly encouraged to learn that Zamfara has steadily improved its performance in critical national examinations like NECO and WAEC. Public infrastructure is expanding, positively impacting people’s daily lives. These strides are rightfully attributed to the consolidation of the deliberate reform initiatives and align perfectly with the theme of today’s celebration titled ‘accountability and responsibility in transformational government’.

“Despite the ethical standards of the office I occupied, it will take a serious-minded, committed democrat, a transparent governor, to have the temerity and audacity to bring the Chairman of the EFCC to address the people of the state.”

In his remarks, Governor Lawal emphasised that the anniversary theme, “Reflections, Achievements, and the Future,” is meant to examine the challenges that have shaped the state’s experience and to consider what leaders must do to secure a better future.

He said, “I’m pleased this commemoration has fostered serious intellectual engagement beyond ceremony. Today’s papers address key government responsibilities: public accountability, community involvement in tackling insecurity, preserving our history and culture, and linking security with socio-economic development.

“These discussions guide this administration. Our Six-Point Rescue Agenda addresses the State’s challenges. At the same time, the Zamfara State Development Plan 2025–2034 provides a long-term roadmap for the economy, infrastructure, social welfare, human capital, governance and environmental sustainability. We must turn these commitments into measurable improvements in people’s lives.

“I sincerely appreciate all the presenters for the knowledge and experience they have brought to this occasion. I also thank the Chairman of the Occasion, the discussants, the organising committee and the Sub-Committee on Lecture and Publications for their contributions to this event. To all our guests and participants, I am grateful for your presence and participation.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
October 30, 2026

DIGITAL GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR

DIGITAL GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR

The Executive Secretary was honoured to receive the Digital Governor of the Year Award on behalf of His Excellency, Governor Dauda Lawal, at the recently concluded Nigeria GovTech Public Service Awards, organised by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms.

The prestigious award reflects the remarkable progress and meaningful strides recorded by the administration of His Excellency in advancing digital transformation across Zamfara State.

Through strategic investments in digital infrastructure and connectivity, e-government platforms, and digital skills development, the administration is steadily building a more efficient, technology-enabled, accessible, and inclusive public service.

A major milestone in this digital transformation journey is the establishment of the Zamfara Institute of Information Technology (ZIIT), a landmark initiative designed to empower citizens, particularly young people, with the digital skills and technological competencies needed to compete and thrive in today’s rapidly evolving digital economy.

Beyond recognising the progress achieved, this award serves as a renewed commitment to deepening innovation, promoting digital inclusion, and leveraging technology to strengthen good governance, improve public service delivery, and drive sustainable development in Zamfara State.

#WeMeanBusiness

GOV. DAUDA LAWAL JOINS FG’S DELEGATION FOR NIGERIA-ETHIOPIA LEADERSHIP EXCHANGE IN ADDIS ABABA

PRESS STATEMENT

GOV. DAUDA LAWAL JOINS FG’S DELEGATION FOR NIGERIA-ETHIOPIA LEADERSHIP EXCHANGE IN ADDIS ABABA

President Bola Tinubu has approved a high-level Nigerian delegation to Addis Ababa for a leadership exchange and learning visit.

The federal government’s delegation will be led by Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, and will include Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State.

The delegation will depart on Tuesday ahead of the Nigeria-Ethiopia leadership exchange, scheduled from 7th to 9th October 2026.

Other state governors on the delegation include AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, Alex Otti of Abia State, Sen. Bassey Otu of Cross River State, Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, and Umar Namadi of Jigawa State.

The leadership exchange visit builds on commitments made by the Federal Government during the launch of the Nutrition 774 Initiative (N774) at the 148th National Economic Council meeting to accelerate sub-national action on nutrition.

Ethiopia’s Seqota Declaration has been recognised as a valuable comparative model, given its success in translating national political commitment into coordinated, financed, and accountable nutrition delivery at decentralised levels.

In 2015, the Government of Ethiopia committed to ending stunting in children under 2 years by 2030.

The commitment, known as the Seqota Declaration (SD), is implemented through a multisectoral programme involving nine government ministries, including the Ministries of Health, Agriculture, Education, Water, Irrigation and Energy, Women, Children and Youth, Transport, Finance, MOLSA, Culture and Tourism.

The Seqota Declaration has a 15-year roadmap divided into three phases: Innovation, Expansion, and Scale-Up.

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
October 6, 2026

GOVERNOR DAUDA LAWAL TO ATTEND UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN NEW YORK

PRESS STATEMENT

GOVERNOR DAUDA LAWAL TO ATTEND UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN NEW YORK

Governor Dauda Lawal will attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York to engage with global leaders, partners, and international organisations to attract investment for Zamfara State.

