society
UN Deputy Chief Commends Governor Dauda Lawal’s Reforms, as Zamfara Unveils Development Blueprint
UN Deputy Chief Commends Governor Dauda Lawal’s Reforms, as Zamfara Unveils Development Blueprint
In a significant diplomatic endorsement, the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Hajiya Amina Mohammed, on Thursday visited Governor Dauda Lawal in Gusau, Zamfara State, where the governor formally presented his administration’s comprehensive development blueprint aimed at rebuilding the state after years of banditry, economic instability, and governance deficit.
The visit, which lasted several hours, included closed-door talks at the Government House, a brief tour of ongoing infrastructure projects, and a joint press appearance. It marks the highest-level UN visit to the North-Western state in nearly a decade.
Speaking to reporters afterward, the UN Deputy Secretary-General commended Governor Lawal for what she called tangible progress in opening up Zamfara, noting that he had made the state more accessible not just in terms of roads but by creating an enabling environment for investors and development partners. She highlighted ongoing administrative reforms, including the digitization of revenue collection and steps to strengthen the civil service, as encouraging signs that Zamfara is moving toward greater stability, economic growth, and sustainable development.
Her remarks were particularly notable given the state’s recent history, as large parts of Zamfara were until last year no-go zones for international agencies due to banditry, kidnappings, and poor road networks.
During the meeting, Governor Lawal presented a 97-page document titled the Zamfara State Development Plan 2024 to 2028, which his aides have called the “Zamfara Rising” blueprint. The plan is built on four pillars: security and rule of law; economic revival focusing on agriculture and mining reforms; human capital development including rebuilding schools and health centers; and infrastructure with an emphasis on rural roads and digital access.
Governor Lawal said the document is not just a policy paper but a covenant with the people of Zamfara and an open invitation to the world. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with international partners, including the United Nations, to promote development, improve livelihoods, and attract more investment opportunities, adding that the state has moved from survival mode to development mode. Governor Lawal, a former banker who took office in May 2023, inherited a state that the World Bank had ranked among Nigeria’s poorest and least resilient, with his predecessor’s tenure marked by accusations of mismanagement and failed amnesty deals with bandits.
While security remains the greatest challenge and critics note that rural communities still face sporadic attacks, the UN Deputy Secretary-General’s visit signals cautious optimism. She revealed that the UN system will deploy a technical team to Gusau within 30 days to align the state’s development plan with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Nigeria, and she hinted at a possible high-level donors’ conference for Zamfara later in 2026 that could attract funding from the World Bank, African Development Bank, and European Union.
society
Workers are the true drivers of Lagos’ economic success,” Obasa
“Workers are the true drivers of Lagos’ economic success,” Obasa
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, has congratulated workers in Lagos State and across Nigeria on the occasion of May 1st, the International Workers’ Day, describing them as the true drivers of the state’s economic success.
In a message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Dave Agboola, Rt. Hon. Obasa commended the resilience, dedication, and sacrifices of workers who continue to sustain the economy and uphold the values of hard work and productivity. He noted that the progress Lagos has recorded over the years would not have been possible without the steadfast commitment of its workforce.
The Speaker also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his recent efforts to give Nigerian workers a new lease of life through salary increases and other welfare-driven policies. He described these measures as timely interventions that reflect the President’s commitment to improving the living standards of the nation’s workforce.
“As we mark Workers’ Day, I salute the men and women whose labour remains the backbone of our society. Your contributions are invaluable, and your sacrifices inspire us to continue building a Lagos that thrives on fairness, innovation, and opportunity for all,” the Speaker said.
Dr. Obasa further assured workers that the Lagos State House of Assembly remains committed to enacting laws and policies that protect their rights, enhance their welfare, and create an environment that fosters sustainable growth. He urged them to remain steadfast and hopeful, emphasizing that their efforts would continue to shape a brighter future for Lagos State and Nigeria at large.
On behalf of the Lagos State House of Assembly, the Speaker wished all workers a Happy Workers’ Day.
society
Grace Nation PHDS: “Groaning in the Spirit Breaks Perpetual Bondage” — Dr Chris Okafor
Grace Nation PHDS: “Groaning in the Spirit Breaks Perpetual Bondage”
— Dr Chris Okafor
…No demonic force can withstand spiritual groaning
…The spiritual realm overrides the physical
Praying in the Spirit—particularly through groaning and speaking in tongues—has the capacity to break longstanding bondage and provoke immediate divine intervention.
This was the central message delivered by the Generational Prophet and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Global, Dr Chris Okafor, during the Midweek Prophetic Healing, Deliverance and Solutions (PHDS) service at the church’s international headquarters in Ojodu Berger, Lagos.
Speaking during prophetic declarations, Dr Okafor emphasized that when believers engage in deep, Spirit-led prayer, especially in unknown tongues, they activate a higher dimension of divine response.
According to him, such prayers attract immediate attention from God and can alter difficult situations.
He noted that strategic and intense prayer against forces of bondage can shift negative circumstances. “When you engage the Spirit at that level, God steps in and rewrites the narrative in your favour,” he stated.
Addressing the sub-theme of spiritual slavery and bondage, the cleric explained that groaning in the Spirit disrupts negative spiritual influences. He added that speaking in tongues creates confusion within what he described as opposing spiritual forces, leading to a breakdown of their operations.
Prophetic Moments and Outreach
The service reportedly took on a heightened prophetic dimension, with sessions focused on deliverance and restoration.
According to the church, individuals experienced breakthroughs as prayers were offered over various personal challenges.
In a notable outreach gesture, the ministry distributed over 70 wedding gowns to single women, while also making prophetic declarations concerning families seeking children, with 27 “miracle baby” blessings pronounced during the service.
Prayer for the Nation
The PHDS gathering concluded with prayers for Nigeria, as Dr Okafor called for divine guidance for national leaders ahead of the country’s upcoming political activities.
The service combined teaching, prophetic engagement, and humanitarian gestures, reflecting the ministry’s emphasis on spiritual intervention and social support.
society
Workers Day: Ajadi Felicitates Civil Servants, Promises Continuous Welfarism Policies If Elected As Governor
Workers Day: Ajadi Felicitates Civil Servants, Promises Continuous Welfarism Policies If Elected As Governor
As workers across the World celebrate their day on Friday, May 1, 2026, a leading Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has rejoiced with the workers in Oyo State.
This is as he also promised to continue the welfarism policies and enhancement of civil servants by the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde when elected as the Governor of the state in 2027.
International Workers’ Day, also called Labour Day or May Day is a celebration of labourers and the workforce that is promoted by the international labour movement and occurs every year on May 1.
Ajadi, in a statement on Thursday, said that workers are the engine rooms of development all over the world, saying that their contributions to national development and growth cannot be ignored by any government.
He then rejoiced with the workers on the occasion of their annual day and wished them a good celebration.
Ajadi, a business tycoon and employer of labour, said that the harsh economy is telling hard on the living conditions of workers, promising that a PDP-led government at the federal level will introduce workers’ friendly policies.
He used the occasion of this year’s Workers Day to commend Governor Seyi Makinde for his good working relations with the workers and more importantly for the prompt payment of salaries and pension for workers and retirees.
“I thank our leader, Governor Seyi Makinde for his love for the workers, and regular payment of salaries on the 25th of every month is commendable,” Ajadi said.
He promised that when elected, he will continue the workers friendly policies of Governor Seyi Makinde of the state.
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