News Investigators/ zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, says his mission to transform Zamfara across critical sectors will continue as his administration aims to ensure the state joins the league of modern societies.
This is contained in a statement by Suleiman Idris, spokesperson for the governor, in Gusau on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lawal stated this on Friday at the commissioning of Phase III of the remodelled J.B. Yakubu Secretariat in Gusau as part of activities celebrating 30 years of Zamfara State.
Mr Idris explained that infrastructure is part of Lawal’s effort to rebuild government institutions and create a modern, efficient, technology-enabled and results-oriented public service for Zamfara.
The J.B. Yakubu Secretariat houses critical Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) whose responsibilities span virtually every aspect of governance and service delivery.
Speaking at the event, Mr Lawal said remodelling the secretariat aims to deepen coordination among MDAs, strengthen communication, promote institutional synergy and support faster, more effective implementation of government decisions.
“Today’s occasion is significant as we welcome His Excellency, Col. Jibril Bala Yakubu (Rtd.), Zamfara’s pioneer Military Administrator, after whom this secretariat is named.
“As Zamfara marks 30 years since its creation, it is fitting that a leader from our foundation is here to witness this milestone,” he said.
Earlier, the pioneer military administrator of the state, lauded Mr Lawal’s giant strides, particularly in infrastructure, education and health.
NAN reports that on the same Friday, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, inaugurated the reconstructed and remodelled Jumu’at Mosque (Yardole) and its attached shopping complex.
Mr Lawal announced that the Mosque, named after Malam Sambo Dan Ashafa, a renowned Islamic scholar and companion of the leader of the 1st Sokoto Jihad, Sheikh Uthman Ibn Fodiyo, would also serve as an Islamic and Research Learning Centre.
It would be recalled that Lawal on Thursday, Oct. 1, inaugurated the first commercial flight landing at the Gusau International Airport with several passengers on board.
The inaugural flight was part of activities to mark Zamfara@30 celebration that coincided with Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.
On Thursday, the governor began a series of events and project commissioning to mark Zamfara State’s 30th anniversary.
The three-day Zamfara@30 celebration was attended by the pioneer Military Administrator, Col. Jibril Bala Yakubu (Rtd.), former governors Ahmed Sani Yarima and Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi, among other dignitaries.
Also, during his speech at the National Independence Day parade at the Trade Fair Complex, Gusau, Lawal said Zamfara had moved from despair to an era of clear execution, transparency and sustainable development.
He said, “Today, we join Nigerians in celebrating Independence Day and mark three decades since Zamfara was created on October 1, 1996.
“Alhamdulillah for Allah’s grace, mercy and protection that have guided us through trials and triumphs, uniting us in a shared destiny.
“As we watched our gallant security forces, paramilitary agencies, vibrant students and youth march in unity on this parade ground, we were reminded of the resilience that defines the Nigerian spirit and, most specifically, the strength of character of our people.”
The governor stressed the need for Nigerians to reflect intentionally on the profound sacrifices of the founding fathers, who fought tirelessly to break the chains of colonial rule and give birth to a free, sovereign nation.
“We owe them an eternal debt of gratitude for protecting this country’s unity, peace and territorial integrity.
“As we look forward to the next decade, we must understand that true independence demands collective responsibility.
“Government alone can’t do this. I call on traditional rulers, religious scholars, civil servants, traders and our resilient youth to unite.
“We must set aside divisions — ethnic, political, sectarian — and protect the peace we fought for,” the governor noted.
NAN