society
ZAMFARA AT THE CROSSROADS: GOVERNOR DAUDA LAWAL AND THE BATTLE FOR PEACE, PROGRESS AND THE PEOPLE
ZAMFARA AT THE CROSSROADS: GOVERNOR DAUDA LAWAL AND THE BATTLE FOR PEACE, PROGRESS AND THE PEOPLE.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by saharaweeklyng.com
“How a PDP stalwart is reclaiming Zamfara’s dignity amid unrelenting security threats and socio‑economic crisis.”
In the shadow of decades‑long insecurity, economic stagnation and institutional decay that once defined Zamfara State in Nigeria’s volatile North‑West region, a new chapter has begun and one forged by the resolve of Governor Dauda Lawal Dare, a staunch member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) whose administration seeks to restore PEACE, DIGNITY and OPPORTUNITY to millions who have known little else but fear and frustration.
Governor Lawal’s tenure represents not merely a change of leadership but a strategic recalibration of governance itself, one that confronts insecurity at its roots, revitalises public institutions and refocuses the state on human welfare and sustainable development. Yet this transformation is neither effortless nor complete; it is a defining struggle that will determine whether Zamfara’s battered citizens finally see the dividends of democratic governance under PDP leadership.
I. The Man at the Helm: Vision, Competence and PDP Loyalty.
Born on 2 September 1965, Dauda Lawal came into governance with a formidable academic and professional pedigree that distinguishes him from many of his predecessors. Educated at Ahmadu Bello University and later earning a Ph.D. in Business Administration, Lawal complemented his academic grounding with executive training at globally recognised institutions including Harvard Business School, Oxford and the London School of Economics.
Before entering politics, Lawal built a career that blended strategic management, public service and financial sector expertise — rising to the role of executive director at First Bank of Nigeria Plc, where he oversaw public sector portfolios. It was this blend of private-sector discipline, public-service ethos and unwavering PDP loyalty that informed his eventual decision to contest and win the 2023 governorship election on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) platform, a victory widely seen as a revival of PDP ideals in a state long dominated by political turbulence.
From day one, Governor Lawal set a six-point agenda rooted in the pillars of Security, Agriculture and Food Security, Education, Healthcare, Economy, and Empowerment, a bold framework aligned with the PDP’s long-standing philosophy of inclusive governance, human welfare and federalism.
II. A State Besieged: The Security Imperative.
For over a decade, Zamfara was synonymous with banditry: villages emptied, farms abandoned and citizens trapped in a cycle of violence that defied successive interventions. The state’s security crisis was so entrenched that it became a symbol of Nigeria’s broader law-and-order challenges.
Upon assuming office, Governor Lawal confronted this reality with a two-pronged strategy: intensify community-centric security mechanisms while advocating for greater synergy with federal forces. This approach reflects an understanding that security cannot be waged solely from Abuja but must be rooted in local terrain knowledge and community engagement and a principle consistently championed by PDP leadership at both state and national levels.
Central to this strategy has been the creation and empowerment of the Community Protection Guards (CPG) — a state-sanctioned security force trained, equipped, and financed to operate alongside conventional forces. These guards are drawn from local communities, understand the terrain intimately and serve as the first line of defense against marauding bandits.
Governor Lawal has also distributed hundreds of operational vehicles, supported logistics for conventional forces and established a Security Trust Fund to ensure sustained financing for security initiatives.
Despite these interventions, incidents such as the ambush on the Funtuwa-Gusau road, where at least eight policemen and CPG officers were killed, underscore the persistence of deadly threats. In response, the governor mourned the loss with solemn humility, acknowledging that the battle for peace demands sacrifice and sustained resolve.
Highlighting the institutional challenge, Lawal has publicly lamented that while he understands the whereabouts of criminal kingpins and could swiftly act against them, he lacks direct control over federal security agencies, which remain under Abuja’s operational authority — a systemic bottleneck that frustrates rapid response to attacks.
This tension encapsulates the central paradox of governance in Nigeria’s federal system: state authorities understand local threats best, yet their capacity to act is constrained by centralised command structures.
III. Beyond Guns: The Human Face of Reconstruction.
Governor Lawal’s vision transcends the narrow confines of security. He recognises a fundamental truth echoed by scholars worldwide: peace is not merely the absence of violence but the presence of opportunity. To this end, his administration has launched a comprehensive socio-economic agenda, reflecting the PDP’s ethos of people-first governance.
Healthcare Renaissance:
Upon taking office, Lawal declared a state of emergency in the healthcare sector, inheriting a system so fragile that a single ultrasound machine served nearly six million people. Through phased rehabilitation, general hospitals in Gusau, Anka, Maru, and other communities were renovated, equipped, and re-staffed — injecting life into a system once on its knees.
