Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, and former Military Administrator of the state, Colonel Jibril Bala Yakubu (rtd.), have commissioned the remodelled JB Yakubu Secretariat in Gusau as the state celebrates 30 years since its creation.

Also read: Zamfara @30: A State Reborn under Governor Dauda Lawal

The commissioning took place on Friday, October 2, 2026, as part of activities marking the 30th anniversary of Zamfara State.

The secretariat was named after Colonel Yakubu, who served as the state’s first Military Administrator and originally commissioned the building in 1997.

The former military administrator returned to Zamfara nearly three decades later to commission Phase Three of the remodelling of the secretariat he originally commissioned during his tenure.

The ceremony was attended by former governors of Zamfara State, including Ahmad Sani Yarima and Mahmud Shinkafi.

Also present was Colonel Jibril Bala Yakubu, the Emir of Wuse and former Military Administrator of Zamfara State, who commissioned the remodelled facility.

Other dignitaries at the event included members of the National Assembly, members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly and other invited guests.

Speaking at the event, Yakubu expressed surprise at the extent of the changes to the secretariat and the state since his time as military administrator.

“When I came here, I could no longer recognise anything. The whole state has changed drastically, and Dr Dauda Lawal has done a great work,” he said.

Yakubu commended the governor for the work being done to improve the state and called on stakeholders and residents to support efforts aimed at rebuilding Zamfara.

“I want all stakeholders to embrace peace, and after peace we need unity. Unity will build the state to a more enviable height,” he said.

He also urged the people of Zamfara to support Governor Lawal’s rebuilding agenda and work together to move the state forward.

Reflecting on the history of the secretariat, Yakubu said returning to the building brought back memories of his time in office.

“I was in detention when this secretariat was first commissioned, and coming here to commission a building named after me while still in good health and wealth brings joy to my heart,” he said.

Governor Lawal, in his address, thanked former governors of Zamfara State and the former military administrator for their contributions and sacrifices towards the development of the state.

He said his administration would continue to consolidate on the work done by previous administrations while pursuing development across various sectors.

Lawal said the remodelling of the secretariat was significant because it would provide government workers with a better environment to carry out their responsibilities.

“We will continue to ensure development in all aspects and this project commissioning is significant because workers can work in good conditions and render quality services to the people of Zamfara,” he said.

The governor also pledged continued investment in infrastructure as part of efforts to open up the state for capital projects and improve investment opportunities.

“We will continue to invest in infrastructure to ensure the state opens up for my capital projects and improved investment,” Lawal said.

The presence of former governors Ahmad Sani Yarima and Mahmud Shinkafi provided an opportunity for past and present leadership of the state to come together as Zamfara marked three decades of statehood.

The event also brought together traditional rulers, lawmakers and other stakeholders who joined in the celebration and commissioning.

The guests later toured the remodelled secretariat to inspect the completed work and facilities.

Also read: Zamfara @30: A State Reborn under Governor Dauda Lawal

The commissioning of the JB Yakubu Secretariat formed part of activities marking Zamfara’s 30th anniversary and reflects the state government’s emphasis on infrastructure development and improved working conditions for public servants.