The 81st session of the General Assembly is themed “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.”

Key meetings of the UNGA will focus on the SDGs, climate action, pandemic response, racial justice, and nuclear disarmament.

The governor’s participation will showcase Zamfara State’s development priorities, build partnerships, and find ways to collaborate on security, economic growth, education, healthcare, and sustainable development.

Governor Lawal’s activities begin on September 18 with a High-Level Executive Global Roundtable Side Event and the SDG Moment.

On September 21, Governor Lawal will speak at a high-level side event during the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the theme “From Fragility to Opportunity: Locally Led Pathways to Peace, Resilience and Investment in Fragile Contexts.”

This event will launch the Northwest Peace, Security and Development Framework (2026-2030) and help build strategic partnerships and investments to support its implementation.

Other important events include the SDG Roundtable Discussion 2026, the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting, the African-Caribbean High-Level Interactive Dialogue: Redefining Influence, Accelerating Action, and the Nigeria Investment Forum.

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

GOV. LAWAL DISTRIBUTES OFFICIAL VEHICLES TO ZAMFARA HIGHER INSTITUTIONS

PRESS STATEMENT

GOV. LAWAL DISTRIBUTES OFFICIAL VEHICLES TO ZAMFARA HIGHER INSTITUTIONS

Governor Dauda Lawal has distributed official vehicles to higher institutions to strengthen the capacity, efficiency, and effectiveness of Zamfara State’s education system.

The distribution of the official vehicles was held on Friday at the Government House in Gusau, the state capital.

A statement by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the vehicles are institutional assets and operational tools to support administration, supervision, accreditation, official engagements, and other legitimate responsibilities of the benefiting institutions.

The statement noted that institutions and offices allocated brand-new vehicles are Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State University, Talata Mafara, and Abdu Gusau Polytechnic, Talata Mafara.

Other beneficiaries are the College of Nursing & Midwifery, Gusau; the Teachers Service Board; the Senior Secondary School Board; Quality Assurance; ZACAS; and other State Government Public Institutions.

In his remarks, Governor Lawal reiterated that the initiative will increase the productivity of Zamfara State public office holders by providing reliable transportation, enabling them to deliver services more effectively and quickly.

He said, “It is important to emphasise that these vehicles are not personal entitlements for any office holder. They remain the property of the Zamfara State Government and must be used responsibly and strictly for official purposes.

“I expect institutions to be responsible for custody, deployment, maintenance, and documentation. Heads will be accountable for misuse, unauthorised use, or unnecessary deterioration of assets.

“As the government invests in education, we must foster a culture of maintenance and accountability. Public assets should provide value throughout their life. We must commit to higher standards of service, emphasising transparency and accountability.

“Our administration will continue to provide the infrastructure, equipment, and institutional support needed to improve higher education in Zamfara State. In return, we expect responsible leadership, prudent management, and measurable improvements in academic and administrative performance.”

Governor Lawal further congratulated the benefiting institutions and urged them to ensure that the vehicles serve the institutions, students, and the people of Zamfara State rather than individual interests.

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
September 11, 2026

GOV. LAWAL RECEIVES OUTSTANDING GOVERNOR AWARD AT DAILY TIMES CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY

PRESS STATEMENT

GOV. LAWAL RECEIVES OUTSTANDING GOVERNOR AWARD AT DAILY TIMES CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, received the Outstanding Governor Award from the Daily Times in the North–West region during its centenary anniversary in Abuja.

The governor accepted the award today at the DTN@100 Times Heroes Awards, organised by Nigeria’s oldest newspaper to commemorate its 100th anniversary.

Governor Lawal was recognised for his leadership, public service, and contribution to national development.

The award was part of activities celebrating the centenary of the newspaper, which was first published in 1926 and has chronicled Nigeria’s political, economic, social, and cultural progress over the past century.

Chairman of the DTN@100 Heroes Awards Council, Bolaji Okusaga, stated that Governor Lawal was chosen because he received the highest nominations in the North-West.

“Following an extensive nomination and public voting process, you received the highest number of votes in this award category.

“The Times Heroes Award Council and other key stakeholders subsequently confirmed your selection in recognition of your leadership, public service, and contribution to national development,” Mr. Okusaga said.

Governor Lawal expressed his gratitude to the Board, Management, and Organising Committee of the Daily Times Nigeria @100 Celebration, the Times Heroes Award Council, and all Nigerians who supported his nomination.

