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
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
TRANSPORT WORKERS ENDORSE GOV. LAWAL FOR SECOND TERM FOR IMPROVING INFRASTRUCTURE IN ZAMFARA
The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has honoured Governor Dauda Lawal for his leadership in advancing Zamfara State’s transport sector and infrastructure.
On Wednesday, the NURTW presented the Award of Excellence to Governor Lawal at the Dome Pavilion, Government House, Gusau.
A statement by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the transport union also endorsed Governor Lawal for a second term.
The statement noted that NURTW Board Chairman, Dr Najeem Usman Yasin, led a powerful delegation including the union’s National President, Musiliu Akinsanya (MC Oloumo), and other senior officials.
In his remarks, Governor Lawal said the endorsement by the NURTW clearly shows the synergy between the transport sector and Zamfara State Government is yielding positive outcomes.
He said, “I warmly welcome elder statesman Alhaji (Dr.) Najeem Usman Yasin (Makaman Gusau), Chairman of the Board of Trustees. As the first Zamfara State NURTW Chairman after 1996, your return is symbolic. You founded transport unionism in Zamfara, and we are proud of your legacy.
“I also warmly welcome the dynamic National President, Alhaji Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya (MC Oluomo), alongside your national administrative team. Your focus on structural reform and professionalising the transport industry across Nigeria is highly commendable.
“I am deeply humbled by the two honours bestowed on me today. First, I accept the Award of Excellence as a recognition of our efforts and a pledge to do more. Second, I am grateful for the endorsement for a second term from NURTW, a key grassroots group, which affirms that our policies positively impact ordinary citizens.
“When we took leadership, we promised Zamfara State a rebirth. We knew an efficient, safe transport sector was essential for a thriving economy. This led to the distribution of 50 subsidised mass transit vehicles to NURTW members to improve livelihoods and public commuting. It also prompted a major renovation of the Zamfara State Council Secretariat to give transit workers a dignified environment.”
Earlier, NURTW Board Chairman Dr Najeem Usman Yasin stated that the union’s leadership had observed Governor Dauda Lawal’s achievements over his three years in office.
“We are in Gusau today to appreciate your efforts by presenting you with an Award of Excellence. We feel it is our duty as leaders of the union to find time to come and show the whole world what you have done.
“By 1st October 2026, Zamfara will be 30 years of creation. Governor Lawal is surely a gift to Zamfara State. With the transformation he has achieved in three years, he has brought Zamfara to world standards.
“I want to, on behalf of the NURTW, endorse Governor Dauda Lawal for re-election and also call on all members of the union to support and work towards his re-election in 2027 for the continuation of the good works he has started.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor September 09, 2026
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
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 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
GOVERNOR LAWAL MOURNS SARKIN ZAMFARAN ZURMI, ALHAJI BELLO SULAIMAN
Governor Dauda Lawal has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Sarkin Zamfaran Zurmi, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Bello Sulaiman.
The revered traditional ruler passed away on Monday at the Federal Medical Centre, Gusau.
Governor Lawal described the Emir’s passing as a profound loss to his family, the Zurmi Emirate, the traditional institution, and the entire people of Zamfara State.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of His Royal Highness, Alhaji Bello Sulaiman, Sarkin Zamfaran Zurmi.
“His death is a great loss to Zamfara State. He will be remembered for his service to his people, his contributions to the traditional institution, and his commitment to the peace and progress of our state.
“On behalf of the Government and good people of Zamfara State, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the Zurmi Emirate Council, and the entire people of Zurmi Emirate.
“I pray that Almighty Allah forgives his shortcomings, rewards his good deeds, grants him Aljannah Firdaus, and gives his family and the people of Zurmi the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Governor of Zamfara State September 1, 2026
2027: GOV. DAUDA LAWAL COMMENDS SEN. YARI’S APPOINTMENT AS PRESIDENT TINUBU’S CAMPAIGN DG
Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal commended the appointment of Senator Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar as the Director General of the Tinubu/Shettima 2027 Campaign Council.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday announced its Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 election, naming former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Yari, as Director-General.
Governor Lawal described Senator Yari’s appointment as Director-General of the APC presidential campaign as evidence of his exceptional leadership in organisational management.
The governor said Yari’s appointment is not only a good omen but also the right decision that will lead to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
He said, “On behalf of the people of Zamfara State, we extend sincere gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing one of our own, former Governor and Senator representing Zamfara West, Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar, as Director General of the Tinubu/Shettima 2027 Campaign Council. This appointment is a moment of pride for all of us.
“This decision will undoubtedly uplift the spirits and morale of all members of the APC, reinforcing their commitment to the party’s vision and objectives.”
The governor noted that, with Senator Yari leading the Presidential campaign, the party is well positioned to convince voters and advance President Tinubu’s agenda.
Governor Lawal also congratulated former Zamfara Governors Ahmed Sani Yarima, Mahmuda Aliyu Shinkafi, and Bello Matawalle for their appointments to vital roles in the Presidential campaign council.
“Their experiences and leadership will undoubtedly contribute to the success of the presidential campaign, further strengthening the party’s efforts as we all work towards ensuring President Tinubu’s reelection in 2027.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor August 22, 2026
ZAMFARA HOSTS POLICE SECURITY SUMMIT AS GOVERNOR LAWAL VOWS NO NEGOTIATION WITH BANDITS
Governor Dauda Lawal has emphasised that bandits who refuse peace and threaten innocent people must face the full consequences of the law.
The Zamfara State Government hosted a three-day Northwest Security Summit organised by the Nigeria Police on Wednesday at the Government House, Gusau.
