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.

The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) has awarded Governor Dauda Lawal the Infrastructure Governor of the Year honour for his administration’s giant strides in the Urban Renewal project across Zamfara.

The governor received the award at the second edition of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) held at the NAF Conference centre, Abuja.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the BON acknowledged Zamfara state’s unprecedented and transformative achievements in infrastructure, recognising excellence beyond the broadcasting industry.

He added that Governors Bassey Otu of Cross River and Uba Sani of Kaduna, the minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, along with John Momoh, Shyngle Wigwe, Abubakar Jijiwa, and Sa’a Ibrahim, were among the prominent Nigerians honoured at the 2026 Nigeria Broadcasting Awards.

The statement read in parts, “The Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria, an umbrella body for public and private broadcasters in Nigeria, was established in 1973 to promote the interests of the broadcasting industry and ensure high standards in media practices.

“The organisation conducted a thorough months-long selection process aimed at recognising professional excellence and raising standards for media practice across Nigeria.

“The Awards Selection Committee was chaired by Dr Danladi Bako, former Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). The awards panel included veterans and representatives from the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and the NBC.

“The selection committee cited numerous reasons for awarding Governor Dauda Lawal, notably his significant progress across sectors, particularly for transforming Gusau into a modern State Capital.

“Zamfara has witnessed unprecedented achievements under Governor Dauda Lawal, including the historic construction of a modern International Airport in the State.

“Apart from urban renewal projects, as well as the construction and outfitting of General Hospitals, Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration has built, refurbished, and equipped over 800 schools across the 14 local government areas of the State.

“This recognition by the highest broadcasting authority in Nigeria will motivate the governor to dedicate more effort to his mission to serve and rebuild Zamfara state.”

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has congratulated Christian faithful in Lagos and across Nigeria on the celebration of Easter, urging them to draw strength from the lessons of Christ’s resurrection.

In his Easter message, released by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Dave Agboola, Obasa described the season as a reminder of victory over despair, renewal after trials, and the triumph of light over darkness. He noted that just as Christ overcame death, Nigeria can overcome its current challenges if citizens remain steadfast, prayerful, and committed to unity.

“Easter is a season of hope and renewal. As a nation, we face economic pressures and security concerns, but the resurrection teaches us that no situation is beyond redemption. Let us roll away the stones of division and despair, and work together for peace, justice, and prosperity,” the Speaker said.

He called on Lagosians to continue to show love and compassion to one another, stressing that collective effort is key to building a stronger Lagos and a better Nigeria.

Obasa prayed that the joy of Easter would fill homes with renewed faith and guide both leaders and citizens toward a brighter future.