The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede, affirmed the presence of transformational leadership in Zamfara State under Governor Dauda Lawal.
The EFCC Chairman delivered the keynote address at the 30th anniversary lecture of Zamfara State, held at the Grand Chamber of the Government House in Gusau.
Other notable speakers at the anniversary lecture included Professor Tijjani Muhammad Bande, Professor Sulaiman Kura, Professor Murtala Rufai and Professor Taofik Aminu, among others.
Mr Olukoyede stated that he had conducted due diligence on Zamfara State and its governor before accepting the invitation to serve as a keynote speaker.
He said, “By virtue of the ethical demands of my office, I don’t attend political events; I don’t go to the government house as a matter of principle. But when I received this invitation, something told me to accept and see what was going on there.
“I did a little due diligence on His Excellency and the state. I saw when the state was created and noticed the drastic change over the past 3 years. And I made up my mind. I went to meet my boss, Mr President, and he said, go. I told him what I have seen about Zamfara and the need to support the work His Excellency, Dauda Lawal, is doing in this state.
“I am deeply honoured to be with you this morning. My acceptance to be with you today stems from two distinct realities: first, my professional engagements rarely bring me to this vibrant part of the nation because my office is based in Abuja. This is my first time in Zamfara State.
“As I arrived in Gusau, the first thing I noticed was the new airport. It is noticeable even to first-time visitors. The capital city speaks of visible transformation, as we have seen. Newly paved roads align with street solar lights.
“Zamfara unfortunately ranked near the bottom, not for lack of natural allure, but because the perception of rigid social tendencies overshadowed its immense natural potential.
“Even after becoming a state capital in 1996, transformation was gradual. For years, despite the efforts of previous governors, Zamfara remained among the country’s less-developed states.
“However, today, the contemporary outlook is shifting; indeed, the physical evolution of Gusau serves as a powerful metaphor for the broader Zamfara State.
“I am incredibly encouraged to learn that Zamfara has steadily improved its performance in critical national examinations like NECO and WAEC. Public infrastructure is expanding, positively impacting people’s daily lives. These strides are rightfully attributed to the consolidation of the deliberate reform initiatives and align perfectly with the theme of today’s celebration titled ‘accountability and responsibility in transformational government’.
“Despite the ethical standards of the office I occupied, it will take a serious-minded, committed democrat, a transparent governor, to have the temerity and audacity to bring the Chairman of the EFCC to address the people of the state.”
In his remarks, Governor Lawal emphasised that the anniversary theme, “Reflections, Achievements, and the Future,” is intended to examine the challenges that have shaped the state’s experience and consider what leaders must do to secure a better future.
He said, “I’m pleased this commemoration has fostered serious intellectual engagement beyond ceremony. Today’s papers address key government responsibilities: public accountability, community involvement in tackling insecurity, preserving our history and culture, and linking security with socio-economic development.
“These discussions guide this administration. Our Six-Point Rescue Agenda addresses the State’s challenges. At the same time, the Zamfara State Development Plan 2025–2034 provides a long-term roadmap for the economy, infrastructure, social welfare, human capital, governance and environmental sustainability. We must turn these commitments into measurable improvements in people’s lives.
“I sincerely appreciate all the presenters for the knowledge and experience they have brought to this occasion. I also thank the Chairman of the Occasion, the discussants, the organising committee and the Sub-Committee on Lecture and Publications for their contributions to this event. To all our guests and participants, I am grateful for your presence and participation.”
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