By Aminu Dalhatu
Zamfara State Governor, Dr. Dauda Lawal has pledged to provide a bus to the Igbo Community Association in the state to facilitate its activities and intervene in issues affecting members of the community who were disengaged from teaching service.
The governor made the pledge while receiving the leadership of the Igbo Community Association on a courtesy visit to the Government House, Gusau.
Governor Lawal reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, equal treatment and cooperation among residents of different ethnic and religious backgrounds, stressing that unity was essential for national development.
He said Nigerians must learn to live together, support one another and recognise their shared identity, regardless of differences.
Governor Lawal who commended the community for its visit and kind words about his administration, described Igbo people as brothers and partners in the development of Zamfara State.
On the community’s request for business support, the governor encouraged the association leadership to submit a formal proposal outlining the assistance required.
Dr. Lawal said he would study the proposal with his team to determine how the government could support their businesses, including exploring possible partnerships with financial institutions and other relevant interventions.
On concerns raised over the disengagement of some Igbo community members who worked as teachers in the state, Governor Lawal directed the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada, to review the issue in collaboration with the current Commissioner for Education and representatives of the affected teachers.
He also asked the officials to establish the facts surrounding the matter, take necessary action and report back to him on its resolution.
In a remark, the President-General Igbo Community in Zamfara State, Chief Maduka Ezemeka pledged the association continued support for the development of the state and called on Governor Dauda Lawal to address some of the challenges facing its members.
Chief Ezemeka expressed concern over the reported disengagement of some members of the community who were working as teachers in the state, saying the development had created difficulties for the affected individuals and their families.
He said the visit was also aimed at strengthening the relationship between the Igbo community and the state government, as well as promoting cooperation for the development of Zamfara State.
The association leader noted that many members of the Igbo community were born and raised in Zamfara State and consider it their home, adding that they were committed to contributing to its social and economic development.
Chief Ezemeka assured the governor of total support in the forthcoming general elections in the state.
Editing By Godwin Duru