2025: Zamfara State Budget presentation illegal, must be reversed or.....

The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress APC says it has shocked and perplexed by the highest level of disregard to the nation's constitution as displayed by governor Dauda Lawal, his executive and the state legislature in the presentation and receipt of the 2025 budget proposal.

This is contained in a statement by the APC Publicity Secretary in 

Zamfara State Yusuf Idris Gusau, says there was illegality that accompanied the budget presentation.

A state annual budget proposal presentation event is usually done openly for the entire world to see, know and possibly comment or contribute to the way and manner public tax payers' money will be utilized by the government in the incoming year.

While planning to spend over N545 billion naira, governor Dauda and team decided to hide themselves in the hollowed chamber of the state assembly to cook up in secrecy how they intend to perfectly perpetrate their hidden agenda.

It also alleged that, "the government, in collaboration with some security personnel, shielded everyone, especially the media, from covering the presentation and by implication denying the public knowledge or access to the budget"

The party alleged that, the legislature ahead of the presentation decided to suspend nine out of the 24 member of the state assembly who were suspected to possibly challenge the document during and after presentation so that the process would go unchallenged.

"This development plus the refusal of the member representing Kaura Namoda to participate in the unholy presentation left the assembly unfortunately for governor Dauda's proponents with less than two thirds members who cannot constitutionally pass any bill and therefore nullifying and voiding today's action"

"Even the 14 members that remained in the assembly were said to have dropped to eight according to one media source"

According to the statement, the APC in Zamfara is calling on the governor, the state government and the state House of Assembly to immediately reverse the charade done today as well as apologize to the people in their own interest or  will seek legal redress by dragging them to court.

"We are appealing to the nation's anti corruption agencies especially the EFCC and ICPC to investigate the total abuse of financial regulations by the governor's cabal to perpetuate illegallity in our dear state"

"Throughout the country, at this moment, there's no state assembly that has suspended about half of its members, even the crisis in Rivers state cannot compare to this situation"

The party also alleged that, Zamfara Assembly has suspended the 8 members since February 2024.

Hon Bashiru Bello (Bungudu West Constituency), who have now remained under the illegal suspension for good 10 months while their salaries and allowance are being shared among the Principal officers of the House of Assembly under the watchful eyes of the Speaker, Bilyaminu Moriki for which we will also ensure that all what is legally due is retrieved according to law. 

However the minority leader of the House Hon. Aliyu Ango was indirectly suspended where all his entitlements were also seized.

Under the House Standing Rules, you can only suspend a member for not more than two weeks, which is equivalent to eight legislative days, thus making this one a gross violation, moreso when the affected members have not been receiving their salaries and allowances nor were they given fair hearing to appear before the house Ethics and Privileges Committee over the matter for which they were suspended and  without recourse to the fact that their respective constituencies are not represented at crucial decisions like the annual budget for ten months now.

Gov. Lawal presents N545 billion naira 2025 Rescue Budget to Zamfara Assembly, prioritises Security, Health and Education.

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has presented over 545 billion naira budget proposal for the 2025 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly.

The Governor while presenting the budget estimates said out of the figure over 393 was earmarked as capital expenditure while over 151 billion naira for recurrent expenditure.

Dr Lawal explained that, the 2025 budget was crafted with careful consideration of the prevailing economic realities in order to ensure that his administration priorities align with the aspirations of his people and the transformative goals.

He noted that, the revenue projections for 2025 are grounded in economic indices and strategic reforms. 

"The 2025 budget estimate covers a total of N545,014,575,000.00 for both

Recurrent and Capital Expenditures"

"The Recurrent expenditure, amounting to #151,680,000,000.00, which is 28% of the total expenditure, will essentially cover personnel costs"

According to him, part of the recurrent expenditure including the N70,000 minimum wage increment, pensions, gratuities, and provision for new employees.

"On the other hand, capital expenditure, which accounts for 72% of the budget, is 393,334,575,000.00"

Dr Dauda Lawal further explained that, out of the total estimate, over 112 billion naira representing 20.71%, is earmarked for the Administration Sector.

