As Nigeria celebrate (64) years anniversary, Governor Dauda Lawal has urged Nigerians to intensify prayers for the return of sustainable peace and stability in Nigeria.
The Governor made the appeal in his Nigerian Independence Day message through his Spokesperson Sulaiman Bala Idris.
He said the Independence Day celebration also coincides with the 28th day commemoration of the birth of Zamfara state by the former Military Head of State late Gen. Sani Abacha of blessed memory.
He recalled that Zamfara was among the last states created by late Abacha by October 1st 1996.
Governor Lawal, said 1st October is a special day that calls for reflection on the struggle and sacrifice made by the founding fathers who fought for Nigeria’s freedom, unity, and prosperity.
He also stated that for Zamfara State, the occasion presents a cause for dual celebration, “as we are equally commemorating the 28th anniversary of the creation of our dear State.”
The statement reads in part: “This moment calls for sober reflection on the plight of Zamfara State, and by extension, the entire region, which has long been overwhelmed by unprecedented challenges of insecurity, health, education, food crises, and infrastructural decay.
“Today presents us the opportunity to reflect on what we as an administration are doing to change the narrative”.
“Within one year of our administration, the State has experienced remarkable transformation and is on the path of growth and development”.
“We are making significant strides in security, agriculture and food security, health, education sectors, infrastructure, and public service reform, among others.
“All these are being achieved despite the limited resources accruing to the state. The highlights of some achievements are in line with our rescue agenda.
“In the area of security, we established, trained, and equipped the Community Protection Guards (CPGs), formed the Security Trust Fund (STF), provided monthly financial grants/assistance to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies, and eradicated political thuggery and its attendant consequences.
“On education, we declared state of emergency in the sector; negotiated the settlement of outstanding WAEC and NECO exam fees, amounting to a cumulative sum of N3.4 billion; massively reconstructed, rehabilitated, and furnished primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions across the Fourteen (14) Local Government areas of the State and settled counterpart funds to facilitate full access to required support from development partners”.
“The administration of Governor Dauda also declared a state of emergency in the health sector, introduced free medical outreach programs and provided essential drugs to vulnerable groups, and rehabilitated and furnished health institutions in the state, revitalized basic healthcare provision and settlement of counterpart funds for donor interventions as well as ongoing expansion of Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital which we hope to upgrade to a Teaching Hospital for Zamfara State University.
“To boost agriculture in Zamfara, the present government of Governor Dauda provided fertilizer and other agricultural inputs for rain-fed agriculture and dry-season farming as well as renovated, furnished, and upgraded the College of Agriculture and Technology, Bakura.
“The administration of Governor Dauda Lawal also established the Directorate for Infrastructure & Urban Renewal to confront decay and poor infrastructure aggressively. It also commenced the construction and ongoing works at Zamfara International Airport; ongoing dualisation of old market Junction — Tankin Ruwa, commissioned the UBA Intersection as well as Bello Bara’u Intersection.
“Furthermore, the government of Dauda Lawal commissioned Bello Bara’u Intersection — Nasiha Pharmacy Road, commissioned UBA Intersection – Government House Road, commissioned Bello Bara’u Intersection — Government House Road; commissioned Government House Junction — Lalan Roundabout Road.
The administration also completed Dalha Bungudu Junction — Birnin Ruwa Junction Road, ongoing construction of Lalan Roundabout – Investment House Intersection; reconstruction of Investment House; relocation and construction of a brand-new Modern Park in Gusau, construction of Rawayya, Furfuri, and Kurya Madaro Roads, construction of Gusau – Dansadau 86 KM Road, construction and upgrading of Palaces of Traditional Rulers in Anka, Tsafe, Zurmi, Kaura-Namoda in the first instance.
“For worker’s welfare, the statement said, the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal has settled salary, pension, and gratuity arrears to civil servants and retirees. It has also successfully rationalized Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for improved service delivery, ensures implementation of N30,000.00 minimum wage for civil servants in both the State and the fourteen (14) Local government councils, prompt payment of monthly salaries and pensions to civil servants and retirees, provision of welfare packages such as palliatives, as well as thirteen (13) months and Sallah bonus.
