Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has declared that his administration’s “rescue mission” is transforming the state through investments in infrastructure, public institutions and essential sectors as the state marks its 30th anniversary.
Lawal made the declaration during activities marking the anniversary of the creation of Zamfara State, which included the commissioning of major infrastructure projects and a National Independence Day parade attended by political, traditional and religious leaders.
The governor said the state had moved from a period of despair towards what he described as an era of execution, transparency and sustainable development under his administration.
The anniversary activities brought together Zamfara’s pioneer Military Administrator, Col. Jibril Bala Yakubu (Rtd.), former governors Ahmed Sani Yarima and Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi, as well as other dignitaries.
Speaking during the National Independence Day parade and the 30th anniversary celebration, Lawal called for collective efforts to consolidate peace, development and unity in the state.
“Today, we join Nigerians in celebrating Independence Day and mark three decades since Zamfara State was created on October 1, 1996. Alhamdulillah for Allah’s grace, mercy, and protection that have guided us through trials and triumphs, uniting us in a shared destiny,” he said.
The governor said the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers and the responsibility of present generations to preserve the country’s unity and territorial integrity.
“As we look forward to the next decade, we must understand that true independence demands collective responsibility. Government alone can’t do this,” Lawal said.
He called on traditional rulers, religious scholars, civil servants, traders and young people to work together in addressing the challenges confronting the state.
“I call on traditional rulers, religious scholars, civil servants, traders, and our resilient youth to unite. We must set aside divisions—ethnic, political, sectarian—and protect the peace we fought for,” the governor said.
The anniversary programme continued with the commissioning of Phase III of the renovated and modernised J.B. Yakubu Secretariat in Gusau, one of the state’s key administrative complexes.
The governor said the renovation formed part of efforts to rebuild government institutions and establish a more efficient, technology-enabled and results-oriented public service.
The J.B. Yakubu Secretariat houses several ministries, departments and agencies responsible for major aspects of governance and public service delivery in the state.
According to Lawal, the modernisation of the complex would improve coordination among government agencies, strengthen communication and promote greater institutional cooperation.
He said the upgraded facility would also support faster implementation of government policies and decisions.
“Today’s occasion is significant as we welcome His Excellency, Col. Jibril Bala Yakubu (Rtd.), Zamfara’s pioneer Military Administrator, after whom this Secretariat is named,” Lawal said.
“As Zamfara marks thirty years since its creation, it’s fitting that a leader from our foundation is here to witness this milestone,” he added.
Yakubu, who attended the commissioning, commended the governor for what he described as significant achievements, particularly in infrastructure, education and healthcare.
The former military administrator’s presence at the ceremony added historical significance to the anniversary activities, as the state reflected on its evolution since its creation in 1996.
The state government also commissioned the reconstructed and remodelled Jumu’at Mosque, popularly known as Yardole, together with its adjoining shopping complex.
The project was commissioned by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, on Friday as part of the anniversary activities.
The mosque was named after Malam Sambo Dan Ashafa, described by the state government as a renowned Islamic scholar and companion of Sheikh Uthman Ibn Fodiyo, the leader of the Sokoto Jihad.
The reconstructed mosque is also expected to serve as an Islamic and research learning centre, expanding its role beyond congregational worship.
The commissioning of the mosque and secretariat formed part of a wider series of activities marking three decades of Zamfara’s existence as a state.
The projects also provided the administration with an opportunity to showcase its focus on public infrastructure and institutional renewal as it seeks to improve government operations and service delivery.
Lawal said the progress recorded so far represented part of his administration’s broader effort to reposition Zamfara and address longstanding challenges affecting the state.
The governor’s declaration that his “rescue mission” was succeeding comes as his administration continues to present infrastructure development, institutional reform and improvements in key social sectors as central elements of its governance agenda.
The anniversary also offered an opportunity for the state to reflect on its history, including the contributions of past administrations and the role of traditional, religious and community institutions in its development.
Lawal urged residents to maintain unity and support efforts aimed at building a more peaceful and prosperous Zamfara, stressing that sustainable development required contributions from government and citizens.
The anniversary celebrations were attended by former governors, traditional rulers, religious leaders, government officials, security personnel, students and other residents.
West Trybe reports that Zamfara’s 30th anniversary celebrations combined a reflection on the state’s three-decade history with the commissioning of renovated public institutions and community infrastructure, as Governor Lawal presents the projects as evidence of his administration’s ongoing effort to rebuild the state.
