Opinion
Gov. Dauda Lawal Rescue Mission And The Parable Of One Good Turn
By Sani Bello Hamza
Dauda Lawal is one of the most visionary, forward-looking and hardworking governors in Nigeria. He has inscribed his golden name is the hearts of Zamfarawa and beyond. People all over the country are envying and praying for their governors to be like him or copy his elegance and style of leadership. Because of his dedication to service and determination to rescue the people of Zamfara state.
In November 2023, I wrote an article titled; “Dauda Lawal on My Radar”. In the article, I took my audience through a tourist-like journey to Zamfara state in which I explained how the governor embarked on a transformative journey to rescue the good people of Zamfara state. I concluded by highlighting some of the capital and human development projects situated across various locations in the state to actualize this good will.
Unknowing to us, Gov. Dauda Lawal was just starting with his realistic education policies and sound economic decisions.
Today, I am not going to talk about how the governor revive the image of Zamfara state in the eye of the world; we are all aware of that.
I am also not going to talk about how he stabilize the economy of the state there by attracting foreign investors, this is a known fact to all. I will also not dwell on how the governor is loved and cherished by his people, it is obvious and we all can explain that.
What I am going to talk about is how he revive and redesign the security architecture of Zamfara state to rescue the state from sinking and falling to the hands of bandits and saboteurs. I will also talk about the huge amount of money invested and to be invested in education, Health and Agriculture as highlighted in the Rescue Mission Budget.
We all know the primary duty of every government is to protect the lives and properties of its citizens, prevent them from external attack and undue hardship. Before now, Zamfara state was regarded as a Bandits den, people were not able to go out peacefully to pursue their daily activities.
With coming of the people’s governor the issue of insecurity in Zamfara will by the grace of God become history within the shortest period. With the combined effort of the Nigerian Army, police and the recently unveiled Community Protection Guard insecurity will be reduced to the barest minimum and there will be no hiding place for bandits in the state. The Community Protection Guard is a composition of vibrant young men selected from various local governments of the state to contribute in the fight against bandits and kidnappers.
Before now, quality education in Zamfara state was for the elites alone. The masses cannot afford to pay the huge amount of money in private schools and were left with remnant of the decayed educational facilities in public schools. Children of the masses were studying in classes without roofs and chairs, their teachers were also left hungry without salary for several months.
The story changed with coming of the people’s Governor, Zamfara state primary and secondary education is now witnessing a complete overhaul. The governor has declared state of emergency in the education sector. In addition to that, the governor has also commenced the construction and renovation of 245 schools accros the 14 local governments of the state. A total of 9,542 two-seater desks will also be provided to all the the schools accros the state. 619 tables and 626 chairs will also be provided to the teachers to make learning fun, conducive and interactive. Is that all? certainly No!
Few days ago, the people’s governor declared a state of emergency in the Health sector to solve the lingering challenges in the sector. In line with his campaign promises, the governor will provide free maternal and child health care to reduce child mortality and morbidity.
A special attention will also be given to primary healthcare in remote areas to make sure they are not left out of the scheme.
The welfare and well-being of full time staff and casual workers will also be a top priority. An external supervision team will also be set to check erring staff.
This is indeed a sign that the governor is not here for the title of “Governor” he is here to serve and change the lives of his people.
Even though some things are not meant for the consumption of the public, however, what governor Dauda Lawal is doing in Zamfara state is worth all publicity. Our Dear Governor ought to be trending as the number one topic on every social media platform.
It is now over to you Zamfarawa to replicate the good deed as the popular saying goes; One good Turn deserves another. Gov. Dauda deserve your prayer, support and commendation in return of his tireless effort to Development of Zamfara state. May Dauda Succeed!
Sani Bello Hamza is a Law student at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, he writes from Zaria and can be reached through his email; sanibellohamza@gmail.com or 09013506168.
Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources, says the federal government plans to commence implementing the drill-or-drop provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Section 94 of the PIA gives operators a period of three years to begin oil production or relinquish the assets to the federal government.
Speaking during the Cross Industry Group (CIG) meeting held on Tuesday in Florence, Italy, Lokpobiri said it is in the best interest of the country that all inactive wells go to work.
He said the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has provided every necessary incentive to ensure international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria run smoothly and profitably.
“Now, it is imperative for these industry players to match the government’s efforts with increased investment by announcing final investment decisions (FIDs),” he said.
