The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede, has commended Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, for what he described as visible infrastructural development and improvements in the education sector.
Mr Olukoyede gave the commendation while delivering the keynote address at a lecture marking the 30th anniversary of Zamfara State. The event was held at the Grand Chamber of the Government House in Gusau.
The EFCC chairman said he conducted due diligence on the state and its governor before accepting the invitation, stating that developments recorded over the past three years informed his decision to attend the event.
He identified the newly constructed airport, improved road networks and installation of solar-powered streetlights as some of the notable developments in the state capital.
Mr Olukoyede also acknowledged improvements in Zamfara’s performance in national examinations conducted by the National Examinations Council (NECO) and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
He described the developments as evidence of ongoing reforms, which he said aligned with the anniversary lecture’s focus on accountability and responsibility in transformational governance.
The EFCC chairman further noted that inviting the head of an anti-corruption agency to address the people required a governor committed to democratic principles and transparency.
In his remarks, Governor Dauda Lawal said the anniversary theme, “Reflections, Achievements and the Future”, was designed to examine the challenges that had shaped the state’s development and identify ways to secure a better future.
He said discussions at the anniversary lecture focused on public accountability, community participation in addressing insecurity, preservation of history and culture, and the relationship between security and socio-economic development.
The governor explained that the state’s Six-Point Rescue Agenda and the Zamfara State Development Plan 2025–2034 provided the framework for addressing developmental challenges across key sectors.
He urged stakeholders to translate the commitments into measurable improvements in the lives of residents.
Governor Lawal also appreciated the speakers, discussants, organising committee and other participants for their contributions to the anniversary celebration.
The anniversary lecture featured presentations by notable scholars, including Professors Tijjani Muhammad Bande, Sulaiman Kura, Murtala Rufai and Taofik Aminu, among others.
