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  • Lawal commends army’s gallantry, promises continuous collaboration 

    Lawal commends army’s gallantry, promises continuous collaboration 

    Governor Dauda Lawal has praised the Nigerian Army’s gallantry and dedication towards restoring peace and security to Zamfara state.

    The governor disclosed this while speaking with newsmen at the 2025 West Africa Social Activities organised by the One Brigade Command in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.

    Represented at the event by the State Commissioner for Works, Lawal Barau, Mr Lawal praised officers and soldiers of One Brigade for their gallantry and commitment under Operation Fansan Yamma.

    He said, “His Excellency also extends sincere appreciation to the officers and soldiers of 1 Brigade, operating under Operation Fansan Yamma, for their sustained sacrifices and commitment towards restoring peace, security and stability across Zamfara State. 

    “The Government and people of Zamfara State do not take these efforts for granted and remain grateful for your gallantry and dedication.

    “As this event draws to a close, His Excellency reiterates the commitment of the Zamfara State Government to continued collaboration and support for the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, within available resources, in the collective pursuit of lasting peace and development in the State.”

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Commander of One Brigade, Nigerian Army, Gusau, Brigadier General Mustapha Jimoh, said terrorist and banditry activities in Zamfara State have been reduced to the barest minimum, assuring residents of improved safety across the state.

    He said sustained military operations under Operation Fansan Yamma have significantly improved security, enabling residents and commuters to travel freely within and outside Zamfara State without fear of attacks.

    “I must let you know that the efforts of the military and other security agencies in Zamfara State, the terrorists and banditry activities in the state have reduced to the barest minimum,” he stated.

    “You can all witness that you can travel from Funtua to Gusau, Gusau to Sokoto without any threat, so the level of insecurity in Zamfara State has reduced to the minimum, and we shall continue to do our best to see that we come to the end of these terrorist activities not only in Zamfara State but all the Northwestern states and the entire country.”

    Jimoh reiterated that the improved security situation is the result of collaboration between the military, other security agencies, and the support of local communities.

  • Lawal commends army’s gallantry, promises continuous collaboration

    Lawal commends army’s gallantry, promises continuous collaboration

    Governor Dauda Lawal has praised the Nigerian Army’s gallantry and dedication towards restoring peace and security to Zamfara state.

    The governor disclosed this while speaking with newsmen at the 2025 West Africa Social Activities organised by the One Brigade Command in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.

    Represented at the event by the State Commissioner for Works, Lawal Barau, Mr Lawal praised officers and soldiers of One Brigade for their gallantry and commitment under Operation Fansan Yamma.

    He said, “His Excellency also extends sincere appreciation to the officers and soldiers of 1 Brigade, operating under Operation Fansan Yamma, for their sustained sacrifices and commitment towards restoring peace, security and stability across Zamfara State.

    “The Government and people of Zamfara State do not take these efforts for granted and remain grateful for your gallantry and dedication.

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    “As this event draws to a close, His Excellency reiterates the commitment of the Zamfara State Government to continued collaboration and support for the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, within available resources, in the collective pursuit of lasting peace and development in the State.”

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Commander of One Brigade, Nigerian Army, Gusau, Brigadier General Mustapha Jimoh, said terrorist and banditry activities in Zamfara State have been reduced to the barest minimum, assuring residents of improved safety across the state.

    He said sustained military operations under Operation Fansan Yamma have significantly improved security, enabling residents and commuters to travel freely within and outside Zamfara State without fear of attacks.

    “I must let you know that the efforts of the military and other security agencies in Zamfara State, the terrorists and banditry activities in the state have reduced to the barest minimum,” he stated.

    “You can all witness that you can travel from Funtua to Gusau, Gusau to Sokoto without any threat, so the level of insecurity in Zamfara State has reduced to the minimum, and we shall continue to do our best to see that we come to the end of these terrorist activities not only in Zamfara State but all the Northwestern states and the entire country.”

    Jimoh reiterated that the improved security situation is the result of collaboration between the military, other security agencies, and the support of local communities.