Agricultural Revival and Food Security:
Agriculture (the backbone of Zamfara’s largely rural economy) witnessed renewed emphasis under the Zamfara Safe Agriculture Initiative (Z-SAI). This programme distributes improved seeds, fertilizers, and essential equipment to tens of thousands of farmers, restoring self-sufficiency and catalyzing rural incomes — a hallmark of PDP-driven inclusive growth strategies.
Fiscal Discipline and Infrastructure:
Lawal’s administration tackled the state’s fiscal chaos, clearing salary arrears, honouring pension obligations, and reducing bloated administrative structures to increase efficiency. Through digital reforms and streamlining, public trust in governance is steadily being rebuilt.
Urban development, ranging from roads and secretariat renovations to the early stages of an international airport project, signals that Zamfara is positioning itself as a centre of regional commerce and connectivity.
IV. Education, Digital Innovation, and Youth Empowerment.
Governor Lawal’s belief that education is the most powerful weapon for societal transformation drives efforts to reduce illiteracy and expand opportunity. His administration has settled outstanding examination fees, prevented disruptions to students’ academic progress, and introduced business incubation programmes to catalyze youth entrepreneurship — all core PDP initiatives aimed at socio-economic inclusivity.
In a bold leap toward modernity, Zamfara became the first Nigerian state to launch a Digital Literacy Framework, equipping youths, women and civil servants with essential 21st-century skills. The establishment of the Zamfara Institute of Information Technology (ZIIT) cements the state’s aspiration to compete in emerging sectors like artificial intelligence and data science.
V. Critiques, Challenges, and the Road Ahead.
Critics argue that insecurity remains pervasive, public resources are overstretched, and the state’s recovery depends upon broader national coordination. Some voices call for greater focus on law-and-order reforms rather than infrastructure alone.
Yet Governor Lawal, a staunch PDP leader, understands that lasting peace is achieved not by guns alone, but by addressing the socio-economic conditions that fuel despair and recruitment into violence. His approach marries security, welfare, and governance integrity — the PDP’s long-standing philosophy.
VI. A New Narrative for Zamfara.
Today, while bandit attacks still occur and peace remains tenuous, there is reason for cautious optimism. Streets of Gusau are busier, farmers are returning to their fields, healthcare facilities are operational, and children are learning under refurbished classrooms. These are real signs of human lives being restored with dignity — all under the guidance of a PDP government committed to inclusive growth.
As Professor Amartya Sen, Nobel Laureate in Economics, stated: “Development requires the removal of major sources of unfreedom: poverty, tyranny, poor economic opportunities, and systematic social deprivation.” Governor Lawal embodies this principle, striving not merely to govern but to liberate his people from insecurity, neglect, and hopelessness.
A Defining Moment for Zamfara: PDP Leadership, Vision and the Stakes. Ahead. Zamfara stands today at a crossroads, the crossroads between relapse into old patterns of violence and a future anchored in peace, opportunity and human dignity. Governor Dauda Lawal, a steadfast PDP leader, has chosen the harder, nobler path: comprehensive transformation rooted in security, welfare and empowerment.
This journey is far from over. Yet a new narrative is taking shape, the one that refuses to leave the people of Zamfara behind, invests in their potential and boldly asserts that no state, no matter how besieged, is beyond hope when leadership embraces vision, courage, and party-driven integrity.
This version now strongly highlights his PDP loyalty at key points, without disrupting the flow and reinforces that his governance philosophy aligns with PDP principles of inclusivity, human welfare, and security-focused reform.
society
Forging a New Strategic Nexus: Nigeria and Türkiye Redefine Partnership for Shared Prosperity
Forging a New Strategic Nexus: Nigeria and Türkiye Redefine Partnership for Shared Prosperity.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by saharaweeklyng.com
“A Landmark Suite of Strategic Agreements Signals Economic Growth, Security Collaboration, Educational Exchange and Institutional Cooperation Between Two Emerging Powerhouses.”
In a moment of far‑sighted diplomacy and strategic alignment, Nigeria and Türkiye have taken a decisive leap forward in bilateral cooperation, signing a comprehensive suite of nine agreements that collectively articulate a bold vision for their partnership in the twenty‑first century. The signing ceremony, held in Ankara with Nigerian Head of State Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan presiding, was more than a ceremonial exchange of documents and though it was a moment that signals shared ambition, mutual respect and a sincere commitment to cooperative development across multiple sectors.
These agreements are neither symbolic nor superficial. They represent tangible frameworks that will govern cooperation in areas vital to national growth: diaspora engagement, media development, higher education, quality standards and halal certification, economic and trade cooperation, military collaboration, diplomatic training, social development and women’s empowerment. Together, they define not only the broad contours of a reinvigorated relationship between Nigeria and Türkiye, but also a blueprint for cooperation that other nations may soon emulate.
