The Igbo Community Association in Zamfara has endorsed Governor Dauda Lawal for the 2027 re-election bid.

The association pledged to vote massively to return the governor to Government House to enable him continue with the projects already started across the state.

Leaders of the Igbo Community Association announced their support during a courtesy visit to Lawal at Government House, Gusau, Zamfara, on Thursday.

Speaking during the visit, the president-general of the association, Maduka Ezemeka, pledged massive mobilisation of the Igbo people in the state to vote for the governor.

Mr Ezemeka said the Igbo community would support Lawal to continue with the developmental projects he had brought to the state within his first three years in office.

According to him, the association, with an estimated population of 35,000 members across the state, would work tirelessly to ensure that Mr Lawal is re-elected.

The Igbo community leader particularly commended Mr Lawal for the ultra-modern airport project, adding that they were impressed with the quality of each of the numerous projects either completed or ongoing across the state.

He said their visit was meant to strengthen the relationship between the Igbo community and the state government, as well as promote cooperation for the development of Zamfara.

He said many members of the community who were more than 40 years old were born and raised in Zamfara, therefore, they consider the state as their home, adding that they were committed to contributing to its social and economic development.

Mr Ezemeka appealed to the government to provide financial support in the form of loans and credit facilities to support their businesses amid the prevailing economic challenges.

The president-general also appealed for the provision of a functional bus to facilitate the association’s activities, explaining that vehicles previously provided by successive administrations were no longer in good working condition.

Mr Ezemeka, however, expressed concern over the reported disengagement of some members of the community who had worked as teachers in the state. He said the development had created difficulties for the affected individuals and their families.

The president-general, therefore, urged the governor to look into the matter and consider measures that could assist those affected.

Mr Lawal pledged to provide the community with a bus to facilitate its activities and promised to intervene in issues affecting members of the community who were disengaged from teaching service in the state.

Mr Lawal reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, equal treatment and cooperation among residents of different ethnic and religious backgrounds, stressing that unity was essential for national development.

He said Nigerians must learn to live together, support one another and recognise their shared identity, regardless of ethnic or religious differences.

The governor recalled his longstanding relationship with members of the Igbo community, dating back to his childhood, when he interacted with Igbo businessmen and artisans who worked and lived within his ancestral home in Gusau.

According to him, such relationships demonstrate that Nigerians can prosper together when they embrace mutual respect, understanding and cooperation.

Mr Lawal commended the community for the visit and kind words about his administration, describing the Igbo people as brothers and partners in the development of Zamfara.

(NAN)