He stated that the honour reflects his commitment to promoting good governance and effective public service in Zamfara State.

Other notable Nigerians honoured include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume; and former President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina.

The newspaper announced that recipients of the DTN@100 Times Heroes Awards will be featured among the most outstanding individuals and institutions in the 700-page Nigerian Grand Book.

“This publication will serve as a national commemorative volume and a lasting record of the people, institutions, and achievements shaping Nigeria’s development.”

The foreword of the Nigerian Grand Book has been written by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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

GOV. LAWAL RECEIVES OUTSTANDING GOVERNOR AWARD AT DAILY TIMES CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY

PRESS STATEMENT

GOV. LAWAL RECEIVES OUTSTANDING GOVERNOR AWARD AT DAILY TIMES CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, received the Outstanding Governor Award from the Daily Times in the North–West region during its centenary anniversary in Abuja.

The governor accepted the award today at the DTN@100 Times Heroes Awards, organised by Nigeria’s oldest newspaper to commemorate its 100th anniversary.

Governor Lawal was recognised for his leadership, public service, and contribution to national development.

The award was part of activities celebrating the centenary of the newspaper, which was first published in 1926 and has chronicled Nigeria’s political, economic, social, and cultural progress over the past century.

Chairman of the DTN@100 Heroes Awards Council, Bolaji Okusaga, stated that Governor Lawal was chosen because he received the highest nominations in the North-West.

“Following an extensive nomination and public voting process, you received the highest number of votes in this award category.

“The Times Heroes Award Council and other key stakeholders subsequently confirmed your selection in recognition of your leadership, public service, and contribution to national development,” Mr. Okusaga said.

Governor Lawal expressed his gratitude to the Board, Management, and Organising Committee of the Daily Times Nigeria @100 Celebration, the Times Heroes Award Council, and all Nigerians who supported his nomination.

He stated that the honour reflects his commitment to promoting good governance and effective public service in Zamfara State.

Other notable Nigerians honoured include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume; and former President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina.

The newspaper announced that recipients of the DTN@100 Times Heroes Awards will be featured among the most outstanding individuals and institutions in the 700-page Nigerian Grand Book.

“This publication will serve as a national commemorative volume and a lasting record of the people, institutions, and achievements shaping Nigeria’s development.”

The foreword of the Nigerian Grand Book has been written by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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

GOVERNOR LAWAL SPEAKS AT 2026 CEO FORUM ON UNLOCKING INVESTMENTS IN ZAMFARA

GOVERNOR LAWAL SPEAKS AT 2026 CEO FORUM ON UNLOCKING INVESTMENTS IN ZAMFARA

Governor Dauda Lawal participated in the 2026 CEO Forum, focusing on linking capital to opportunities and aligning business strategies to promote investment and inclusive economic development in Zamfara State.

The governor delivered the Special Policy Address on Tuesday at the event organized by the Global Compact Network Nigeria.

This year’s event, held in Lagos, focused on the theme “Financing a Dignified Future: Aligning Business Action, Policy and Capital.”

The forum is an exclusive CEO Roundtable and Leadership Dialogue that brings together chief executives, senior government officials, industry leaders from sectors such as oil and gas, energy, manufacturing, construction, and infrastructure, as well as trade commissioners, diplomats, and international development partners.

Governor Lawal spoke on how states compete for increasingly selective private capital and what distinguishes an economic opportunity from an investable proposition.

He provided insight into how Zamfara State, under his leadership, is working to bridge that gap in ways that support both investor confidence and meaningful economic outcomes for its people.

The forum aims to provide a platform where business leaders, government officials, and investors can work together to better align their decisions and unlock productive investment and inclusive economic growth.

This year’s event focused on connecting capital to opportunities by identifying where promising businesses, sectors, and projects struggle to access funding and what can help attract investment.

Defining the Dignity Dividend, on the other hand, explores how investment and growth can translate into better jobs, stronger businesses, increased productivity, local value creation and wider economic participation.

Securing Actionable Commitments identifies specific actions and partnerships that institutions represented in the room can advance over the following 6–12 months.

Other notable speakers included the CEOs of First Bank Group, Access Bank, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, Nigeria Economic Summit Group, Nigerian Exchange Group, Chellarams Plc, SecureID Group, Greenwich Merchant Bank Plc, and others.

The organizers said the session will culminate in a live showcase of the Business Value and Sustainability Platform (BVSP) — a light-touch, standing coalition of business, capital, and policy actors designed to carry the conversation forward, including by shaping Nigeria’s private-sector contribution to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High-Level Week.

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
September 01, 2026