ZIK Pan-African Award: Zamfara Gov Dauda Lawal Honoured in Ghana

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has received the ZIK International Peace and Leadership Award in Ghana in recognition of what organisers described as his contributions to public sector leadership, economic reforms and development in the state.

Lawal was honoured at the seventh ZIK International Peace and Leadership Award ceremony held on Friday at the British Council in Accra.

The event, which brought together dignitaries from Nigeria, Ghana and other parts of Africa, was held under the theme, “Leadership, Peace, and Regional Integration: Advancing Africa’s Development in a Changing Global Order.”

According to the Board of Trustees and Governing Council of the ZIK Pan-African Award, Lawal was selected for the recognition because of the progress recorded under his administration in public sector leadership and economic reforms in Zamfara.

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the ZIK Pan-African Award, His Royal Highness Professor Echefuna R.G. Onyeabadi, said the award was established to recognise individuals whose leadership and public service are making meaningful contributions to society.

Receiving the award, Governor Lawal dedicated the recognition to the people of Zamfara State, saying it would encourage his administration to intensify its efforts to rebuild the state.

He said his administration had worked to reposition Zamfara and make it more competitive with other states in Nigeria.

«“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,” Lawal said.»

The governor highlighted urban renewal projects, infrastructure development, security, civil service reforms, education and healthcare among areas where his administration has recorded what he described as significant progress.

He also pointed to the construction of a new airport in Zamfara, describing it as a major infrastructure milestone for the state.

“We have made great strides in security, civil service reform, education, health, and other sectors,” the governor said.

Lawal expressed appreciation to the organisers of the award, saying the recognition was significant to him and would serve as additional motivation to continue working for the people of Zamfara.

“It means a lot to me and will motivate me to do even more for my people. Zamfara is on the rise,” he added.

Also honoured at the ceremony was Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, who received recognition for his contributions to public service and sustainable development.

The ZIK International Peace and Leadership Award is named after Nigeria’s first President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, and is presented to individuals recognised for leadership, peace-building and contributions to societal development.