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Dauda Lawal’s reform agenda transforms Zamfara, delivers landmark development across sectors
Dauda Lawal’s reform agenda transforms Zamfara, delivers landmark development across sectors
By: Zagazola Makama
In just over two years in office, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara has emerged as a transformational leader, repositioning the state with bold policy reforms, critical infrastructure renewal, and people-centered governance that prioritises security, healthcare, education, civil service reform, and economic revitalisation.
Governor Lawal’s Rescue Agenda, built on transparency, capacity development, and institutional strengthening, is steadily reversing years of systemic decay, offering the people of Zamfara renewed hope in a government that works for them.
The Governor’s impact is visible across the state, from newly equipped hospitals and modernised schools to the strengthened security architecture and improved public transportation, all executed with a focus on accountability and sustainability.
Health sector revolution
One of Governor Lawal’s most visible accomplishments is the overhaul of Zamfara’s healthcare system. Upon assumption of office in May 2023, he declared a state of emergency in the sector after discovering that only one ultrasound machine served nearly six million people and that machine was held together with seal tape. In response, the administration embarked on a comprehensive needs assessment and launched a phased rehabilitation of general hospitals across the state.
Within 12 months, Governor Lawal commissioned fully renovated and equipped General Hospitals in Gusau, Anka, Maradun, Maru, Kaura, and Nasarawa Burkullu. Each of these facilities now boasts modern amenities, including Accident and Emergency Units, Special Care Baby Units (SCBUs), Maternity Wards, Radiology Departments, Dental Clinics, Orthopedic Wards, and Operating Theatres.
In Anka, the governor delivered a state-of-the-art facility with newly constructed laboratory, maternity, and emergency units, alongside refurbished wards, pharmacy blocks, and residential quarters for medical staff. To complement these infrastructure upgrades, the administration has procured cutting-edge medical equipment, implemented biomedical training for health workers, and institutionalised a health governance model that emphasises maintenance and service delivery.
Security support and community policing
Governor Lawal has treated security as the bedrock of development in Zamfara. In a landmark gesture, his government distributed 140 new operational vehicles to security agencies operating across the state. These include double-cabin pick-up trucks and Buffalo vehicles to enhance mobility, response time, and overall efficiency in combating banditry and violent crimes. The Governor also inaugurated the Community Protection Guards, a state-owned security outfit designed to supplement federal forces and engage communities in grassroots surveillance and early warning systems.
These strategic investments are already yielding results, with improved coordination among security outfits and a noticeable return of normalcy in areas previously plagued by violence.
Education transformation
Education, another critical pillar of the Rescue Agenda, has seen similar focus. In January 2024, the Governor launched an aggressive school rehabilitation drive, beginning with the Government Girls Arabic School (GGAS) Gusau one of the state’s oldest institutions. Following a devastating fire that razed five student hostels, the administration not only rebuilt them but expanded the renovation to include over 94 different structures. These included science laboratories, ICT centres, classrooms, libraries, mosques, staff quarters, and toilet facilities — transforming the school into a modern learning environment offering science, arts, and commercial subjects.
The initiative is part of a broader education recovery framework that aims to upgrade boarding schools across the state, provide modern teaching tools, and re-train educators to meet global standards.
Civil service reform and institutional renewal
In an unprecedented move, Governor Lawal introduced a competency-based examination for directors aspiring to become Permanent Secretaries the first of its kind in Zamfara’s history. This reform led to the appointment of twelve Permanent Secretaries based strictly on merit, marking a turning point in bureaucratic professionalism. As part of a commitment to institutional strengthening, the state government completed the phased renovation of the JB Yakubu State Secretariat Complex. Blocks A and C have been fully rehabilitated, with Block B to follow, providing dignified and functional workspaces for civil servants. In another show of compassion and fiscal discipline, Governor Lawal cleared over ₦13 billion in gratuity arrears owed to retirees — some dating back several years. He also introduced the 13th-month salary bonus, rewarding productivity and boosting staff morale.
Economic diversification and public transit innovation
Recognising the need for sustainable economic growth, the Lawal administration unveiled 50 brand-new mass transit buses to ease transportation within and outside the state. These buses, equipped with real-time monitoring systems and free Wi-Fi, aim to reduce travel hardship and enhance public revenue collection through a digital fleet management platform. The move points to the governor’s drive to create jobs, reduce transportation costs, and modernise Zamfara’s commercial landscape.
A legacy of people-first governance
Throughout his 2 years tenure so far, Governor Lawal has consistently affirmed that his vision goes beyond infrastructure. “We believe that a motivated and professional civil service is the backbone of good governance,” he said at the commissioning of the Secretariat Complex.
