Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has called for intensified prayers for peace and stability as Nigeria marks its 64th Independence anniversary. The governor also highlighted the dual significance of October 1, which marks not only the nation’s independence but also Zamfara’s 28th anniversary since its creation in 1996 during the regime of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Lawal described the day as a moment of reflection on Nigeria’s journey to independence and the sacrifices made by its founding fathers.
“October 1st is a special day for reflecting on the struggles and sacrifices of the founding fathers who fought for Nigeria’s freedom, unity, and prosperity,” Governor Lawal said through his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris.
The governor also noted that the day provides an opportunity to evaluate Zamfara’s progress amidst various ongoing challenges, including insecurity, deficits in health and education, food crises, and infrastructural decay.
“Today presents us with the opportunity to reflect on what we, as an administration, are doing to change the narrative,” Lawal added.
Highlighting his administration’s achievements over the past year, Governor Lawal emphasized progress in key sectors such as security, agriculture, health, education, and infrastructure, despite the state’s limited resources.
“Within one year of our administration, the state has experienced remarkable transformation and is on the path to growth and development,” he stated.
In the area of security, Lawal pointed to the establishment of Community Protection Guards (CPGs), the creation of a Security Trust Fund (STF), and financial support provided to conventional security agencies. He also highlighted the government’s success in eradicating political thuggery.
On education, the governor reaffirmed his commitment by declaring a state of emergency in the sector. He noted his administration’s efforts to clear outstanding WAEC and NECO fees, amounting to N3.4 billion, and its investments in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of schools across all 14 Local Government Areas.
Lawal also cited achievements in health and infrastructure, alongside the welfare of workers. His administration settled salary and pension arrears, implemented the ₦30,000 minimum wage, and introduced welfare packages such as palliatives and 13th-month bonuses for civil servants.
“For workers’ welfare, we cleared salary, pension, and gratuity arrears for both civil servants and retirees. We rationalized Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for improved service delivery, and we implemented the ₦30,000 minimum wage for civil servants across the state and in all 14 Local Government Councils,” the statement read.
He further noted the prompt payment of monthly salaries and pensions to civil servants, the provision of welfare packages including Sallah bonuses, and the ongoing renovation of key government buildings like the J.B. Yakubu Secretariat complex.
