Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has received the Award of Excellence from the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO) in recognition of his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and social protection delivery.

The award was presented during a stakeholder engagement event with local government chairmen, held at the Transcorp Congress Hall in Abuja.

NASSCO, a federal agency operating under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, is responsible for implementing social safety-net programmes designed to protect and empower vulnerable populations across Nigeria.

In her remarks while presenting the award, the National Coordinator of NASSCO, Dr. Funmi Olotu, stated that the honour reflects Governor Lawal’s dedication to improving social protection systems and promoting inclusive governance in Zamfara State.

Accepting the award, Governor Lawal commended the Federal Government, the World Bank, and other development partners for their continued support of ongoing reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s social protection architecture.

“This engagement is timely and strategic,” Governor Lawal said. “In Nigeria, especially in conflict-affected states like Zamfara, social protection has shifted from welfare to a vital tool for governance, security, poverty reduction, and community resilience.”

He noted that insecurity in Zamfara has led to displacement, disruption of livelihoods, food insecurity, and significant economic hardship, which disproportionately affects women, children, displaced persons, people with disabilities, and rural communities.

The Governor stressed the need for better coordination, transparency, data-driven targeting, and stronger collaboration among federal, state, and local governments to ensure resources reach those who need them most.

He also praised the expansion of the National Social Register and the integration of the National Identification Number (NIN), describing these as steps that improve transparency, efficiency, and accountability in service delivery.

Governor Lawal further called for inclusive development that goes beyond cash transfers to include livelihood support, skills training, agriculture, healthcare, education, financial inclusion, and community resilience. “This will help vulnerable populations move from dependency to sustainable participation,” he said.

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An aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adesola Ayeola-Alawaye, has formally declared her intention to contest for the Ibeju-Lekki Constituency II seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Popularly known as Adebekodun 2027, Ayeola-Alawaye recently obtained her APC expression of interest and nomination forms, signaling what she described as a firm commitment to offering purposeful and people-oriented representation to her constituency.

Speaking on her motivation, the aspirant revealed that her political inspiration is drawn from Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, whose legislative track record and commanding presence during her three-term tenure in the Senate (2011–2023) left a lasting impression.

According to Ayeola-Alawaye, Senator Tinubu distinguished herself in the Red Chamber through active participation in debates, advocacy for women and youth inclusion, and sponsorship and support of key bills and motions that addressed national development concerns. Notably, she was widely respected for her articulate contributions on the floor of the Senate, her firm stance on social welfare issues, and her push for improved governance frameworks.

“I was inspired by my role model, Yeye Oluremi Tinubu. I deeply admire the way she articulated issues and defended the interests of her constituents on the floor of the National Assembly. That level of representation is what we need here in Ibeju-Lekki. Our people deserve more than passive leadership,” she said.

Ayeola-Alawaye emphasized that her ambition is rooted in a desire to replicate such proactive and impactful representation at the state level. She lamented what she described as “siddon look” representation, stressing that the evolving needs of constituents demand legislators who are visible, vocal, and effective.

“Times have changed. Our people can no longer afford dormant representation. I am stepping forward to bring energy, competence, and commitment to the Lagos State House of Assembly. My goal is to ensure that the voices of Ibeju-Lekki Constituency II are heard and translated into meaningful legislative action,” she added.