Indeed, the Governor’s style meticulous, inclusive, and performance driven, is redefining public service delivery in a state long ravaged by insecurity and underdevelopment.
As he continues to roll out projects and policy reforms, the people of Zamfara are beginning to witness a renaissance grounded in hope, capacity, and progress.
With more hospitals, schools, roads, and economic opportunities in the pipeline, Governor Dauda Lawal stands out as one of Nigeria’s most purposeful and visionary leaders — a man committed not just to governing, but to rescuing and rebuilding Zamfara for generations to come.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region
Dauda Lawal’s reform agenda transforms Zamfara, delivers landmark development across sectors
Fadile Pays Tribute to Late CJN Mohammed Uwais, Describes Him as “My Father in the Judiciary.”
By: Michael Mike
The first military-trained lawyer with a PhD in International Law in Nigeria, Col. Bello Fadile (rtd), has mourned the passing of a stalwart, Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais GCON, former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), who passed on at the age of 89.
Fadile, a prominent figure and author, paid a heartfelt tribute yesterday to the late jurist, describing him as “My Father in the Judiciary.”
Fadile recounted the remarkable story of how Justice Uwais, then CJN, intervened on his behalf during his detention in 1995, braving the military regime to ensure his release.
The Nigerian Army’s first lawyer tribute highlighted Justice Uwais’s unwavering commitment to justice, humility, and integrity. He quoted Uwais’s powerful statement: “A corrupt judge is more harmful to society than a man who runs amok with a dagger in a crowded street.”
Part of the statement read: “At the ripe age of 89, he left us in this sinful world as Allah SWT willed. We accept the vadict as appeal lies nowhere. To we the immediate families, we pray to Allah SWT to give us the fortitude to carry on relying on the principles he lived on and left for us which are:- humility, impartiality, humane, love, detribalised, uprightness and fear of Almighty Allah SWT.
“And to the Nigerian judiciary which he dedicated his life to, i urge you all to follow his footsteps, which he captured brilliantly;
‘ A corrupt judge is more harmful to the society than a man who runs amok with a dagger in a crowded street. The latter can be restrained physically. But a corrupt judge deliberately destroys the moral foundation of society and causes incalculable distress to individuals through abusing his office while still being referred to as Honorable “
“ As captured in my book, Lives: The Bello Fadile Memoirs, I shall forever be grateful to MyLord, the Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais GCON for the risk he took when I was arrested for the alleged fathom coup in 1995.”
Fadile who is the founder and chair of the Council for African Security Affairs, recounted how he was “detained near his house and I sent at note to him as the then CJN, without hesitation or fear of the military, his life or his job, he acted on my request and reached out Late Honorable Justice Karibi-Whyte and together they raised my detention with the Head of Military Government. And of course, they became my link to the Head of State, going and coming back with messages. What man with a lion heart.”
“On my release in March 1999. MyLord traveled from Abuja to Kaduna to see me. He came with clothes, bundles of sheda, and thousands of cash. That was my Father in the Judiciary for you. I was able to see him after 10 years in November 2024, and now he is no more.,” he added.
Fadile noted that late Justice Uwais’s legacy serves as a shining example for the Nigerian judiciary.
According to him, Justice Uwais’s remarkable life and contributions to Nigeria’s judiciary will be remembered for generations to come, adding that “his courage, integrity, and dedication to justice have left an indelible mark on the nation’s legal landscape”.
Fadile Pays Tribute to Late CJN Mohammed Uwais, Describes Him as “My Father in the Judiciary.”
Alau Dam: Zulum, Shehu of Borno Plead with FG to Expedite Rehabilitation Work.
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has called on the Federal Government to accelerate the rehabilitation and expansion of the Alau Dam to avert a repeat of last year’s devastating flood disaster.
Maiduguri and surrounding local government areas experienced their worst flooding in decades following the collapse of the Alau Dam in 2024. In response, the Federal Government approved N80 billion for the dam’s reconstruction and expansion, with a groundbreaking ceremony held in March 2025 to mark the commencement of the project.
Governor Zulum while responding to a request by the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, on the need to fast tract the project, during the traditional Sallah homage at the Government House in Maiduguri. The Governor expressed concern over the slow pace of work, warning that the rainy season has already begun.
“After the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction and expansion of the dam, which we all attended, the truth is that the work is not progressing as expected,” Governor Zulum stated.