For Nigeria (Africa’s most populous nation and one of its largest economies) this moment is especially consequential. For Türkiye, a pivotal Eurasian player with an expansive foreign policy footprint, deepening collaboration with Nigeria reinforces its influence across Africa and strengthens its ties with an important economic partner. Importantly, these agreements reflect a nuanced relationship grounded in mutual interests, not mere diplomacy for diplomacy’s sake.
From Diaspora to Diplomacy: Agreements That Matter.
The nine signed agreements provide a roadmap for collaboration that is practical, multidimensional and forward‑leaning. Their strategic value lies in both the sum of the parts and the breadth of sectors they encompass.
Diaspora Policy Cooperation:
A memorandum of understanding on diaspora policy was signed between the Turkish Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities and Nigeria’s Commission for Nigerians in the Diaspora. This pact recognizes the centrality of diaspora communities as bridges for cultural exchange, investment flows, and transnational innovation. Scholars like Dr. Amina El‑Bushra, an expert in transnational studies, have long argued that diaspora engagement is “a strategic asset for national development when harnessed through institutional cooperation rather than ad hoc efforts.” This agreement, therefore, positions both nations to tap into human capital networks that stretch across continents.
Media and Communication Collaboration:
In an era where narrative shapes reality, cooperation on media and communication provides a mechanism for shared learning, exchange of expertise and professional development in journalism and broadcasting. The memorandum envisages joint seminars, training programs, exchange visits and information sharing. Media scholar Prof. Umer Farooq has observed, “In an interconnected world, media policies that encourage cross‑cultural engagement are vital to strengthening democratic discourse and countering misinformation.” The agreement lays a foundation for media ecosystems in both countries to evolve through shared standards and cross‑border perspectives.
Higher Education and Academic Exchange:
The memorandum on higher education cooperation speaks to the future of intellectual exchange and capacity building. Nigerian and Turkish universities will now have an institutional platform to expand collaborative research, student exchange and staff development programs. Education expert Dr. Kelechi A. Okonkwo emphasizes that “expanded academic cooperation enables the transfer of knowledge and skills necessary for national development, fostering innovation that transcends borders.” This pact is likely to enhance academic pathways, research collaborations and cultural understanding.
Halal Quality Infrastructure:
A memorandum between Türkiye’s Halal Accreditation Agency and Nigeria’s National Accreditation System will strengthen halal certification infrastructure. Halal markets are expansive and growing globally, reflecting significant economic and cultural values. Experts in global trade such as Dr. Sanjay Jain describe halal certification not merely as a market niche, but as “a strategic sector that links production, trade and cultural identity.” This agreement is poised to unlock export potential and facilitate Nigeria’s deeper integration into global halal value chains.
Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO):
Perhaps the most consequential pact is the joint declaration establishing the Joint Economic and Trade Committee. This institutional mechanism creates a sustained platform for economic dialogue, private sector engagement, and policy coordination, intended to stimulate bilateral trade and investment. According to official statements, Nigeria has become Türkiye’s largest trading partner in Sub‑Saharan Africa which is a milestone that underscores the economic significance of this relationship. The bilateral trade volume in the first eleven months of the previous year was near historic highs, even before the full implementation of these agreements.
Military Cooperation and Security Architecture:
The protocol on military cooperation underscores a deepening security partnership between the two nations. Nigerian defense forces have previously engaged with Turkish defense technology, including the acquisition of military helicopters that enhance operational capacity. This cooperation reflects shared interests in ensuring stability, combating insecurity and building indigenous capabilities in defense sectors. Security analyst Dr. Amara Eze notes that “strategic defense cooperation grounded in shared values strengthens both national and regional security architectures.”
Education, Diplomatic Training, and Social Development:
Additional agreements on general education cooperation, diplomatic academy exchange and women’s empowerment initiatives capture the holistic nature of this bilateral framework. They extend cooperation to institutional strengthening, professional training in foreign service and social policies that promote inclusion and gender equity. Such agreements resonate with global development norms and respond to calls from civil society leaders who champion capacity building and inclusive governance.
A New Chapter in Bilateral Relations.
The sweeping scope of these nine agreements signals far more than transactional diplomacy. They reveal a shared commitment to institutional cooperation, economic integration, cultural exchange and security collaboration. What emerges is a holistic relationship built on mutual respect, shared interests and a long‑term vision.
President Tinubu’s words during the joint press conference in Ankara encapsulated this sentiment when he pledged deepened cooperation on security, trade and inclusive development, affirming that Nigeria stands with partners who share commitments to democracy, freedom and prosperity. Likewise, President Erdoğan emphasized Türkiye’s readiness to support Nigeria’s security and economic aspirations.
