The Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, has been honoured with the ZIK International Peace and Leadership Award in Accra, Ghana, amid commendations from organisers over what they described as strides in public sector leadership and economic reforms under his administration.
Lawal received the recognition at the 7th edition of the ZIK International Peace and Leadership Award ceremony held on Friday at the British Council, Accra. The event also featured a high-level lecture themed, “Leadership, Peace, and Regional Integration: Advancing Africa’s Development in a Changing Global Order.”
According to the award organisers, the Zamfara governor was selected based on perceived improvements in governance, particularly in public sector leadership and economic restructuring efforts within the state.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the ZIK Pan-African Award, His Royal Highness Professor Echefuna R.G. Onyeabadi, stated that the initiative was designed to honour individuals who have made significant contributions to public service and societal development.
In his acceptance speech, Lawal dedicated the award to the people of Zamfara State, describing it as a motivation to further drive his administration’s agenda.
“This award is dedicated to all the people of Zamfara State. My administration has been working tirelessly to ensure the state can compete with any other in Nigeria. That was our promise, and we have surpassed expectations in just three years,” he said.
The governor highlighted several initiatives undertaken by his government, including urban renewal projects, the construction of a modern airport, and reforms across security, education, healthcare, and the civil service.
He emphasised the significance of the airport project, noting that Zamfara had not witnessed such infrastructure development in over three decades since its creation.
“We have made great strides in security, civil service reform, education, health, and other sectors,” Lawal added.
Expressing appreciation to the organisers, the governor maintained that the recognition would spur him to intensify efforts toward repositioning the state.
“It means a lot to me and will motivate me to do even more for my people. Zamfara is on the rise,” he said.