  • Lawal signs ₦871.3bn 2026 appropriation

    Lawal signs ₦871.3bn 2026 appropriation

    Gov. Dauda Lawal, has signed into law, ₦871.3 billion, 2026 appropriation, following approval of the Bill by the Zamfara legislature.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lawal signed the 2026 bill on Thursday, shortly after it was approved by the State House of Assembly.

    NAN recalls that on December 4, the governor presented a proposed budget of ₦861.3 billion for the 2026 fiscal year to the Zamfara house of assembly for approval.

    Earlier, the Zamfara House of Assembly had passed the 2026 appropriation bill into law following the presentation of a report by the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation.

    The committee had presented the report of the bill with a total estimate of ₦871.337 billion for the 2026 fiscal year before the house plenary.

    Presenting the committee’s report, its  Chairman, Rilwanu Na-Gambo, explained that all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in the state appeared before the committee and defended their proposals.

    Na-Gambo noted that there was a significant improvement in the revenue profile of most MDAs.

    He said the committee recommended an additional N8 billion for capital expenditure in the Ministry of Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, and N2 billion for recurrent expenditure for the Zamfara house of assembly.

    While passing the bill, the Speaker, Bilyaminu Isma’il said that the legislators considered the strategic priorities of Lawal’s administration, including security, agriculture, health, education, and infrastructure.

    The speaker said the budget was designed to reflect the needs and aspirations of the people at the local government level and across other sectors, while ensuring balanced budgeting with a strong focus on equity and inclusion.

    NAN reports that the state Deputy Governor, Mani Malam Mumini and the Speaker of the Zamfara House of Assembly, Bilyaminu Isma’il were among top government officials present when Gov. Lawal signed the bill into law. (NAN)

  • Disclose locations of killers, other criminals in Zamfara, group tells Lawal

    Disclose locations of killers, other criminals in Zamfara, group tells Lawal

    The Coalition of Citizens Against Banditry and Insecurity in Nigeria (CABIN) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal, urging him to take decisive action in addressing insecurity across the state.

    In a statement on Wednesday signed by its president, Comrade Solomon Charles Abutu, the group said Governor Lawal’s recent remarks acknowledging awareness of the presence of criminal groups in Zamfara require immediate collaboration with security agencies to restore peace and stability.

    CABIN noted that failure to act within the stipulated period would lead to mass protests and a call on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in Zamfara.

    Read Also: Banditry: Zamfara group urges Governor Lawal to collaborate with security agencies

    The organisation, which describes itself as a national coalition of civic advocates, security analysts, and community leaders, stressed that Zamfara has become one of the epicentres of Nigeria’s banditry crisis, with repeated cases of abductions and attacks on communities.

    It further urged President Bola Tinubu to closely monitor developments in Zamfara, ensure adequate federal support, and hold state leadership accountable in the collective effort to strengthen national security.

    The group vowed to mobilise residents, civil society organisations, and student unions for peaceful demonstrations in Gusau and Abuja should the ultimatum expire without concrete action.

  • Sanwo-Olu, Lawal, others laud Keystone Bank’s strides at customers appreciation dinner

    Sanwo-Olu, Lawal, others laud Keystone Bank’s strides at customers appreciation dinner

    Keystone Bank Limited on Friday hosted an exclusive dinner to celebrate and appreciate its loyal customers for their unwavering support throughout the year 2024.

    The event, themed ‘Celebrating Partnership’ took place at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos.

    In her welcome remarks, chairman of Keystone Bank, Lady Ada Chukwudozie, expressed profound gratitude to the bank’s stakeholders and noted that the appreciation dinner is part of Keystone Bank’s broader strategy to engage with its customers on a personal level and reinforce its position as a trusted financial partner.

    Also speaking, the Managing Director/CEO of the bank, Mr. Hassan Imam appreciated the bank’s customers, stakeholders and the staff for their commitments and resilience in making Keystone Bank a leading financial institution in the country.

