Gov Lawal Bags Blueprint Award for Public Resource Management

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has received the 2026 Efficient Public Resource Management and Transparency Award from Blueprint Newspapers.

Lawal received the award on Tuesday at the eighth edition of the newspaper’s Annual Public Lecture, Impact Series and Awards held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.

The event, themed “Security Challenges and Integrity of Nigeria’s 2027 Elections,” brought together policymakers, security chiefs, political leaders, diplomats, civil society organisations, academics and other stakeholders.

Speaking after receiving the award, Lawal thanked the management of Blueprint Newspapers for the recognition and pledged to intensify efforts to rebuild Zamfara State.

“This award is a testament that the media and Nigerians outside Zamfara are witnessing the efforts my government is putting in our quest to make Zamfara great,” the governor said.

Lawal said his administration had recorded achievements in several sectors within its three years in office, attributing the progress to its commitment to transparency.

“In the three years of my government, we have recorded so many successes in the areas of security, education, health, economy, human capital, infrastructure, among others. And all these were achieved because we run a transparent government,” he said.

Blueprint Newspapers said the governor was recognised for his prudent management of public resources, fiscal accountability and efforts to promote transparent governance in Zamfara.

According to the newspaper, the award also highlights the link between fiscal discipline and inclusive development, particularly in the responsible management of public resources.

The Managing Director of Blueprint Newspapers Limited, Salisu Umar, described Lawal as someone who “represents a blend of professional accomplishment and public service.”

Umar said the governor’s background in diplomacy, banking and politics had given him a broad understanding of governance, financial management and institutional leadership.

“As Governor of Zamfara State, he continues to pursue policies aimed at restoring stability, improving infrastructure, strengthening public institutions and creating opportunities for economic growth,” Umar said.

He added that Lawal’s administration had prioritised financial discipline and public sector accountability.

“His government has focused on improving financial discipline, strengthening public sector accountability and ensuring that public resources are directed toward projects capable of producing measurable benefits for the people of Zamfara State,” he said.

In the citation accompanying the award, Blueprint said Lawal had consistently promoted responsible budgeting, efficient service delivery and prudent management of the state’s finances.

“He has consistently emphasised responsible budgeting, efficient service delivery and prudent management of state finances as essential foundations for long-term development,” the newspaper said.

The newspaper also credited the administration with supporting security initiatives aimed at improving operations, protecting rural communities and creating conditions for displaced residents to return home and resume economic activities.

On infrastructure, Blueprint said the governor had placed significant emphasis on rebuilding public facilities across the state through road construction and rehabilitation, improvement of public buildings and other projects designed to stimulate commerce and improve access to essential services.

It said the projects were aimed at reconnecting communities, facilitating economic activities and promoting balanced development between urban and rural areas.

The newspaper further noted that Lawal’s administration had prioritised education as a tool for reducing poverty and expanding opportunities, while also pursuing reforms to improve healthcare delivery across the state.