Governor Lawal Honored with Leadership Newspaper Governor of the Year Award, Pledges Continued Commitment to Zamfara’s Development

The Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Dauda Lawal, Ph.D., has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering dedication to fostering tangible progress and rebuilding public trust in the governance of Zamfara State. His commitment to the state’s development was underscored during the recent Leadership Newspaper annual conference, where he was awarded the LEADERSHIP Newspaper Governor of the Year Award today Thursday 12th of February at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.

This award symbolizes recognition from the LEADERSHIP Newspaper, which aims to honor distinguished figures who have made significant contributions worthy of national admiration. According to a statement released by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the annual awards and conference highlight exemplary leadership and achievements across various sectors in Nigeria.

The event was graced by notable figures, including Dr. Amina Mohammed, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, who delivered an insightful keynote address. Dr. Mohammed elaborated on this year’s theme: “Political Stability and Sustainable Development in Africa in an Increasingly Unstable Global System: A Roadmap for Nigeria,” emphasizing the critical need for strong governance to navigate contemporary challenges.

When presenting the award to Governor Lawal, the LEADERSHIP Newspaper highlighted the governor’s exemplary leadership qualities and his comprehensive transformative initiatives that have marked significant progress in Zamfara State. The statement noted, “Governor Dauda Lawal’s remarkable performance and courageous leadership have positioned Zamfara on a renewed path of progress, peace, and sustainable development.”

This recognition is a testament to the impactful policies and initiatives launched under Governor Lawal’s administration, including efforts to enhance security, improve infrastructure, and promote economic growth. The newspaper concluded that Governor Lawal’s leadership reflects excellence and profound commitment to the welfare of his constituents, making him exceptionally deserving of this esteemed national recognition.

Notably, this accolade follows closely on the heels of another significant honor bestowed upon the governor just two weeks prior, when he was named The Sun Newspaper Governor of the Year at a ceremony held at the Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos. These accolades signify a growing acknowledgment of his transformative leadership and the positive changes taking root in Zamfara State under his guidance.

Mrs Township Finalist 2026 Leads Community Action to Support Disadvantaged Learners

As the 2026 academic year begins, hope and compassion are taking root at Theresapark Primary School, thanks to the remarkable leadership of Mrs Nkone Maringa, a respected community member and Mrs Township South Africa Finalist 2026.

In a powerful demonstration of grassroots leadership and social responsibility, Mrs Maringa, in partnership with Theresapark Sasol Garage, spearheaded a community clean-up of the school’s garden area. The initiative was carried out in preparation for the school’s feeding scheme garden, which will support disadvantaged children with fresh, nutritious produce throughout the school year.

Planting Seeds of Change

The garden project goes beyond beautifying the school environment. It is designed to become a sustainable source of food for learners who rely on the school feeding programme as a vital lifeline. By preparing the land ahead of the school reopening, Mrs Maringa and her partners ensured that planting can begin immediately, setting the tone for a productive and caring 2026.

“This project is about dignity, nutrition, and giving our children a healthy start to the year,” the initiative reflects—aligning perfectly with Mrs Maringa’s long-standing commitment to community upliftment.

A Record of Community Impact

Mrs Nkone Maringa’s involvement at Theresapark Primary School is one of several impactful projects she has undertaken in her community. Known for her hands-on approach, she consistently mobilizes local businesses, volunteers, and stakeholders to address real needs—especially those affecting children, women, and vulnerable groups.

Her work embodies the core values of the Mrs Township South Africa platform: leadership, service, empowerment, and positive social change. As a finalist for the 2026 title, Mrs Maringa continues to prove that true leadership is measured not by titles alone, but by tangible impact on the ground.

Corporate–Community Partnership in Action

The collaboration with Theresapark Sasol Garage highlights the power of partnerships between local businesses and community leaders. Their support played a crucial role in making the clean-up initiative successful, demonstrating how corporate social responsibility can directly transform lives at a grassroots level.

