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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
UN@80: IPCR Says Charter Offers Guidance to Solving Terrorism, Violent Conflicts
By: Michael Mike
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has said the principles of the United Nations Charter offers guidance to Nigeria and other African countries bedeviled by terrorism and other violent conflicts.
The message was given by the Director-General of the Institute, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of United Nations.
Ochogwu said: “Today, October 24, 2025, marks exactly 80 years since the entry into force of the United Nations Charter. As the world commemorates this historic milestone, we are reminded of the enduring vision of the Charter to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, and promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom. This vision remains profoundly relevant to Africa and to Nigeria, where the pursuit of peace, justice, and inclusive development continues to shape our collective aspirations.
“In today’s complex and rapidly changing security environment, the principles of the Charter, namely sovereign equality, peaceful settlement of disputes, and respect for international law offer essential guidance. Across Africa, the persistence of violent conflicts, terrorism, and governance challenges underscores the urgent need to strengthen multilateral cooperation, preventive diplomacy, and mediation capacities. Nigeria’s leadership under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and her experience in regional peacekeeping and conflict resolution affirm our commitment to these ideals and to the transformative role of international law in sustaining peace and security.
“The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) stands as a bridge between national policy and global peace initiatives. We reaffirm our partnership with the United Nations, the African Union, ECOWAS, and other stakeholders to promote dialogue, reconciliation, and institution-building. In this decade of action, we must deepen investments in peace infrastructure, youth empowerment, and cross-border cooperation to realize the aspirations of Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
He added that: “As we look to the future of the United Nations in Africa, the challenge before us is clear: to make peace sustainable, justice accessible, and security inclusive. The continued faith of Member States and communities in the principles of the UN Charter is an enduring source of hope for a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous continent.”
UN@80: IPCR Says Charter Offers Guidance to Solving Terrorism, Violent Conflicts
How Nigeria’s Ancient Storytelling Traditions Shape Modern Identity.
By Fathia Adenike
The heartbeat of Nigeria’s bustling cities and quiet villages lies ìtàn a Yoruba word meaning “story” or “history” a powerful force shaping cultural identity. Across Nigeria’s diverse ethnic landscapes Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa,and beyond. Storytelling isn’t just tradition; it’s a living bridge connecting past, present, and future.It’s an Oral Threads of Heritage,From moonlit Yoruba folktales whispering òrìṣà deeds to Igbo elders recounting ancestral proverbs, Nigeria’s oral traditions transmit values, wisdom, and belongings. These stories embed moral codes, communal bonds, and cosmological maps that ground Nigerians amid rapid change. Ancient myths seep into contemporary Nigerian life. Olókun’s oceanic power meets Lagos’ tech-driven streets; Ọṣun’s fertility echoes in art exploring feminine resilience. Writers like Chinua Achebe Things Fall Apart and Ben Okri The Famished Road weave such mythic threads into explorations of identity, disrupting colonial ruptures.
Today, Nigerian storytelling leaps into digital realms. Podcasts like “The Nairaland Podcast and Twitter threads” retelling folklore showcase ìtàn’s adaptability. Social media becomes a virtual àbù̀ (drumbeat), amplifying voices across Nigeria’s youthful diaspora.
Ìtàn fosters cultural resilience. As Nigeria navigates urbanization, migration, and tech disruption, these stories offer anchors. They articulate collective memory, mediate conflict, and nurture belonging across ethnic lines Igbo, Yoruba.
Hausa in a nation of profound diversity.In Nigeria’s mosaic, ìtàn remains a vital pulse reminding Nigerians, globally, of roots nourishing identity’s complex, beautiful branches. ìtàn remains an irreducible heartbeat reminding Nigerians globally of identity’s deep, branching roots nourishing complex beauty. As Nigeria braids tradition with cutting edge innovation, these stories transmute into luminescent beacons, diachronistic continuity. Resonating poignantly in diaspora conversations spanning oceans.
Echoing vibrantly in Nigeria’s creative expressions celebrating Ultimately, ìtàn transcends mere retrospection; it dynamically sculpts Nigeria’s unfolding narrative vectors. These andaren’t antiquarian tales; they’re heritage-infused blueprints propelling Nigeria’s stories into uncharted tomorrows narratives carrying ancestral essence into modernity’s unspooling scroll. ìtàn brings identity filaments, affirming storytelling as Nigeria’s quintessential cultural DNA.
How Nigeria’s Ancient Storytelling Traditions Shape Modern Identity
ShightVault X Èkó Runners Club: Running Through Lagos, Redefining African Performance Culture
LAGOS, NIGERIA – October 11, 2025 — Nigerian sportswear brand, ShightVault is making bold strides in redefining the culture of movement and style in Africa. The brand recently led a major collaboration with the Èkó Runners Club, hosting a vibrant community event themed “RUNWITHLAGOS” at The Finery, Ikoyi.
The activation brought together over 280 guests, including more than 140 runners who took part in a 5KM morning run through the heart of Lagos. The day unfolded into a full lifestyle experience, from yoga sessions and high-intensity training classes to ice baths, networking, food, drinks, and friendly competitions, blending wellness and urban culture in one energetic celebration.
At the center of it all was ShightVault, showcasing its limited-edition collaborative run-fit, a sleek performance line that sold out quickly at the venue.
Speaking at the event, Riches Efe Arhiakpore, Executive Director of ShightVault, described the collaboration as a reflection of the brand’s growing vision:
ShightVault is more than a sportswear label, it’s a movement. This collaboration with Èkó Runners Club represents how we want to connect fashion, fitness, and community. We’re open to working with more run clubs across the country and internationally as we expand our reach in both the sports and fashion industries.
The event was powered by key sponsors including KNGSMN, Pocari Sweat, ZoneX, Red Bull, and Glacee Table Water, alongside partners who helped deliver one of Lagos’ most engaging fitness activations of the year.
As ShightVault continues to grow beyond Nigeria’s borders, the brand is positioning itself as a global voice for African sportswear innovation, bridging performance, design, and cultural expression in every stride.
ShightVault X Èkó Runners Club: Running Through Lagos, Redefining African Performance Culture
UN@80: IPCR Says Charter Offers Guidance to Solving Terrorism, Violent Conflicts
PRESIDENT TINUBU CHANGES SERVICE CHIEFS
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