The Security Summit, themed ‘Appraising the Security Challenges in the Northwest Region’, was honoured by the presence of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
The summit brought together the leadership of the Nigeria Police, representatives of the Northwest States, heads of security and intelligence agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, and civil society organisations.
While declaring the summit open, Governor Lawal commended the Inspector-General of Police and the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force for convening the summit and for choosing Zamfara State as the host.
He said, “This is significant because Zamfara remains at the frontline of the security challenges confronting the Northwest. It provides an appropriate setting for an honest assessment of our challenges and, more importantly, the development of practical solutions.
“The Northwest’s security crisis exceeds isolated crimes. Organised networks conduct banditry, kidnapping, and cattle rustling across borders, threatening livelihoods, food security, education, investment, and the social fabric. The summit also highlights urban threats such as thuggery, substance abuse, and radical infiltration.
“This reality demands moving beyond fragmented responses because criminal networks ignore state boundaries. Our security must operate cohesively. Intelligence in Zamfara can prevent attacks elsewhere, and operations nearby can disrupt threats in Zamfara.
“Accordingly, the Northwest needs stronger mechanisms for real-time intelligence sharing, coordinated operations, inter-state surveillance, community policing, and sustained disruption of the financial, logistical and supply networks that sustain organised crime.”
The governor added that the summit represents some of the finest operational, intelligence and strategic experience within the Nigeria Police Force and the security ecosystem.
“We must, therefore, challenge ourselves to leave Gusau not merely with another diagnosis of insecurity, but with actionable options.
“I urge this summit to consider practical measures to cut off criminal networks’ supply chains and limit their movement. Criminal enterprises rely on logistics including routes, markets, intermediaries, financiers, and networks.
“We must confront operational questions: How do we disrupt supply chains? How do we limit criminals’ mobility across forests, communities, and borders? How do we strengthen control over vulnerable corridors without harming legitimate commerce? And how do we identify and dismantle networks of informants and facilitators enabling crime?”
Earlier, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, said that the security of the Northwest is a collective responsibility because the region is of enormous importance to Nigeria.
“We are combining states to tackle the issue of insecurity. We have come together, we police together, we share intelligence together. We have made up our minds to take the fight to these criminals. We have made up our minds to do this; that is why we summoned this summit.”
“As Inspector-General of Police, I assure you that the Nigeria Police Force will continue to deploy its capabilities, personnel and partnerships towards securing the region and supporting the efforts of State Governments and other security agencies. But we also recognise that policing is most effective when it is supported by the people.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor August 19, 2026
GOV. DAUDA LAWAL WINS BLUEPRINT’S 2026 AWARD FOR EFFICIENT PUBLIC RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND TRANSPARENCY
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has been honoured with the Blueprint Newspapers’ 2026 Efficient Public Resource Management and Transparency Award.
The governor on Tuesday received the award at the 8th edition of Blueprint Newspapers’ Annual Public Lecture, Impact Series and Awards, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.
This year’s theme of the event was “Security Challenges and Integrity of Nigeria’s 2027 Elections.”
Delivering remarks at the event, Governor Lawal expressed his appreciation to the management of Blueprint Newspaper and vowed to do more in his administration’s efforts to rescue and rebuild Zamfara.
He said, “This award is a testament that the media and Nigerians outside Zamfara are witnessing the efforts my government is putting in our quest to make Zamfara great.
“In the three years of my government, we have recorded so many successes in the areas of security, education, health, economy, human capital, infrastructure, among others. And all these were achieved because we run a transparent government.”
The newspaper, among the reasons for the award, said Governor Lawal was recognised for his prudent management of public resources, fiscal accountability and efforts to promote transparent governance in Zamfara State.
The award, it said, emphasises responsible stewardship of public resources and the connection between fiscal discipline and inclusive development.
The Managing Director of Blueprint Newspapers Limited, Salisu Umar, said Governor Lawal “represents a blend of professional accomplishment and public service.”
He said the governor’s experience in diplomacy, banking and politics has equipped him with a broad understanding of governance, financial management and institutional leadership.
“As Governor of Zamfara State, he continues to pursue policies aimed at restoring stability, improving infrastructure, strengthening public institutions and creating opportunities for economic growth,” he said.
He added that “his government has focused on improving financial discipline, strengthening public sector accountability and ensuring that public resources are directed toward projects capable of producing measurable benefits for the people of Zamfara State.”
“He has consistently emphasised responsible budgeting, efficient service delivery and prudent management of state finances as essential foundations for long-term development,” the newspaper said in the governor’s citation.
His administration, it said, has supported initiatives aimed at improving security operations, protecting rural communities and creating conditions that encourage displaced residents to return to their homes and resume productive activities.
Governor Lawal has placed considerable emphasis on rebuilding public infrastructure across Zamfara State, the newspaper said.
His government, it said, has undertaken road rehabilitation and construction projects, improved public buildings and invested in infrastructure designed to stimulate commerce, improve transportation and enhance access to essential public services.
These projects are intended to reconnect communities, facilitate economic activities and support balanced development across urban and rural areas, the citation stated.
It added that Governor Lawal’s administration also recognises education as a critical tool for reducing poverty and creating opportunities for future generations. He also pursued reforms to strengthen healthcare delivery throughout the state.
The event brought together policymakers, security chiefs, political leaders, diplomats, civil society organisations, academics, and other stakeholders to deliberate on practical measures to ensure peaceful, credible, and transparent elections.
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor August 18, 2026
