The Zamfara State government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to enhancing healthcare and Education across the state. This pledge was emphasised by Governor Dauda Lawal during a visit by Cristian Munduate, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Country Representative for Nigeria, to the Government House in Gusau. The governor announced plans to reconstruct and renovate primary healthcare centres across the state, commencing with sixty-two facilities in the first phase. This aims to enhance the state’s health system while maintaining its polio-free status.
Furthermore, the Governor emphasised that accessible and quality medical care remains a priority, especially in a region struggling with health challenges such as malnutrition, malaria, and cholera. He also noted a Sanitation program recently launched by the administration to mitigate outbreaks of preventable diseases by promoting hygiene and clean environments across the state. Meanwhile, the ongoing remodelling of the Ahmad Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital in Gusau reflects the government’s focus on providing advanced medical facilities. During her visit to the hospital, Cristian Munduate observed efforts to address Malnutrition and improve pediatric care.
Comprehensive investments in education to empower Zamfara’s youth.
In addition to healthcare reforms, the Lawal administration has made notable strides in education, another critical area for sustainable development. The Governor revealed that six of the state’s fourteen general hospitals have been renovated and equipped with modern facilities, and over 400 primary and secondary schools have been reconstructed to create conducive learning environments. Also, the Construction of three Tsangaya schools in each of the three senatorial zones underscores this commitment to integrating traditional Islamic education with formal schooling.
Additionally, the administration has also embraced the World Bank’s Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment, a program designed to address the alarming number of out-of-school children, particularly girls. This initiative seeks to return children to school while empowering them with life skills and learning essentials for personal and economic growth. The Governor’s efforts have received commendation from UNICEF, which has pledged to support programs targeting the reduction of out-of-school children and enhancing access to quality learning.
UNICEF encourages the expansion of academic projects to rural areas.
On her part, Cristian Munduate, UNICEF’s Country Representative, lauded the state’s progress in both education and healthcare. She visited several schools in the state and expressed satisfaction with their transformation. However, she urged the government to expand these efforts to rural communities, where access to learning remains a significant challenge. She stressed the importance of school as a foundation for prosperity and called for sustained Investment in academics to ensure that every child, especially those in underserved areas, can access quality learning.
Meanwhile, his administration also focuses on youth empowerment. The Zamfara Youth Sanitation Program, launched to improve environmental hygiene, also aims to provide employment opportunities for the youth while instilling a Culture of cleanliness among residents. As a result, those achievements demonstrate the impact of strategic investments and partnerships. The remodelling of healthcare facilities, coupled with proactive health campaigns, is already yielding results, as evidenced by the absence of polio cases in the state. Similarly, the focus on returning out-of-school children to classrooms addresses a long-standing issue that has hindered development in Zamfara.
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As the state moves forward, the collaboration between the government and international organisations is expected to play a pivotal role in achieving long-term development goals. With a focus on inclusivity, accountability, and innovation, the state is setting a benchmark for progress in key social sectors. By prioritising these sectors, the government is laying a foundation for Sustainable Development and improved living conditions for its citizens. The support and recognition from UNICEF further validate the administration’s efforts and provide a platform for scaling up these initiatives.