Lawal tells Nigerians to live together as Igbo community backs his re-election in Zamfara

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has urged Nigerians to live together and support one another regardless of ethnic or religious differences, saying unity is needed for the country to develop.

He spoke on Thursday at Government House in Gusau while receiving leaders of the Igbo Community Association in Zamfara, according to a statement reported by Vanguard.

The visit came with a political promise. The association said it would mobilise Igbo residents in the state to vote for Lawal when he seeks another term, and its President-General, Maduka Ezemeka, pledged what Vanguard described as massive support for the governor.

What the community asked for

Ezemeka asked the state government for loans and credit facilities to help members' businesses through the current economic hardship. He also asked for a working bus for the association, explaining that vehicles given by past administrations are no longer roadworthy.

Lawal promised to provide the bus. On business support, he asked the association to submit a formal proposal and said his team would study it, including looking at partnerships with financial institutions.

The governor also pointed to property recertification, saying proper documentation lets owners use their land as collateral to borrow money.

On the disengagement of some Igbo community members who worked as teachers in the state, Lawal said he was surprised, noting he had earlier directed the former Commissioner for Education to resolve it. He asked the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Nakwada, to revisit the matter with the Commissioner for Education and representatives of the affected teachers, investigate and report back.

Why it matters

For Igbo traders and artisans in Zamfara, the meeting touched on the things that affect daily life: access to credit, transport and jobs. The governor's promise of a bus and a review of the teachers' case gives the community concrete items to follow up.

Lawal recalled growing up around Igbo businessmen and artisans in Gusau, saying such ties show Nigerians can prosper together with mutual respect and cooperation. He described the Igbo as brothers and partners in developing Zamfara.

The association's pledge of votes also signals an early push for support ahead of the next governorship election in the state.

What happens next: The association is expected to submit its business support proposal, while the SSG and the education commissioner are to look into the teachers' disengagement and report back to the governor.