GOV. LAWAL VISITS REFUGEE COMMISSION, RECEIVES RELIEF SUPPORT FOR ZAMFARA

Governor Dauda Lawal received emergency relief support for victims of banditry in Zamfara.

The Governor visited the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons on Thursday.

A statement issued by the Spokesperson to the Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, noted that the visit was for familiarisation, given the refugee commission’s role in providing relief to those affected by disasters.

According to him, the Governor was received by Tijjani Aliyu Ahmed, the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugee, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.

He said: “The purpose of Governor Lawal’s visit to the National Commission for Refugee, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons was to explore additional ways to assist those affected by banditry in Zamfara State.

“During the visit, Governor Lawal appealed to the commission to prioritise Zamfara due to the ongoing insecurity and dire need for humanitarian assistance. He requested that the Honorable Commissioner consider extending the refugee resettlement cities constructed in Gusau to other zones of the State.

“Furthermore, due to limited resources, the Governor emphasised the need for partnerships and collaborations in mitigating the sufferings of over 2000 refugees in Zamfara.

While responding, the Honorable Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugee, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Tijjani Aliyu Ahmed, reassured the commission’s commitment to continued support to the Persons of Concern in Zamfara and other States battling insecurity.

The Federal Commissioner commended the Zamfara Governor for being the first Executive to visit the commission since he assumed office. “I sincerely thank you. This shows your high level of commitment.”

“It is an honour that you have taken the time to visit us, which demonstrates your commitment to the well-being of your people. We have heard your request for additional support. As a result, the commission will ensure that you do not leave empty-handed.”

The commission offered various forms of support to the Persons of Concern in Zamfara as part of their emergency relief efforts, which include bags of rice, cartons of spaghetti, semovitas, farming tools for farmers, computers, industrial sewing machines, cobbling machines, exercise books, and whiteboards, among other items.

GOVERNOR LAWAL RECEIVES HUMANITARIAN MINISTER, SEEKS MORE SUPPORT FOR DISPLACED PERSONS IN ZAMFARA

Governor Dauda Lawal, on Thursday, sought more support for the Internally Displaced Persons across Zamfara State.

The Governor appealed for support while receiving the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, in Zamfara State.

A statement by the Spokesperson to the Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said that the minister visited Zamfara for the official opening and handing over 40 fully completed and functional houses as a refugee resettlement city project. 

He added that the Governor accompanied the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs to visit the Federal University Gusau, where they met with university authorities and students rescued from kidnappers.

The statement read in parts: “In his speech at the opening ceremony, Governor Lawal appreciates the efforts of other federal agencies like the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for the various humanitarian support and interventions they have provided to the State over the years and recently.

“He said that it is a well-known fact that Zamfara State faces formidable security challenges, and these challenges can only be resolved through effective collaboration with the Federal Government, neighbouring states, and all stakeholders in security matters. Above all, we must always do what is correct at the right time.

“Lawal further reiterated that it is regrettable to admit that banditry has led to many impoverished individuals, orphans, widows, and internally displaced persons, especially in rural areas. This has placed the State at the top of the list of significant flashpoints of violence and vulnerable persons/households in the Northwestern States and the entire nation.

“Regarding the resettlement city for Persons of Concern in Zamfara State, it is essential to note that since the inception of this administration, we have been addressing the issue of Internally Displaced Persons in all parts of the State. Providing an IDP resettlement facility in the State Capital, Gusau is a welcome development. 

“We appreciate the Federal Government’s collaborative efforts in alleviating the suffering of our people. In this regard, the Government and the good people of Zamfara State remain grateful for this kind gesture.”

While delivering her remarks, the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, commended Governor Dauda Lawal for his unending efforts in ensuring the well-being of the displaced persons across the State.

“It gives me great pleasure to be present at this momentous occasion of the official opening and handover of the resettlement city to the Government and people of Zamfara State for the benefit of the Persons of Concern.

“I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Governor Lawal, who is compassionate about the plight of the displaced persons in the State.

“I have heard all the pleas by the State government. I would pass the message to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for more support and interventions for the displaced persons in Zamfara.  

“The beneficiaries of these houses would also benefit from the Federal Government’s monthly cash transfer to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal,” she said.

GOV. LAWAL RECEIVES DISPLACED WOMAN IN HEART-WRENCHING VIDEO

Governor Dauda Lawal, on Thursday, received the older woman who was displaced by bandits and featured in a viral video.

A recent video shows a mother and her children being displaced by bandits forced to eat grass to survive. 

A statement by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, noted that the plight of the displaced woman highlights the urgent need for action to address the root causes of displacement and ensure that families have access to necessities.

He added that the Governor hosted the displaced woman as a demonstration of his unwavering dedication to safeguarding the lives and welfare of all citizens in Zamfara.

“Today, Governor Dauda Lawal received Hauwa’u Halliru, a victim who lost everything due to banditry.

“Governor Lawal expressed his commitment to ending insecurity in the state and offered condolences to families affected by banditry.

“As a compassionate leader, Governor Lawal promptly provided the displaced woman with a roof over her head and a comfortable and well-furnished home.

“He reassured her of his government’s determination to feed her family with sufficient food and other necessities, ensuring that she could rebuild her life with dignity and security.

“Furthermore, His Excellency instructed the Commissioner of Education, Science, and Technology to ensure her children’s immediate enrollment and full scholarship.

“He also urged all relevant authorities to intensify efforts in identifying vulnerable families facing similar challenges and provide them with necessary support. 

“In his remarks, Comrade Salisu Umar, the Chairman of the Human Rights Defenders, expressed his deep admiration for the State Governor’s commitment to the safety and welfare of the people.

“He lauded the Governor’s proactive approach and stated that it was the first time he had witnessed such a display of leadership in the State, adding that his words echoed the sentiment of the people, who have long awaited a leader who puts their needs first.”