He maintained that, the sector covers areas such as religious Affairs, Information and Culture, Internal Security and Home Affairs, Assembly Matters, Civil Service, Cabinet Affairs, and General Services"

While over 253 billion naira was earmarked for the Economic Sector, which comprises Agriculture, Commerce, Industries and Tourism, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development; Budget and planning and Finance.

The Governor stressed that, 170 billion is allocated to Social Sector comprises Education, Health, Youth and Sports Development, Women and Social Development, Environment, and Natural Resources. 

Dr Lawal maintained that, Education and Health, being the most critical components of the sectors, received, the highest allocation of 14.62% and 11.77%, respectively.

"The Law and Justice Sector is allocated the sum of N8,755,460,000.00"

He further highlighted some Major Capital Projects to be Executed in the Year 2025 included Completion of Gusau International Airport, provide a dual-carriage access road to the airport.

"In our bid to open up Zamfara State for more economic activities, we will construct a new Ultra-modern Central Motor Park in the state capital, We are all aware of the situation of our historic Gusau old Market, built in 1958, which requires serious attention to make it more befitting for businesses. Within the year 2025, we plan to

modernize the market. Adequate provision has been made in the budget to cater for the project.

"We also intend to complete the renovation, remodelling, and equipping of the Yeriman Bakura Specialist Hospital, Gusau and General Hospital, Talata Mafara, in the 2025 fiscal year.

Others project are, ample provision for procurement of Security Equipment is also made, Establishment of Modern Diagnostic Centres, Rural Electrification in Various Communities, Upgrade and Modernisation of Gusau Water Treatment Plant and Construction of Zamfara State Sports Complex,

"Establishment of Teachers' Training Institute, Supply of Medical Equipment for various Hospitals in the State,

Provision of Boreholes in Rural Areas,

Youth Empowerment and Skills Acquisition Programmes, Modernisation of State Secretariat Complex,

Rehabilitation of Government Schools Across the State"

According to him, his administration also intends to support 5,000 vulnerable people under the Department of Social Transfers of the CSDA, with the sum of N10,000 each per month for 12 months.

"A total of 6000 unemployed youth under the Labour-Intensive Public Works Department of the Agency will benefit the sum of N20,000 each per month for 12 months, and in the Livelihood Grants Department, a total of 8,000 small businesses will be supported with the sum of N150,000 each to enhance commerce and trade in the state in the year 2025"

He called on the Zamfara State Hiyse of Assembly to support the aspirations captured in thie budget. As a family, we should work diligently together to ensure that the strategic objectives outlined are realised for the betterment of our dear state. Our collective efforts will no doubt be instrumental in driving the transformative changes

In remark, Speaker Zamfara State House of Assembly, Alhaji Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki commended the state Governor for his commitment to transform the state.

Alhaji Moriki pledged to ensure speedy passage of the budget estimate.

WEE policy to uplift two million Kano women out of poverty by 2029- Kano State Government

Kano State government says the domestication and implementation of the women’s economic empowerment policy will lift over two million women out of poverty. The commissioner of the Ministry of Women, Children, and the Disabled, Kano state, Hajiya Aisha Lawal Saji, disclosed this at a two-day validation workshop on the domestication of the women’s economic empowerment policy (WEE) in Kaduna.

The WEE validation workshop, organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs, Children, and the Disabled, is in collaboration with the development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC), and supported by the Ford Foundation, Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund, and Ithe WEE Catalyst Fund Partners, Isa Wali Empowerment Initiative.

The commissioner, who was represented by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Muntaka Iliyasu Yakasai, said domesticating the policy in the state is a commitment to advancing women's economic empowerment in the state.

While describing the policy as not just a programme, the commissioner added that the state has viewed the WEE policy as a vision that will enable every woman in Kano state to pursue her dreams, contribute to the economy, and enhance the welfare of her family members.

‘’In Kano state, we understand that empowering women is not just a matter of social justice, but it is a key driver of sustainable development. 

"When you invest in women, you are investing in families, communities, and the nation as a whole’’ She added

The commissioner commended partners, donors, and other civil society for their commitment and investment in the domestication of the policy, hoping that they will support in investing in the implementation of the policy when it is launched next year.

