Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has highlighted the challenges of insecurity and leadership as major hurdles to the state's development. Speaking to media executives in Gusau, the state capital, during the 30th anniversary celebrations of the state's creation, Governor Lawal explained that his administration has made conscious efforts to address these challenges. He emphasized that the state has comparative advantages in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and agriculture, which are being leveraged to drive development.
Governor Lawal is working to change the negative perception of Zamfara State, which is often associated with insecurity and Sharia law. He noted that the state has a diverse population, with people from various parts of Nigeria, including the South-West and Igbo regions. The governor emphasized that his administration is promoting a new narrative, focusing on the state's positive attributes, such as its critical minerals and investment opportunities. This, he believes, will attract investors and promote economic growth.
The governor's "Rescue Mission" agenda, which includes six priorities - security, education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and human development - is driving the state's transformation. Governor Lawal reported that significant progress has been made, with at least 60-70% of the targets achieved in each of the six areas. He cited the ground-breaking of a 95-kilometre road project in Tsafe, a previously troubled security area, as an example of the administration's efforts to promote development and improve security.
Governor Lawal attributed the reduction in insecurity to data-driven approaches and improved response times. He noted that the number of people being killed daily has significantly decreased since 2023. The governor also highlighted the use of technology, including drones, to enhance security and response times. He emphasized that access to troubled areas is crucial in responding to security challenges, which is why his administration is investing in infrastructure development.
The governor's efforts to address insecurity have been supported by the Federal Government, although the specifics of the support were not detailed. Governor Lawal emphasized that his administration is committed to rescuing the state from non-state armed groups and criminal syndicates. He expressed optimism that the campaign promise will become a reality, citing progress made so far.
Zamfara State is being repositioned as a state with farming and solid minerals potential, rather than just being known for farming. Governor Lawal noted that his administration has done its homework to understand the state's advantages and is working to promote a new narrative. He emphasized that the state's critical minerals have attracted investors, who are now scrambling to invest in the state.
Governor Lawal's administration is laying the foundation for a better Zamfara State that can compete with other states in Nigeria. He emphasized that the state's development is an ongoing process, with much work still to be done. However, he expressed confidence that the efforts being made will yield positive results, promoting a new image of Zamfara State as a secure and investment-friendly destination.
Key points
- - Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, is working to change the negative perception of the state by promoting its positive attributes. - The governor's "Rescue Mission" agenda is driving the state's transformation, with significant progress made in security, education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and human development. - The administration is leveraging technology and investing in infrastructure development to enhance security and response times.