“The last time I visited the President, I informed him about the true state of the project, and I assure you that I will not relent. I will continue to follow up, and I have also notified the Vice President as well. In the meantime, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) has constituted a committee to provide immediate intervention at the dam.”.
The governor pledged to connect all local government headquarters to the national grid before the end of his tenure. He also promised massive road rehabilitation once the Pulka quarry plant is completed.
“These are two critical issues dear to me, he said. I assure Your Royal Highness that all local government headquarters will be connected to electricity before my tenure expires, Insha Allah. Regarding road infrastructure, insecurity has been a major challenge, but we remain committed. We have procured 40 brand-new Howo tipper trucks, and once the Pulka quarry plant is completed, we will embark on extensive road rehabilitation across the state.”
Governor Zulum thanked the people of Borno for their continued support and cooperation to his administration.
Earlier, the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi said the sallah homage has been part of the tradition during every festive season, acknowledging the unprecedented transformation the Zulum’s administration is executing across the state.
He emphasised the importance of expediting the Alau Dam project, noting that the first phase should have been completed by now. He referenced the recent flooding in Mokwa, Niger State, as a warning of what could recur in Borno if swift action is not taken.
“We witnessed the catastrophic flooding in Maiduguri on 10th September 2024, and we do not want a repeat, the Shehu said. The Federal Government must act immediately.”.
The royal father also urged the Governor to follow up with the Federal Government on oil exploration in Tuba, road rehabilitation, and electricity connectivity for local government areas.
During the event, Governor Zulum also received delegations from the University of Maiduguri, Kashim Ibrahim University, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, and Federal Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare, who paid similar homage.
Alau Dam: Zulum, Shehu of Borno Plead with FG to Expedite Rehabilitation Work.
Flooding: Zulum, Shehu of Borno Plead with FG to Expedite Rehabilitation Work on Alau Dam
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum has called on the Federal Government to accelerate the rehabilitation and expansion of the Alau Dam to avert a repeat of last year’s devastating flood which nearly submerged Maiduguri and environs.
Maiduguri and surrounding local government areas experienced their worst flooding in decades following the collapse of the Alau Dam in 2024. In response, the Federal Government approved N80 billion for the dam’s reconstruction and expansion, with a groundbreaking ceremony held in March 2025 to mark the commencement of the project.
Zulum, while responding to a request by the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, on the need to fast tract the project, during the traditional Sallah homage at the Government House in Maiduguri, the governor expressed concern over the slow pace of work, warning that the rainy season has already begun.
He said: “After the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction and expansion of the dam, which we all attended, the truth is that the work is not progressing as expected.
“The last time I visited the President, I informed him about the true state of the project, and I assure you that I will not relent. I will continue to follow up, and I have also notified the Vice President as well. In the meantime, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) has constituted a committee to provide immediate intervention at the dam.”.
Meanwhile, the governor has pledged to connect all local government headquarters in the state to the national grid before the end of his tenure. He also promised massive road rehabilitation once the Pulka quarry plant is completed.
He said: “These are two critical issues dear to me, I assure Your Royal Highness that all local government headquarters will be connected to electricity before my tenure expires, Insha Allah. Regarding road infrastructure, insecurity has been a major challenge, but we remain committed. We have procured 40 brand-new Howo tipper trucks, and once the Pulka quarry plant is completed, we will embark on extensive road rehabilitation across the state.”
Zulum thanked the people of Borno for their continued support and cooperation to his administration.
Earlier, the Shehu of Borno said the sallah homage has been part of the tradition during every festive season, acknowledging the unprecedented transformation the Zulum’s administration has extended to all parts of the state.
He reiterated the importance of expediting the Alau Dam project, noting that the first phase should have been completed by now.
He referenced the recent flooding in Mokwa, Niger State, as a warning of what could recur in Borno if swift action is not taken.
The paramount ruler said: “We witnessed the catastrophic flooding in Maiduguri on 10th September 2024, and we do not want a repeat.. The Federal Government must act immediately.”.
The royal father also urged the Governor to follow up with the Federal Government on oil exploration in Tuba, road rehabilitation, and electricity connectivity for local government areas.
During the event, Governor Zulum also received delegations from the University of Maiduguri, Kashim Ibrahim University, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, and Federal Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare, who paid similar homage.
Flooding: Zulum, Shehu of Borno Plead with FG to Expedite Rehabilitation Work on Alau Dam
Zulum donates N100m to wounded soldiers; families of fallen heroes
Fadile Pays Tribute to Late CJN Mohammed Uwais, Describes Him as “My Father in the Judiciary.”
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