Zamfara Shows Change Under Gov Lawal, Says EFCC Chairman

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede, said Zamfara State is experiencing real change under Governor Dauda Lawal.

Mr Olukoyede spoke during the 30th anniversary of Zamfara State at the Government House in Gusau. He shared his thoughts as the keynote speaker for the event.

He mentioned that he did his homework on Zamfara State and the governor before agreeing to speak. He said, “By virtue of the ethical demands of my office, I don’t attend political events; I don’t go to the government house as a matter of principle. But when I received this invitation, something told me to accept and see what was going on there.

“I did a little due diligence on His Excellency and the state. I saw when the state was created and noticed the drastic change over the past 3 years. And I made up my mind. I went to meet my boss, Mr President, and he said, go. I told him what I have seen about Zamfara and the need to support the work His Excellency, Dauda Lawal, is doing in this state.

“I am deeply honoured to be with you this morning. My acceptance to be with you today stems from two distinct realities: first, my professional engagements rarely bring me to this part of the nation because my office is based in Abuja. This is my first time in Zamfara State.

“When I arrived in Gusau, the first thing I noticed was the new airport. It is noticeable even to first-time visitors. The capital city speaks of visible change, as we have seen. Newly paved roads align with street solar lights.

“Zamfara unfortunately ranked near the bottom, not for lack of natural allure, but because the perception of rigid social tendencies overshadowed its immense natural potential.

“Even after becoming a state capital in 1996, change was slow. For years, despite the efforts of previous governors, Zamfara remained one of the less-developed states in Nigeria.

“Today, the modern outlook is shifting; indeed, the physical growth of Gusau serves as a strong symbol for the wider Zamfara State.

“I am incredibly encouraged to learn that Zamfara has improved its performance in key national exams like NECO and WAEC. Public infrastructure is growing, positively affecting daily lives. These achievements are due to focused reform initiatives and match the theme of today’s celebration titled ‘accountability and responsibility in transformational government’.

“Despite the ethical standards of the office I occupied, it will take a serious-minded, committed democrat, a transparent governor, to have the courage to bring the Chairman of the EFCC to address the people of the state.”

In his speech, Governor Lawal said the anniversary theme, “Reflections, Achievements, and the Future,” aims to look at the challenges that have shaped the state’s journey and what leaders must do for a better future.

He said, “I’m pleased this commemoration has fostered serious intellectual engagement beyond ceremony. Today’s papers address key government responsibilities: public accountability, community involvement in tackling insecurity, preserving our history and culture, and linking security with socio-economic development.

“These discussions guide this administration. Our Six-Point Rescue Agenda tackles the State’s challenges. At the same time, the Zamfara State Development Plan 2025, 2034 gives a long-term plan for the economy, infrastructure, social welfare, human capital, governance, and environmental sustainability. We must turn these commitments into real improvements in people’s lives.

“I sincerely appreciate all the presenters for the knowledge and experience they have brought to this occasion. I also thank the Chairman of the Occasion, the discussants, the organising committee, and the Sub-Committee on Lecture and Publications for their work on this event. To all our guests and participants, I am grateful for your presence and participation.