Empowerment: Governor Lawal distributes 2,300 vehicles, motorcycles in Zamfara

Governor Dauda Lawal said empowerment means giving people and grassroots organisations practical tools to become self-reliant, restore dignity, and deliver democracy’s dividends, not rhetoric.

The governor yesterday distributed vehicles and motorcycles to groups and individuals at a ceremony held at the Trade Fair Complex in Gusau.

The empowerment program recognises the immense contributions of groups and individuals to the State’s overall development.

The distribution of 300 vehicles and 2,000 motorcycles is part of a state government empowerment program aimed at engaging people and groups in productive activities and boosting the local economy.

In his remarks, Governor Lawal said the event marks another milestone in his rescue agenda to reward dedicated people and groups contributing to Zamfara State’s socio-economic and political development.

He said, “It gives me great pleasure to be here for the official distribution of vehicles to various carefully selected individuals and political groups across Zamfara State. This gathering is particularly important because it offers me a unique opportunity to distribute these vehicles formally.

“Let me emphasise here that empowerment goes beyond rhetoric – it requires providing our people and grassroots organisations with the practical tools needed to be self-reliant, restore dignity, and deliver the real dividends of democracy. We remain fully committed to supporting our people in rebuilding and revitalising Zamfara to make it a more prosperous State.

“I therefore call on you as beneficiaries of the gesture to remain firm and committed to championing our drive to rescue the good people of Zamfara State. Your strategic role in partnering with the current administration remains vital.

“As you are officially presented with your vehicles, which will be performed shortly, I urge you to utilise them efficiently. This gesture is designed to facilitate mobility across the State and improve the local economy.

“The present administration remains fully committed to sustaining its drive for infrastructure development, revamping our economy and restoring peace and stability in our dear State.”

Zamfara, REA to supply solar power to 125,000 homes

The Zamfara State Government in collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) had started the development of 37 solar mini-grids in the state that will power 125,106 with solar electricity.

The agency revealed this in a statement yesterday following the groundbreaking ceremony held in Gusau, Zamfara state capital, on Wednesday.

The project covers household connections across seven local government areas as the state moves to establish its own electricity market and attract private investment.

The programme, comprising two interconnected and 35 isolated mini-grids, will provide approximately 18.8 megawatts-peak of solar generation capacity in Gummi, Gusau, Kaura Namoda, Maradun, Shinkafi, Tsafe and Zurmi Local Government Areas.

The intervention is expected to reach more than 625,000 people, based on an illustrative average of five people per household-equivalent connection.

The development also featured the unveiling of the Zamfara State Electricity Policy and the signing of a collaboration agreement between the REA and the state government for the solarisation of public institutions, including hospitals, schools and other critical government facilities.

In his remarks, Governor Dauda Lawal said the electricity policy was designed to create an investment-friendly market capable of supporting the state’s economic ambitions.

“Today, we are taking deliberate steps to redefine Zamfara’s electricity future. The unveiling of our State Electricity Policy is a statement of our intention to build a structured, investment-friendly and sustainable electricity market that responds to the needs of our people and the ambitions of our economy.

“We recognise that reliable electricity is indispensable to agricultural transformation, industrial development, healthcare delivery, education and job creation.

“Our collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency on the solarisation of public institutions reflects our determination to translate policy into practical infrastructure that improves the delivery of essential services,” Lawal said.

The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, said the projects demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to decentralised electricity infrastructure and greater participation by states in electricity market development.

“Electricity must do more than illuminate homes. It must power hospitals, strengthen educational institutions, support agricultural productivity, enable businesses and improve the quality of public services.

The REA Managing Director, Dr Abba Aliyu, said the Zamfara intervention represented a shift from delivering isolated electricity projects to building an integrated energy market supported by infrastructure, policy reforms and private-sector investment.

Urban renewal: Lawal flags off construction of roads linking four LGAs

Governor Dauda Lawal said the construction of strategic roads connecting four local government areas in Zamfara State demonstrates his administration’s commitment to improving lives through essential infrastructure.

On Tuesday, the governor launched the construction of the Tashar Abu, Kekun Waje to Bingi Roads in Bungudu Local Government Area, the Kwatarkwashi to Mada Road, and the Gusau to Jauri, Dogon Kade, Dan Isah Nasarawa Mai Layi, and Nasarawa Godel roads, which connect Gusau, Bungudu, Kauran Namoda, and Birnin Magaji LGAs.