    “We have developed several products that have also been approved by the CBN. Monthly account opening has increased by over 150 per cent.

    “In addition, under our Corporate Social Responsibility, working with the state governments, we set up the Keystone Bank Educational Support Initiative for the educational sector.

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    In the first phase, we executed projects in 12 states: Lagos, Zamfara, Ekiti, Anambra, Katsina, Kaduna, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Kano, Benue and Borno states.

    Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Zamfara State counterpart, Dr. Dauda Lawal expressed heartfelt gratitude to Keystone Bank for its meaningful CSR initiatives in their states. 

    Governor Lawal, in particular, lauded Keystone Bank as the first financial institution to visit Zamfara State and implement impactful CSR programmes. 

    Both Governors praised the visionary leadership of the bank’s CEO, Hassan Imam, for spearheading the remarkable transformation of the bank in such a short period. They further reaffirmed their commitment to continuing their partnership with the bank, recognizing its positive impact in their states and communities.

    Other dignitaries who attended the event included the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Dr. Samuel Ode; former Governor of Sokoto, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; former Deputy Governor of Kano, Dr. Nasir Yusuf Gawuna and Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi.

    Also, on the roll call are the Emir of Zazzau, Mal. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli; Senator Iyiola Omisore; Senator Ben Murray Bruce; Senator Abdullahi Gumel; Polaris Bank CEO, Omokayode Lawal; former IGP MD Abubakar; Alh. Isiyaku Abdullahi, Executive Vice President (EVP), Downstream, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited; former NEMA DG, Alh. Sani Sidi; Former Minister of Interior of Nigeria, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho; Chief (Barr.) Uju Ifejika; Chisco Transport CEO, Dr. Chidi Anyaegbu and many others.

  • Enoh hails Lawal, Olarinoye on weightlifting feats  in Cairo

    Enoh hails Lawal, Olarinoye on weightlifting feats  in Cairo

    Sports Minister, John Enoh has hailed  the performance of two Nigeria’s Weightlifters Rafiatu Folasade Lawal and Adijat Olarinoye for their superlative top two finish at the ongoing 2024 African Senior Weightlifting Championship in Egypt.

    The duo won three gold and three silver medals at the competition in their 59kg weight class to boost their qualification chances for the Olympic Games in Paris, France later in the year.

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    “I heartily congratulate the duo of Nigeria’s weightlifters, Rafiatu Folashade Lawal and Adijat Adenike Olarinoye on their respective victories at the ongoing 2024 Africa senior weightlifting championship in Egypt, claiming six medals combined.

    “Competing in the 59kg women’s category, Lawal and Adijat dominated the category as they carted away the top prizes in Day 1 of the championship which also serves as Paris 2024 Olympics qualifier.”

    Senator Enoh opined that the country’s President, Bola Tinubu has also expressed his delight at the display of both athletes and charged the remaining weightlifters to work towards claiming more medals for Nigeria in Egypt.

    “The President,  His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians, are glad and so proud of you both,” he added.

  • Lawal urges Eagles to brace for stiff AFCON test

    Lawal urges Eagles to brace for stiff AFCON test

    • Stars ready for big fight’ over unpaid bonuses

    Former Nigeria international  and Atlanta ’96  soccer gold medalist, Garba Lawal, said it was up to the Super Eagles to justify their capacity at the forthcoming  2023 Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted by Cote d’Ivoire.

    The Super Eagles have been drawn in a tricky   preliminary  Group A  along with  hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea Bissau  yet  Lawal said   the coach Jose Peseiro-led side have  a lot of questions to answer  at the continental showpiece.

     “Nigerians both in the county and outside are  bitter and they are complaining  why the  Super Eagles  are not playing well,”  Lawal,  the midfield Trojan that  featured in  four AFCON  between 2000 and 2006, said  on Brila Fm. “ But it’s the players  that can only answer  this question especially in Cote d’Ivoire.

    “ There are no push over  at the AFCON  and it is going to be a tough challenge for them especially  those players who were not born here in Africa.

