The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has commended Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, for his administration’s commitment to development initiatives through the provision of counterpart funding for key projects aimed at improving livelihoods across the state.

Speaking during the launch of the North-West Prevention Facility Project in Gusau on Wednesday, the UNDP Head of Office for North-West Nigeria, Ashraf Usman, praised Governor Lawal’s leadership and his administration’s dedication to transformative development.

“The effectiveness, desire, and determination of the Zamfara State government are evident to all, which is crucial for the partnership,” Usman said. “Thank you, Your Excellency, and congratulations for setting an example for other state governments in providing counterpart funding for our projects.”

A statement released by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, highlighted key components of the collaboration. These include the distribution of irrigation equipment to 300 farmers, selected based on need, and the disbursement of N150,000 in start-up capital to 1,000 entrepreneurs across the state.

Governor Lawal noted that since assuming office, his government has rolled out a series of empowerment schemes under its broader “rescue mission” agenda. He said these initiatives reflect a deliberate approach to inclusive development through strategic partnerships with organisations such as the UNDP.

“These initiatives are not isolated efforts,” he said. “Part of our broader vision for a prosperous Zamfara State is to engage development partners to address our numerous socio-economic challenges.”

He further stressed that poverty alleviation remains a central priority for his administration and reiterated his commitment to ensuring equitable access to opportunities across all local government areas.

“Many poverty reduction programmes introduced by this administration have impacted the lives of thousands of our citizens,” he said. “I have consistently emphasised that economic empowerment must be inclusive, leaving no community behind.”

According to the governor, beneficiaries of the new programmes were selected from communities including Sankalawa, Furfuri, Karal, Gusau, and Bungudu, following a transparent and inclusive process. Comprehensive training has also been provided to ensure sustainable impact.

“Providing resources without knowledge could limit the sustainable impact the programme aims to achieve,” he said. “To the beneficiaries, I charge you to utilise these resources responsibly. The faith I have placed in you must be justified.”

He formally launched the distribution of irrigation inputs and the disbursement of funds during the event, describing it as a milestone in the state’s development trajectory.