By Aminu Dalhatu
The Zamfara State Government says the 30th anniversary of the creation of the state will provide an opportunity to reflect on its three-decade of journey, honour past contributions and chart a new course for sustainable development.
Secretary to the State Government, Malam Abubakar Nakwada, stated this at a press briefing in Gusau ahead of the commencement anniversary celebrations.
He said Zamfara would officially mark 30 years of its creation on Thursday, October 1, 2026, described the milestone as three decades of history, sacrifice, resilience, institution-building and the collective aspirations of its people.
According to him, the Zamfara @30 anniversary was not merely a celebration of the number of years since the state was created, but an opportunity to assess its journey, appreciate the foundations laid by successive administrations and define its direction for future generations.
Malam Nakwada said the 30-year history of Zamfara belonged to every administration, traditional ruler, institution, public servant and citizen who had contributed to the development of the state since its creation in 1996.
According to him, the accelerated transformation recorded in the last three years under the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal can not be over emphasized.
The SSG said that, since May 2023, the administration had implemented interventions in security, education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, human capital development, institutional reforms and economic development.
He explained that, the government’s objective was not only to execute projects, but also to address longstanding development challenges, strengthen public institutions and establish systems capable of sustaining progress.
Security as Foundation for Development, Nakwada said the state government recognised that, meaningful and sustainable development could not be achieved without peace and security.
He said Zamfara had endured years of banditry, kidnapping and disruption of rural livelihoods, making the restoration of security critical to rebuilding communities, returning farmers to their farmlands, reviving economic activities and restoring public confidence.
He said the government had continued to provide substantial support to the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies operating in the state.
The support, according to him, included operational vehicles, armoured platforms, surveillance drones, specialised motorcycles and other logistical and operational equipment aimed at improving mobility, surveillance, intelligence gathering and rapid response.
On Preserving Zamfara’s History, Malam Abubakar Nakwada also announced that, a comprehensive compendium of Zamfara State would be presented as part of the anniversary activities.
He said the publication documents would contain history, leadership, institutions, people, development trajectory and major milestones of the state from 1996 to 2026.
According to him, the compendium is intended to preserve the institutional memory of Zamfara and serve as a reference for present and future generations.
Malam Nakwada maintained that, the anniversary would also feature honours and awards for individuals and institutions whose service, sacrifices and contributions have helped shape the state over the past 30 years.
On Anniversary Programme, Nakwada said the anniversary activities would commence on Thursday, October 1, at the Trade Fair Complex in Gusau, followed by a State Banquet Dinner in the evening.
He said activities would continue on October 2 with the commissioning of the renovated Block C of the J.B. Yakubu Secretariat Complex and the remodelled Malam Sambo Dan-Ashafa Jumu’at Mosque, popularly known as Yar Dole Mosque.
The celebrations will conclude on October 3 with a stakeholders’ engagement.
The SSG noted that, it was particularly significant that commercial flight operations would commence into Gusau as Zamfara marks its 30th anniversary.
He said the development symbolised the state’s efforts to open new gateways and create greater opportunities for economic growth and connectivity.
He said the first 27 years had laid different layers of the state’s foundation, while the last three years had focused on consolidating those foundations, confronting development deficits, strengthening security and public institutions, rebuilding human capital, revitalising agriculture and unlocking new economic opportunities.
Nakwada added that the government remained committed to securing communities, returning farmers to their lands, improving schools and healthcare, modernising government, developing infrastructure and creating opportunities for the people.
The Secretary to the State Government called on the media, stakeholders and people of Zamfara to participate fully in the anniversary activities and give the historic celebrations adequate coverage.
Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