    “ African football is tough  and they must be ready to face the challenge at the AFCON.”

    Amid  huge expectations from Nigerians,  the Super Eagles have  reportedly been far from happy over unpaid bonuses and allowances running into millions of dollars and are now “ready for a big fight” with the NFF on this.

    According to  SCORENigeria, the Super Eagles are owed bonuses and allowances for as many as 26 matches including  matches of  the  2018 World Cup qualifiers as well as friendlies dating back to as far as 2021.

    One of the players said: “We have had only promises on the bonuses, but nothing has happened. This cannot continue and many of us now want these monies paid.”

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    A source further informed: “One of the players wondered how others have coped with the situation for such a long time.

     “They are far from happy even though they have kept their cool so far.

     “Could that explain why some of these players no longer put their bodies on the line when they play for the country?”

    It was further gathered that several meetings between the NFF leadership and the team have yet to find a solution to this lingering problem.

    Officials are now exploring the possibilities how the Federal Government could be convinced to pay off these debts.

    It is against this uneasy background that the team will be expected to win a fourth AFCON crown in Cote d’Ivoire.

  • Lawal appoints Yaro as new ZIPA boss

    Lawal appoints Yaro as new ZIPA boss

    Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal, has appointed Hajia Mariam Yaro as the new Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Investment Promotion Agency (ZIPA).

    Hajia Yaro, who hails from Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, was until her appointment, the Head, Minimum Pension Guarantee Unit at the National Pension Commission, Abuja.

    Hajia Yaro also headed the SERVICOM Unit of the Corporate Responsibility & SERVICOM Department and subsequently served on the commission’s Ministerial SERVICOM Unit (MSU), which ensured outstanding service delivery within the commission. She and her team won the 2018 Best Team award, while she later headed the commission’s Deceased Benefit Unit.

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    Yaro began her working career in the Administration Department of Chevron Nigeria Limited in the mid-90s. Between February 1997 and August 2001, she held the post of Public Relations Officer at the Petroleum Equalisation Fund Management Board. She later joined the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), where she worked till April 2007 as a pioneer member of the Power Sector Reform Team (PSRT).

    She subsequently worked with consultants in Phase 1 – set up of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.

    Hajia Yaro attended the London School of Business and Management in the United Kingdom for her Executive MBA and the International Institute of Journalism for a Post-Graduate Diploma (PGD) in Public Relations and Advertising.

  • Lawal: New dawn imminent in Zamfara

    Zamfara State All Progressives Congess (APC) governorship aspirant Dr. Dauda Lawal has said that a new down is imminent in the state.

    On Sunday, September 15, Lawal, philanthropist, community leader, technocrat and ex-banker, heeded his people’s call to aspire for the governor in Zamfara State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    His well-attended declaration rally in Gusau, the state capital, came after years of pleas from both the old and the young aware of the aspirant’s track record in public and private life and his ability to offer quality service and leadership to the state.

    Born in Gusau on September 2, 1965, Lawal is the local boy in whom the people have reposed their trust because he has always remained in touch with them. Though he has lived and worked in Washington DC, Abuja, Lagos and London amongst other places while developing himself and pursuing an illustrious career in banking and the financial services sector, he has remained firmly rooted in Zamfara where people have easy access to him on a regular basis.

    Lawal is known throughout Zamfara and across the North as a philanthropist, a problem-solver and unifier, who uses his wide contacts for the common good of his people and the society at large. He is a bridge-builder, who is highly regarded for his pleasant, humble, calm and generous spirit and who has a special bond with both grassroots and the elites, making him quite unique.

    Urbane, cosmopolitan and vastly experienced, the people didn’t make a mistake by asking him to throw his hat into the political ring to seek the governorship ticket of the APC. Even before the issue of seeking political office came up, Gamjin Gusau has been a government of sorts in the state to the people, developing both human and physical infrastructure.