According to a statement by the spokesperson for the Zamfara governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the Tashar Abu, Kekun Waje, and Bingi Road project will include road reconstruction, earthworks, two pavement constructions, drainage, and erosion control, and is expected to be completed in 18 months.

The statement also noted that reconstruction of the Kwatarkwashi to Mada Road has been awarded to Zhongcheng Construction Nigeria Limited, with a 12-month completion timeline.

The Gusau to Jauri to Dogon Kade to Nasarawa Mailayi to Nasarawa Godel Road project spans approximately 53 kilometres and was awarded to CCECC Nigeria Limited for completion within 18 months.

At the launch of the final phase of the Gusau to Nasarawa Godel Road, Governor Lawal described these three projects as key milestones in his administration’s Rescue Mission to restore hope, rebuild infrastructure, improve security, and expand opportunities for the people of Zamfara.

He said, “Our administration recognises that good road infrastructure is essential for economic growth, security, social development, and the overall well-being of our people. This is why we continue to prioritise projects that directly improve the lives of our citizens and strengthen connectivity across the State.

“The project will directly affect four Local Government Areas, with the proposed distribution of road length as follows: 5 kilometres for Gusau Local Government Area, 12 kilometres for Bungudu Local Government Area, 9 kilometres for Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, and 27 kilometres for Birnin Magaji Local Government Area.

“The scope of works comprises not only earthworks but also construction of culverts of various types and sizes; reinforced concrete lined drains at identified locations; erosion control and protection work; and other associated road works necessary for the proper completion and durability of the project.

“It also includes the construction of three bridges comprising 3-span, 2-span and 10-span structures, to improve safe and reliable passage along the road corridor.”

IGR: Governor Lawal recruits technical staff for revenue agency

Governor Dauda Lawal has approved the recruitment of additional technical staff across various career cadres at the Zamfara State Internal Revenue Service (ZIRS).

The decision was in line with the state government’s efforts to strengthen revenue generation.

The Service has begun the recruitment process in line with approved workforce requirements and applicable public service procedures.

The technical staff recruited are in Tax Administration, Legal Services, Public Enlightenment, Information, Photography, and Information and Communication Technology.

The written examination for the ZIRS recruitment was conducted on 11 July 2026, with 484 candidates in attendance. The scripts were independently assessed by the recruitment committee.

Candidates were assessed on their academic and professional credentials, communication skills, technical competence, presentation, attitude, and general knowledge.

After completing the various stages, including the collation and verification of results, seventy-five (75) candidates passed and were selected for appointment.

The Zamfara State Internal Revenue Service reiterated that the selection process emphasised merit and competence, compliance with the advertised requirements, credential verification, and, finally, fairness and transparency.

FG donates tricycle ambulances to boost healthcare in Zamfara

The Zamfara State Government had ltaken delivery of five tricycle ambulances donated by the Federal Ministry of Health through the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) to strengthen emergency medical services and improve access to maternal healthcare, particularly in rural and underserved communities across the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nafisa Muhammad Maradun, received the ambulances through the State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (SEMSAS).

Speaking during the presentation, Dr. Maradun said the vehicles would be deployed to four MAMII Local Government Areas to complement existing emergency transportation services and improve access to essential maternal healthcare.

She explained that the intervention was aimed at addressing transportation challenges faced by pregnant women, especially those in remote communities where conventional ambulance services were difficult to access.

According to the Commissioner, the tricycle ambulances will facilitate timely access to antenatal care, safe delivery and other essential maternal and newborn healthcare services.

According to her, the intervention aligns with Governor Dauda Lawal’s Rescue Mission Agenda, which prioritises accessible, affordable and quality healthcare for the people of Zamfara State.

The Commissioner further stated that the additional vehicles would complement the state government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen primary healthcare delivery and improve maternal and newborn health outcomes at the grassroots.

On the occasion, Dr. Maradun also inspected the ongoing renovation and equipping of the SEMSAS Call Centre, where she assessed its operational readiness and emergency response capacity.

The Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Health, Gusau, Sulaiman Isah, reports that the 24-hour call centre is responsible for receiving emergency calls and coordinating ambulance services across the state to ensure prompt responses to medical emergencies.

The development is expected to strengthen emergency transportation services and reduce delays in accessing essential healthcare, particularly for pregnant women and other vulnerable residents in rural communities.