Governor Dauda Lawal Wins Face of Africa Governor of the Year Award in London

Governor Dauda Lawal has been honored with the Outstanding Governor of the Year award by Triangle Media International Magazine.

The award was presented during the magazine’s 10th annual lecture and award ceremony, held on Thursday at the Grand Hall of King’s College, London, United Kingdom.

According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the awards recognize public and private sector leaders whose leadership positively impacts governance and service delivery.

He added that the lecture, themed “Harnessing the Roles of Nigerians in Diaspora for National Development,” brought together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.

The statement read in part: “Yesterday, in London, Governor Dauda Lawal received the 2026 Face of Africa Leadership Award for Outstanding Governor of the Year.

“The 2026 edition coincides with the 10th anniversary of Triangle International Magazine, which has over the years celebrated notable Africans across diverse fields.

“The award recognizes the Zamfara State Government under Governor Lawal’s leadership for achieving remarkable milestones in service delivery since his inauguration on 29 May 2023.

“The board of Triangle International noted that, despite inheriting an empty treasury, Governor Dauda Lawal has remained true to the Rescue Agenda’s campaign promise: to rescue and rebuild Zamfara.

“The award also reflects the state government’s innovative approach to indirectly curbing insecurity through educational advancement, demonstrated by the declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector.

“This includes the state government’s swift payment of the outstanding N3.4 billion for WAEC and NECO examinations, as well as the reconstruction and rehabilitation of schools across all 14 Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.

“The international magazine finds these initiatives to be strategic interventions toward long-term efforts to make Zamfara State better.”

The colourful event was attended by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Sahara Group’s Group Managing Director, Kola Adesina, among others.

Easter: Oyo PDP Guber Aspirant, Ajadi, Greets Gov Makinde, CAN, Others 

The leading Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Governorship Aspirant in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has congratulated the Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde, the Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN), the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, (PFN) and the entire Christians on the occasion of this year’s Easter Celebration.

Ajadi said that the Good Friday which marked the remembrance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the Easter Sunday, which marks his risen from the dead, are important dates in the Christiandom.

Ajadi in a statement he personally signed on Friday to commemorate the Easter, said that he rejoiced with Christians that this year’s celebration is being witnessed in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility in the country.

He said that he particularly rejoiced with Gov Makinde saying that his exemplary leadership and good governance in Oyo State in the last seven years has shown him as a selfless person, a lover of the masses and one who cares for others.

He said that these are the traits of a good Christian, praying that God would continue to endear the governor with more wisdom and success.

He called on Christians to remember Jesus Christ’s directive that they should love their neighbours as themselves, saying that if this directive is strictly followed there would be peace in the World.

Ajadi, who is also a renowned philanthropist, called on Christians, especially the well to do, to learn the heart of helping the poor.

He said that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ will not be in vain if Christians can abide by his directive on humility and love for one another.

Ajadi said that there is hope for Nigeria as a country despite the present harsh economy and prevalent of insecurity.

“We should take solace in the fact that God can do all things and that like He restores the lost glory and resources of the people of Zion, He will do same for Nigeria.

“Nigeria will reclaim her leading position both in Africa and among the black Nations. Let’s continue to pray for the good of our land,” Ajadi said in the statement.

POCACOV Intensifies Sensitization on Cultism, Bullying, and Social Vices Among Students in Edo

In commemoration of the 2026 National Police Day Celebration, the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), Edo State Command, has reinforced its preventive policing efforts through a targeted sensitization outreach at Igbinedion Education Centre, Benin City.

The initiative forms part of the broader activities marking this year’s National Police Day, themed “Community Partnership: Building Trust,” which emphasizes collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the public in fostering a safer society.

The sensitization programme witnessed the presence of key stakeholders, including the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, the Police Public Relations Officer, and the Edo State POCACOV Coordinator, ASP Kingsley Upeh. The team engaged students in an insightful and impactful session focused on the dangers of cultism, bullying, and other social vices prevalent among youths.

During the session, students were educated on the severe and far-reaching consequences of cult-related activities. These include violence, loss of lives, disruption of academic pursuits, and long-term damage to personal reputation and future opportunities. The speakers also highlighted how peer pressure, drug abuse, and negative social influences often serve as gateways into criminal behavior.

In an interactive segment, the Commissioner of Police stressed the legal implications of engaging in criminal acts, noting that involvement in cultism and related offences could lead to arrest, prosecution, and lifelong consequences that may hinder personal growth and career aspirations.

The issue of bullying was also extensively addressed, with emphasis on both its legal ramifications and psychological impact on victims. Students were encouraged to speak up against bullying, report incidents to school authorities or law enforcement, and support peers who may be affected.

Furthermore, the outreach underscored the importance of self-discipline, moral values, and making informed life choices. Students were urged to become ambassadors of peace within their schools and communities by rejecting violence and promoting unity and mutual respect.

The POCACOV team reiterated its commitment to continuous engagement with young people through awareness campaigns, community outreach, and strategic partnerships aimed at preventing crime before it occurs. The initiative aligns with the Nigeria Police Force’s proactive approach to policing, which prioritizes education, prevention, and community involvement.