Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has disclosed that 70 percent of the state’s six million population consists of idle young men and women, a challenge he said he inherited upon assuming office.
The governor made the revelation during an interview on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television, on Tuesday.
Lawal lamented that despite Zamfara’s abundant natural resources, the benefits have not been equitably distributed. He, however, expressed optimism about the progress his administration is making in reversing the narrative.
“Zamfara is one of the few states in Nigeria blessed with abundant natural resources, but the question is to whose benefit?” the governor queried. “Seventy percent of our six million people are idle young men and women. This is what I inherited as the governor.”
Highlighting the state’s decade-long battle with insecurity, Lawal noted that the situation is improving due to collaborative measures taken by his administration and security agencies.
“Zamfara State has been facing insecurity within the last 10 years, but the good thing is that things are changing for the better.
Looking at all the indices today, Zamfara is making significant progress in education, healthcare, agriculture, and other sectors,” he said.
When questioned about adopting negotiations with bandits, as done by the Kaduna State Government, Lawal ruled out the possibility, emphasizing his commitment to a strategic approach.
“My position has always been clear in terms of negotiation. You don’t negotiate on the point of weakness; you can only do that at the point of strength,” he said. “Whatever needs to be done has to be very holistic.
If these bandits are ready to lay down their arms, there must be a commitment on their part.”
Governor Lawal expressed confidence in the state’s potential for transformation, stating that his administration is working tirelessly to change the narrative and empower the youth.
While acknowledging the state’s challenges, the governor remains optimistic that his leadership will reposition Zamfara for growth and sustainable development.
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