The Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Governor Dauda Lawal, has received the ZIK International Peace and Leadership Award in Ghana, with organisers recognising what they described as his administration’s achievements in public sector leadership and economic reforms.

The governor was honoured at the 7th ZIK International Peace and Leadership Award ceremony, held on Friday at the British Council in Accra. The event featured a lecture themed: “Leadership, Peace, and Regional Integration: Advancing Africa’s Development in a Changing Global Order.”

According to the organisers, Lawal’s award was based, among other considerations, on his administration’s progress in public sector leadership and economic reforms in Zamfara State.

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the ZIK Pan-African Award, His Royal Highness Professor Echefuna R.G. Onyeabadi, noted that the award was established to recognise individuals making meaningful contributions to the service of their people.

Receiving the award, Governor Lawal dedicated the honour to the people of Zamfara State, stating that it would further motivate his administration to intensify efforts toward transforming the state.

“This award is dedicated to all the people of Zamfara State. My administration has been working tirelessly to ensure the state can compete with any other in Nigeria. That was our promise and we have surpassed expectations in just three years,” Lawal said.

The governor highlighted key projects and reforms undertaken by his administration, including urban renewal initiatives, the construction of a modern airport and sweeping reforms in security, education, healthcare and the civil service. He noted that the newly constructed airport was particularly significant, as Zamfara had not benefited from such infrastructure in over 30 years since the creation of the state.

“We have made great strides in security, civil service reform, education, health and other sectors,” the governor added.

Lawal thanked the organisers for the recognition, saying the award would encourage him to do even more for the people of Zamfara.

“It means a lot to me and will motivate me to do even more for my people. Zamfara is on the rise,” he said.