Looking Ahead

With the garden now prepared, Theresapark Primary School is set to launch its feeding scheme garden as learners return for the new academic year. The project stands as a symbol of hope, resilience, and collective effort.

As Mrs Nkone Maringa continues her journey as a Mrs Township South Africa Finalist 2026, her work at Theresapark Primary School serves as a shining example of how passion, partnership, and purpose can create lasting change—one garden, one child, and one community at a time.

‘I Never Indicted Egbetokun’ — Jesam Michael Rebuts Sowore’s Allegations

Abuja — Businessman Jesam Michael has strongly refuted claims attributed to him in a recent report by activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore, describing the publication as false, misleading, and a total misrepresentation of his statements.

In an exclusive chat on Saturday, Michael denied ever making the allegations credited to him by Sowore concerning the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, while both men were reportedly inmates at the Kuje Correctional Centre in October 2025.

Sowore, in a widely circulated account, claimed that Michael had alleged receiving operational support from senior police officers, including the provision of office space within the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, police protection, and the use of officers to detain individuals connected to a purported Ponzi scheme. The report further alleged financial inducements involving senior police officers.

However, Michael dismissed the account as “entirely fabricated.”

“I never made those statements to Omoyele Sowore or to anyone else,” Michael said. “At no point did I accuse the Inspector-General of Police or any senior police officer of providing me with offices, police units, or protection. The claims attributed to me are false and malicious. I only met him briefly when he came to greet Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother whom I share a block with here and there is no way we could have sat down to discuss such fabricated stories ”

Michael specifically rejected claims suggesting that he supported or “served” police officers, insisting that he never stated that he had any police unit at his disposal or that law enforcement personnel acted on his instructions.

“I never said I supported police officers or had officers working for me. That allegation did not come from me,” he said.

He also denied claims that his properties were shared among senior police officers, describing the allegation as baseless and untrue.

“At no time did I say that my properties were shared among police officers or anyone else,” Michael stated.

Additionally, Michael categorically refuted allegations credited to him that a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Dasuki Galandanchi, collected ₦250 million or played any role in silencing victims.

“I never mentioned DIG Dasuki Galandanchi, nor did I accuse him or anyone else of collecting money. That statement was never mine,” he said.

Michael further alleged that Sowore, through intermediaries, had previously attempted to persuade him to publicly indict the IGP in exchange for media backing—an offer he said he firmly rejected.

“I was approached repeatedly through a lawyer called Marshall, allegedly acting on Sowore’s behalf, asking that I make statements against the IGP so an article could be published. I refused, and I believe this publication is retaliation for that refusal,” he stated.

According to Michael, he declined to entertain the lawyer again after the initial contact, insisting that he would not be used to advance any personal or political agenda.

Sowore had earlier narrated his detention following the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, alleging harassment by police officers and accusing the IGP of acting unlawfully in office. His report cited conversations he claimed to have had with Michael during their time in custody as further evidence of alleged corruption within the Nigeria Police Force.

Michael, however, maintained that any legal issues surrounding him are already before the appropriate authorities and are being handled by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“My case is before the law. I have not, and will not, make reckless allegations against individuals or institutions to gain favour or sympathy,” he said.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force has not issued an official response to either Sowore’s allegations or Michael’s rebuttal.

The development adds a new layer to the ongoing public controversy surrounding Sowore’s claims against the police hierarchy, with Michael’s denial raising questions about the accuracy of statements attributed to private individuals in politically sensitive narratives.

Jesam Michael’s business challenges are currently being addressed at the federal high court as well as FCT high court Jabi. He is very confident that justice will surely be done at the end of the day.

Joining Sowore in his pursuit of cheap blackmail against the IGP, other senior police officers or anyone else has never and will never be a part of Jesam Michael.

To say the least, Jesam Michael is totally disgusted by the stories falsely peddled by Sowore and wishes to totally dissociate him self from the false and malicious stories told by Sowore.

Sowore should please look for another willing tool to use not Jesam Michael.