Furthermore, Lokpobiri discussed “the challenges, expectations, and measures to enhance the sector’s contributions towards domestic energy needs and regional expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa”.
He emphasised that while IOCs have highlighted engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors as a challenge, “EPCs will not come unless they see strong commitments from industry players”.
“The government has done its part to provide the requisite and investment-friendly fiscals, the ball is now in the court of the IOCs and other operators to make strategic investment decisions that will drive increased production and sustainability in the sector,” he said.
“We must also recognise that domestic crude supply is essential to national energy security. The best solution to this challenge lies in increasing production, which will ensure a balance between domestic supply obligations and external commitments.”
The minister further urged industry players to explore collaborative measures, such as shared resources for contiguous assets and the release of underutilised assets to operators ready to invest in production.
The Progressive Students Movement (PSM), a leading Pan-African student body, has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Ogun State under Commissioner of Police (CP) Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, for its commitment to security and community engagement.
In a statement released on Thursday, the President of PSM Nigeria, Comrade Ambassador Okereafor Bestman, highlighted the CP’s efforts in strengthening collaboration between the police, stakeholders, and other security agencies to maintain peace and stability in the state.
“It is worthy of note that CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, has further fostered a harmonious working synergy between the police, stakeholders, and other security agents aimed at ensuring peace and tranquility in Ogun State,” Okereafor said.
The student leader expressed confidence in CP Ogunlowo’s leadership, stating that Ogun State is on track to becoming one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria under his administration.
He also praised the professionalism and dedication of the Ogun State Police Command in tackling crime, regardless of its scale.
Additionally, PSM acknowledged the Ogun State government’s continued support for security agencies, particularly in providing mobility and logistics to enhance their operational efficiency.
The commendation comes at a time when security remains a top priority for residents and authorities in the state, with ongoing efforts to curb crime and ensure public safety.
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
On assumption of duty in January, 2025 , the new Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, Boss and well grounded World Bank expert , Aisha Garba envisaged the need to reposition the Basic Education through interfacing with the critical stakeholders.
Amongst them is the office of the National Security Adviser , NSA, led by Malam Nuhu Ribadu whose achievements in the last few years in the area of security has become distinct and outstanding.
Therefore, seeking to cooperate and collaborate with the office became germane and needful particularly the protection of lives and properties of actors in the promotion of Basic Education ranging from the pupils , teachers , workers and facilitators to enable it drive the new wave to curb Out of School Children OOSC in the country.
Aside providing the basic security arrangements for schools , the need to engage the security apparatus at the level of National Security Adviser NSA became needful, so as to address the sophistry of security problems in the country, to nip in the bud any unforseen circumstances.
With the high rates of kidnappings, abduction , banditry, cattle rustling, ritual tendencies among many other vices, the idea of bringing on board , the security architecture of the country in all ramifications will assist the commission to consolidate the implementation of Basic Education policies and programs, also introduce new ones .
Since pupils at the Primary, Junior Secondary and Secondary Schools are prone to such ugly development and security issues , the need to be proactive on the part of the commission became timely and desiring.
This led to the success story of the bilateral interface between the management of the commission and NSA, to streamline, perfect and chart a new course on the issue of security of actors in the Basic Education.
The visit described as timely and long overdue, discussed fruitfully the way forward and the immediate and long term intervention of both agencies in the area of collaboration.
According to the Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission UBEC, Dr Aisha Garba she stated by discussing” strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing educational access and security in Nigeria. ”
She further said” the engagement focused on strategies to address challenges such as the safety of schools, particularly in vulnerable regions, and the promotion of equitable education for all children.”
“the meeting highlighted the critical intersection between education and national security and the need for collaboration between UBEC and Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), on improving access to basic education and safety of safety schools across the nation. ”
“This collaboration underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a secure and inclusive learning environment as part of its broader agenda to strengthen the nation’s educational framework,” it added.
“UBEC boss had pledged to engage critical stakeholders to break down barriers to education and create inclusive learning opportunities for children across the six geopolitical regions of the country.”
“She said: “My goal is to deliver on this mandate which includes strengthening collaboration, partnerships and institutional learning for effective service delivery. ”
“Together, we will work to increase access, improve quality, provide conducive and safe learning environments, supply adequate teaching and learning materials, and adopt the concept of ‘best fit’ in addressing specific basic education challenges, state by state and region by region”.
Highlights of the program which included the engagement of both bodies with a commitment to ensure the introduction of security architecture in schools in Nigeria is achievable.
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.