Zamfara governor dedicates the honour to residents after organisers recognised his administration’s public sector and economic reforms

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State received the ZIK International Peace and Leadership Award in Accra, Ghana, on Friday, August 7, 2026, with organisers recognising what they described as significant progress in public sector leadership and economic reforms in the state.

Also read: Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal reshuffles cabinet, redeploys budget commissioner to education ministry

Lawal received the honour at the 7th ZIK International Peace and Leadership Award ceremony held at the British Council in Accra, where the event centred on the theme, “Leadership, Peace, and Regional Integration: Advancing Africa’s Development in a Changing Global Order.”

The recognition came as Lawal approached the midpoint of his second year in office, with the governor using the occasion to reflect on projects and reforms that his administration says have reshaped parts of Zamfara’s public infrastructure and institutions.

According to a statement by Lawal’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the award’s board and governing council cited the administration’s “significant progress in public sector leadership and economic reforms in Zamfara State”.

His Royal Highness Professor Echefuna R.G. Onyeabadi, chairman of the Board of Trustees of the ZIK Pan-African Award, said the award was established to honour individuals making meaningful contributions to the service of their people.

For Lawal, the recognition was less about personal achievement than the people of Zamfara.

“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 pointed to urban renewal initiatives, infrastructure development and the construction of a modern airport as some of the projects associated with his administration.

The airport has particular significance for Zamfara. In March, the first aircraft landed at Gusau International Airport, marking the first such flight in the state since its creation more than three decades ago.

The Federal Government-operated Bombardier Challenger 605 arrived at about 4:30pm on March 22 for a one-off assessment of the airport’s readiness for VIP operations.

The development was described by the state government as a historic milestone, although the March flight was a test operation rather than the start of regular commercial services.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority had granted a one-off “No Technical Objection” for the aircraft to land.

Lawal also highlighted security, civil service reform, education and healthcare among areas where his administration says it has recorded progress.

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

The award therefore arrives against a wider backdrop of an administration seeking to demonstrate visible changes in a state that has faced longstanding security, infrastructure and development challenges.

Lawal’s tenure has also included major political changes.

In March 2026, he left the Peoples Democratic Party for the All Progressives Congress, with his administration saying the decision followed prolonged legal and organisational disputes within the PDP and was intended to protect Zamfara’s political interests.

The governor’s political transition adds another dimension to the public profile surrounding his administration, although the ZIK award itself was presented for leadership and reform achievements rather than party affiliation.

Another governor honoured at the Accra ceremony was Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi A. Sule, who was recognised for contributions to public service and sustainable development.

Receiving his award, Lawal thanked the organisers and said the recognition had strengthened his resolve to continue working for Zamfara.

“I appreciate the organisers of this annual lecture and award. It means a lot to me and will motivate me to do even more for my people. Zamfara is on the rise,” he said.

For the governor, the moment in Accra offered both recognition and a reminder of the expectations attached to public office.

Also read: Dauda Lawal names new heads for Zamfara agencies, ZACADEP coordinator

The real measure of the honour, however, will ultimately rest on whether the reforms and projects cited by his administration translate into lasting improvements in the daily lives of people across Zamfara.