The Zamfara State government on Wednesday unveiled programmes to celebrate its 30th anniversary.

It described the event as three decades of history, sacrifice, resilience, institution-building and the collective aspirations of its people.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abubakar Nakwada, stated this at a press conference in Gusau ahead of the anniversary celebrations.

Mr Nakwada said the anniversary would provide an opportunity to reflect on its three-decade journey, honour past contributions and chart a new course for sustainable development.

According to him, Zamfara State will officially mark 30 years of its creation on Thursday, October 1.

He described the milestone as three decades of history, sacrifice, resilience, institution-building and the collective aspirations of its people.

“The Zamfara @30 anniversary is not merely a celebration of the number of years since the state was created but an opportunity to assess its journey, appreciate the foundations laid by successive administrations and define its direction for future generations.

“The 30-year history of Zamfara belongs to every administration, traditional ruler, institution, public servant and citizen who has contributed to the development of the state since its creation in 1996,” he said.

He stated that the first 27 years laid different layers of the state’s foundation, while the last three years focused on consolidating those foundations, confronting development deficits, strengthening security and public institutions, rebuilding human capital, revitalising agriculture and unlocking new economic opportunities.

Mr Nakwada said the government remained committed to securing communities, returning farmers to their lands, improving schools and healthcare, modernising government, developing infrastructure and creating opportunities for the people.

According to him, the accelerated transformation recorded in the last three years under the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal cannot be overemphasised.

The SSG explained that since May 2023, the administration had implemented interventions in security, education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, human capital development, institutional reforms and economic development.

He noted that the government’s objective was not only to execute projects but also to address longstanding development challenges, strengthen public institutions and establish systems capable of sustaining progress.

Mr Nakwada said the state government recognised that meaningful and sustainable development cannot be achieved without peace and security.

He said Zamfara State had endured years of banditry, kidnapping and disruption of rural livelihoods, making the restoration of security critical to rebuilding communities, returning farmers to their farmlands, reviving economic activities and restoring public confidence.

He noted that the government had continued to provide substantial support to the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force (NPF), State Security Services (SSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies operating in the state.

According to him, the support includes operational vehicles, armoured platforms, surveillance drones, specialised motorcycles and other logistical and operational equipment aimed at improving mobility, surveillance, intelligence gathering and rapid response.

Mr Nakwada said a comprehensive compendium of Zamfara State would be presented as part of the anniversary activities.

He added that the the document would contain the history, leadership, institutions, people, development trajectory and major milestones of the state from 1996 to 2026.

According to him, the compendium will preserve the institutional memory of Zamfara State and serve as a reference for present and future generations.

The SSG said the anniversary would also feature honours and awards for individuals and institutions whose service, sacrifices and contributions shaped the state over the 30 years.

The anniversary activities will commence on Thursday, October 1, at the Trade Fair Complex, Gusau, followed by a State Banquet Dinner.

The SSG noted that it would be preceded by the take-off of commercial flight operations with a maiden flight from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to the Gusau International Airport.

The Zamfara State government had on September 22 signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with XEJet Nigeria Limited for the commercial flight operations.

Mr Nakwada said the development symbolised the state’s efforts to open new gateways and create greater opportunities for economic growth and connectivity.

Other highlights of the Zamfara @30 activities will continue on October 2 with the inauguration of the renovated Block C of the J.B. Yakubu Secretariat Complex and the remodelled Malam Sambo Dan-Ashafa Jumu’at Mosque, popularly known as ‘Yar Dole Mosque.

The celebrations will conclude on October 3, with a stakeholders’ engagement.

The SSG called on the media and other stakeholders to fully participate in the anniversary activities and give the historic celebration adequate coverage.

(NAN)