Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has said his administration is transforming the state through investments in infrastructure, institutional development, education and healthcare as the state commemorates its 30th anniversary.

Lawal made the remarks during activities marking the anniversary of Zamfara’s creation, which coincided with Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations in Gusau. Zamfara was created on October 1, 1996, after being carved out of the then Sokoto State.

The anniversary events brought together several notable figures, including Zamfara’s pioneer Military Administrator, Colonel Jibril Bala Yakubu (rtd.), former governors Ahmed Sani Yarima and Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi, alongside other government officials and stakeholders.

Speaking at the National Independence Day parade and Zamfara’s 30th anniversary celebration at the Trade Fair Complex in Gusau, Lawal said the state had moved beyond what he described as a period of despair into an era focused on project execution, transparency and sustainable development.

The governor also called on residents to take collective responsibility for the state’s future, stressing that government alone could not address all of Zamfara’s challenges.

He appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil servants, traders and young people to work together, while urging residents to put aside ethnic, political and sectarian divisions 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 state government to modernise its public institutions. The governor said the project was designed to improve coordination among government agencies, strengthen communication and make the implementation of government policies more efficient.

The commissioning also provided an opportunity to honour Colonel Jibril Bala Yakubu, after whom the secretariat is named. Yakubu, who served as Zamfara’s first Military Administrator, was present at the event and joined in the commissioning of the renovated facility.

The former military administrator commended the Lawal administration, particularly its reported investments in infrastructure, education and healthcare. His comments represent his assessment of the administration’s performance.

Another major project commissioned during the anniversary programme was the reconstructed and remodelled Jumu’at Mosque, popularly known as the Yardole Mosque, together with its adjoining shopping complex.

The project was commissioned by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III. The mosque is named after Malam Sambo Dan Ashafa, an Islamic scholar associated with Sheikh Uthman Ibn Fodiyo, and is expected to also serve as an Islamic and research learning centre.

The projects form part of a wider programme of activities organised to mark three decades of Zamfara’s existence. The state government had earlier said the anniversary would be an opportunity to reflect on Zamfara’s journey since 1996, recognise the contributions of successive administrations and consider the direction of the state in the years ahead.

While highlighting the projects and reforms undertaken by his administration, Lawal urged residents and other stakeholders to remain united as Zamfara enters another decade, particularly in the face of the security and development challenges confronting the state.

The anniversary celebrations are scheduled to include further stakeholder engagements aimed at reflecting on Zamfara’s three-decade journey and discussing its future development priorities.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia