Zamfara seeks EU cooperation to revamp education, improve security
By Ibrahim Kaulahi, Gusau
Zamfara State Governor, Dr Dauda Lawal has met with European Union ambassador to Nigeria, Samuela Isopi at her office seeking for intensified support with a view to improve security and save education, economy and health sectors from total collapse in the state.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Gusau Zamfara State capital by the Director General, Media and Communication, Malam Nuhu Salihu Anka, said Governor Dauda while reporting to the E U delegation on the current situation of Zamfara State especially on education, security, health, economy, youth empowerment, among others, said the state is in dire need of strong collaboration to revamp the state.
Dauda further noted that, the state is in need of support from the European Union particularly on security which remains prerequisite to any development, as well as support in other sectors that include Education especially girl child education, health care, water supply, rural and urban development.
Other sectors that need support as according to the Governor were the skills acquisition for development and productivity which in turn will help in reducing criminal activities in the state which needs to be prioritized by the European Union in its intervention projects.
He also appealed to the E U to give special intervention to revive the health sector by providing modern equipments, instruments, manpower and other materials that desperately needed to have a standard health care delivery more importantly the primary health care facilities.
The Governor who also informed the ambassador pertaining some of his administration’s reform agenda, said so far he was able to downsize the cost of governance in the state, by reducing the number of ministries from 28 to 16 active ministries to be maned by competent officers of vast experience and integrity in public service, adding that the number of permanent secretaries have been reduced with a view to contain the entire civil service and reduce cost and ensure effective system of governance.
Speaking, Ambassador Samuela Issopi who led the E.U’s delegation on the courtesy visit, said there is need for vibrant corporation with Nigeria on security more especially in the Northwest.
Ambassador Issopi said the E U will corporate with Zamfara State government especially on climate change, educational development, active participation in good governance, women Rights, Child Rights Act implementation among others.
She congratulated Governor Dauda Lawal on his recent election victory, saying the European Union has planned to visit some states and Zamfara state is shortlisted amongst the first states to be visited.