"We will engage in a thorough review of our existing strategies, assess the effectiveness of our plans in the future, share our thoughts, and learn from one another as we strive to create a more supportive and enabling environment for women entrepreneurs, workers, and caregivers in Kano state’ She added.

Earlier, the Executive Director of the Development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC), Dr Judith Ann Walker, represented by the Director of Partnership and Communications, Hassan Aliyu Karofi, described the WEE policy as a catalyst for national development and growth.

He said when domesticated and implemented, the policy will contribute 30% of the economic growth of Kano state.

In her presentation at the event, the Executive Director of IWEI, representing the WEE Catalyst Fund Partner Isa Wali Empowerment Initiative and Fable Advisory, Hajiya Amina Hanga, urged the state government to ensure the full and effective implementation of the policy when domesticated and pledged her organisation's support in this regard.

Zamfara AGILE reaffirms commitment to support persons with special needs.

Zamfara State Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment(AGILE Project) has been committed to supporting persons with special needs through inclusive education in Zamfara State.

The State Project Coordinator Hajiya Saadatu Abdu Gusau made the assertion while commenting on the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities and AGILE Project's relationship with the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities Zamfara State Chapter in Gusau.

This is contained in a statement by the Project Communications Officer Zamfara AGILE, Bashir Kabiru Ahmad explained that, Zamfara AGILE has a vision for educational system where girls with special needs will enjoy equal access to learning and empowerment in the State.

She expressed AGILE determination towards ensuring inclusive schools infrastructure and learning resources with features like ramps and restrooms to be integrated into the 42 new and 441 schools targeted for rehabilitation including Special Schools in Gusau and Gummi.

Abdu Gusau confirmed that Teacher Training Programs are designed to equip teachers with skills for inclusive education purposely to support students with special needs.

Shading light on the Second Chance Education Opportunities of Zamfara AGILE, the State Project Coordinator stated that there are reserved opportunities for PWDs under Subcomponent 2.2c with alignment to market demands for inclusivity.

Hajiya Saadatu said Zamfara AGILE was committed to strengthening collaboration with the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities(JONAPWDs) Zamfara State Chapter in inclusion efforts including advocacies and trainings.

She explained that all the project consultants and technical service providers are mandated to be prioritising equity, diversity and inclusion in service delivery and project interventions.

According to her, Zamfara AGILE will continue to support MDAs, NGOs and partners to align mandates with a view to supporting persons with special needs.

Saadatu Abdu Gusau appreciated the unwavering support of Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal in the project implementation efforts describing it as worthy of commendation.

Senator Yari: creating sustainable livelihoods remains a priority in my Constituency.

Former Zamfara State Governor and Senator representing Zamfara West Senatorial District, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar (Marafan Sokoto), has reiterated his resolve to provide livelihood opportunities for his constituents to curb youth idleness and reduce insecurity. 

This commitment was made in a statement issued to Newsmen in Gusau by the Chairman of the Publicity Committee of Senator Yari’s Political Organization, Hon. Ibrahim Muhammad 

Speaking through the Coordinator of the Zamfara West Senatorial District Zonal Office, Talata Mafara, Alhaji Sha’ayau Yusuf (Ɗanmalikin Mafara), at the Passing Out Parade of the 87th Intake at the Nigerian Army Depot, Zaria, Kaduna State, Senator Yari emphasized the need to engage youths in meaningful activities to deter them from social vices that exacerbate security challenges.  

He urged the 74 recruits from Zamfara West Senatorial District to view their enlistment in the Nigerian Army as a patriotic call to serve the nation. 

Senator Abdul'azeez Yari Abubakar encouraged them to demonstrate bravery and a high sense of responsibility in their duties, especially considering the country’s ongoing security issues.  

The senator also highlighted his efforts to support youth empowerment, referencing the facilitation of the recruitment of 84 youths from the six Local Government Areas in Zamfara West, Talata Mafara, Bakura, Bukkuyum, Anka, Gummi, and Maradun, during the 86th Intake of the Nigerian Army Depot.  

Senator Yari reaffirmed his commitment to addressing youth unemployment, stressing that creating sustainable livelihoods remains a priority in his representation agenda.