By Peter Omopo
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, says his administration’s “rescue mission” is driving transformation across the state through investments in infrastructure, public institutions, education and healthcare.
Lawal made the statement as Zamfara marked its 30th anniversary with a series of project commissioning ceremonies and other activities in Gusau.
The celebrations were attended by the pioneer Military Administrator of the state, Col. Jibril Bala Yakubu (Rtd.), former governors Ahmed Sani Yarima and Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi, alongside other dignitaries.
Speaking during the National Independence Day parade and Zamfara’s 30th anniversary celebration at the Trade Fair Complex in Gusau, Lawal said the state had moved from a period of despair towards what he described as execution, transparency and sustainable development.
The governor noted that Zamfara was created on October 1, 1996, saying the anniversary provided an opportunity for residents to reflect on the state’s journey while looking ahead to its future.
Lawal urged residents to embrace unity and collective responsibility, stressing that government alone could not achieve sustainable development.
He called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil servants, traders and youths to work together and put aside ethnic, political and sectarian differences in the interest of peace and development.
As part of the anniversary activities, Lawal on Friday commissioned Phase III of the renovated and modernised J.B. Yakubu Secretariat in Gusau.
The secretariat accommodates several ministries, departments and agencies and is being upgraded as part of efforts by the administration to modernise the state’s public service infrastructure.
According to Lawal, the project is expected to improve coordination among government agencies, strengthen communication and enhance the efficiency of policy implementation.
He described the commissioning as significant because the facility was named after Zamfara’s pioneer Military Administrator, Col. Jibril Bala Yakubu, who was present at the event.
Lawal said it was fitting for one of the leaders associated with the foundation of the state to witness the commissioning as Zamfara marked three decades of existence.
Yakubu, who served as the state’s first Military Administrator, commended the Lawal administration for what he described as significant achievements, particularly in infrastructure, education and healthcare.
Also on Friday, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, commissioned the reconstructed and remodelled Jumu’at Mosque, popularly known as Yardole, along with its attached shopping complex.
The mosque was named after Malam Sambo Dan Ashafa, a renowned Islamic scholar and companion of Sheikh Uthman Ibn Fodiyo.
The facility is also expected to serve as an Islamic and research learning centre.
The commissioning of the mosque and other projects formed part of activities marking 30 years since the creation of Zamfara State.