    Apart from giving scholarships regularly to Zamfara indigenes to study within and outside the state, Dr. Lawal has also contributed to improving the schools in Zamfara ensuring they are conducive for studying b providing decent accommodation. He has built hostels at the School of Health Technology, Tsafe and at SNMW, Gusau. Lawal also dualised a road at the Federal University, Gusau; renovated the Muslim Foundation Islamiyya School, Gusau and rebuilt the Muslim Foundation Jumat Mosque also in the state capital and built classrooms for the school of nursing in Tsafe. That’s not all, he ensured that the dead have a decent final resting place by renovating the Gada Biyu Cemetery in Gusau and instituted several SMEs schemes across northern Nigeria. These are just a few of the philanthropic work, Lawal has undertaken in his state. His commitment to education and learning has stretched all the way to other states including Kaduna, where his former department in ABU has benefitted from new befitting lecture halls and Sokoto State was so pleased with his contributions to the Dan Fodio University, they rewarded him with a honourary doctorate degree

    Little surprise then that he has been conscripted into the governorship race to positively turn around the people’s lives and empower them while ensuring their safety, given the current situation in the state. The once peaceful and secure state is no longer safe due to the activities of armed bandits who have had free reign in the past year, looting, killing and maiming. Communities across the state now live in constant fear of the killers despite the ongoing military offensive by the army and air force.

    Economically, the people are not faring better with a significant number impoverished. According to the United Nations Poverty Index, the state has a 91.9 per cent poverty rate, making it the poorest state in Nigeria despite its abundant agriculture and mineral resources. Zamfara also has one of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates, while literacy rate among its population is also one of the lowest in Nigeria.

  • Lawal, Ribadu, others insist on direct primaries

    Stakeholders, governorship aspirants and statutory delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State, led by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, have said any attempt to foist the indirect primary option on the party may cost it the 2019 governorship election.

    The stakeholders, including Dr. Mahmud Halilu, believed to be Mrs. Aisha Buhari’s brother, and former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Nuhu Ribadu, told a news conference in Abuja that only primaries conducted through the direct option will be accepted.

    Lawal, who spoke on behalf of the stakeholders, said as a former SSG, there was no way a stakeholders’ meeting can be held in his absence. He added that the meeting where the indirect primary  was endorsed was secretly called and held inside the Government House.

    He reminded party leaders of a pending appeal against the conduct of the congresses that brought the current leaders to office, saying any primary conducted by such a group will be null and void.

    Lawal said: “Further to our April 27 news conference on elective congresses, we are constrained to once again express our rejection of the indirect primaries being concocted by the Adamawa State government and its cohorts.

    “Recall that the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) adopted the direct primaries for the nomination of candidates for the 2019 elections. We praise our National Chairman Adams Oshiomole, and NEC members for the landmark decision.

    “For a long time now, especially in the days building up to the political activities, key stakeholders have been increasingly marginalised and party activities and processes carried out in secrecy to exclude legitimate interests. This policy of exclusion came to a head with the purported September 3 meeting of the State Executive Committee, where indirect primaries was allegedly adopted as mode of electing party flag bearers.

    “That meeting was convened secretly; we the undersigned aspirants, statutory delegates and critical stakeholders, were not invited. It was therefore a meeting of like minds; persons who were prepared to perpetuate illegality to satisfy the whims of an individual who has lost out in popularity and integrity.

    “We dissociate ourselves from the purported resolution which was done in bad faith and is bound to affect the image and chances of our party in the elections.

    “Majority of the APC family in Adamawa received the news of the adoption of direct primaries by NEC with pleasure and enthusiasm. Our members are pleased that they will help the party nominate credible, acceptable and marketable candidates to fly its flag. We, therefore, cannot allow unpopular persons who are afraid of voters to change the rule of the game.”

    Those who attended the briefing include Lawal; Senator Ahmed Mo’Allayid; Senator Halilu Girei; Senator Bello Tukur; Marcus Gundiri; Nuhu Ribadu; Sadiq Muhammed (Walin Ganye); Dr. Mahmoud Halilu, among others.