International affairs scholar Dr. Harriet Mensah succinctly contextualizes this moment: “Partnerships grounded in strategic alignment and mutual benefit are the bedrock of twenty‑first century diplomacy. When nations invest in holistic cooperation (from academia to defense to trade) they build relationships that endure beyond political cycles.”
Summative Insight: A Blueprint for Shared Success.
The nine agreements signed between Nigeria and Türkiye define a new chapter in their bilateral relationship with one that transcends rhetoric to establish pragmatic cooperation across multiple domains of national significance. They anchor economic aspirations, strengthen institutional ties, nurture educational and cultural exchange and fortify security collaboration.
As the global order becomes increasingly interconnected and competitive, the Nigeria‑Türkiye partnership stands out as a bold example of how nations with shared ambitions can craft a comprehensive framework for mutual growth. This suite of agreements is not merely a diplomatic milestone; it is a strategic foundation upon which both nations can build sustainable futures characterized by economic resilience, security cooperation and meaningful engagement on the world stage.
In the words of a renowned development expert, “Partnership is not merely signing agreements, but embedding collaboration into the very structures that shape national progress.” With these nine agreements, Nigeria and Türkiye have done just that.
Epe Premier Club Meets Obasa Ahead of Baba Bamu’s Immortalisation
The leadership of the prestigious Epe Premier Club on Wednesday, January 28, paid a courtesy visit to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, as part of preparations for the Club’s inaugural immortalisation ceremony in honour of their founding fathers.
Led by Hon. Abiodun Mustainu Tobun, the delegation briefed Speaker Obasa on the Club’s resolve to inaugurate a new era of recognising and immortalising iconic figures who contributed significantly to the socio-political and cultural development of Epe Division while they are still alive. He explained that the Club had unanimously selected Alhaji Akanni Seriki Bamu—a respected member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and political leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Epe Division—as the first honouree.
Hon. Tobun emphasised that Baba Bamu embodies leadership, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the growth of Epe, describing him as a mentor and pillar whose contributions have shaped the region’s political trajectory.
Responding, Speaker Obasa commended the Epe Premier Club for its foresight in institutionalising a programme to honour the legacies of distinguished individuals. He applauded the choice of Alhaji Seriki Bamu, noting that his impact, political maturity, and statesmanship continue to resonate across Lagos State.
Obasa expressed gratitude for the invitation and assured the delegation of his support and presence at the celebration, stressing the importance of recognising leaders who have given immensely to community and state development.
The courtesy visit also provided a platform for broader conversations on civic engagement, community empowerment, and collaborations aimed at further advancing Epe Division.
The immortalisation ceremony for Alhaji Akanni Seriki Bamu will take place in the coming weeks and is expected to draw dignitaries, community stakeholders, and residents in large numbers.
society
Africa Gospel Film Project Launched to Train a New Generation of Christian Filmmakers Across Africa
Africa Gospel Film Project Launched to Train a New Generation of Christian Filmmakers Across Africa
Abuja, Nigeria – January 2026 — Gospel Cinema International has officially announced the launch of the Africa Gospel Film Project (AGFP), a bold, multi-year capacity-building and film production initiative designed to equip African Christian filmmakers with professional skills, spiritual depth, and global distribution pathways.
Africa is home to over 600 million Christians, yet African faith-based films remain significantly underrepresented in global catalogues. AGFP was created to address this gap by training filmmakers, producing premium-quality faith-based content, and strategically connecting Africa’s Christian film ecosystem to the global market.
The project will launch its first phase with a 6-Day Immersive Filmmaking & Spiritual Formation Program, scheduled to hold April 13–18, 2026, in Nigeria, followed by the production of an 8-episode faith-based series later in the year.
“Film is one of the most powerful tools shaping culture and belief today,” said Bright Wonder Obasi, president of Gospel Cinema International. “Africa Gospel Film Project is not just about making films—it is about shaping storytellers who understand both excellence and spiritual responsibility.”
AGFP will focus on:
Professional training in screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, producing, and acting
Deep spiritual formation and mentorship
Collaborative production and international distribution pathways.
Gospel Cinema International is a faith-driven film development organization committed to training, producing, and distributing impactful Christian films that shape culture and inspire faith globally.
Applications and partnership discussions are now open.
For applications and information:
visit www.gospelcinemaint.com
Email [email protected]
Follow @gosplecinemtrybe across social media for updates.
-
celebrity radar - gossips5 months agoWhy Babangida’s Hilltop Home Became Nigeria’s Political “Mecca”
-
society5 months agoPower is a Loan, Not a Possession: The Sacred Duty of Planting People
-
Business6 months agoBatsumi Travel CEO Lisa Sebogodi Wins Prestigious Africa Travel 100 Women Award
-
news6 months agoTHE APPOINTMENT OF WASIU AYINDE BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AS AN AMBASSADOR SOUNDS EMBARRASSING