ZITDA: Zamfara Positions Itself For Digital Revolution

Governor Dauda Lawal is committed to ensure full digitalization of Zamfara State with the establishment of the State Information Technology Development Agency (ZITDA).

The impactful leadership of Governor Lawal in driving the state to digital world has no doubt witnesses a period defined by innovation, strategic partnerships, and rapid digital transformation across Zamfara State.

Governor Lawal’s efforts have driven reforms that position Zamfara as a leading force in Nigeria’s digital economy, in line with the rescue mission.

The Executive Secretary of ZITDA, Habib Gajam while celebrating two years milestone achievements of Governor Dauda Lawal in digital transformation said the Governor has empowered Zamfara citizens through technology.

“Governor Dauda Lawal modernize governance and empower citizens through technology. Habib Gajam said.

The state executive secretary further highlighted the technological achievements of the administration.

“Within just two years, ZITDA recorded historic milestones. Most notably, the Zamfara State House of Assembly passed the bill establishing the Zamfara Institute of Information Technology (ZIIT), creating a dedicated institution for ICT education, research, and innovation in the state. Gajam added,

Zamfara also became the first state in Nigeria to adopt a Digital Literacy Framework (ZDLF), designed to equip citizens with essential digital skills for inclusive economic growth, effective e-governance, and technological innovation, with ZITDA providing technical leadership for implementation.

At the international front, the Zamfara State Government signed a strategic partnership with Oracle in London on April 29, 2025, under Oracle University’s Skills Development Initiative (SDI).

The agreement focuses on youth development, workforce capacity building, and expanding Zamfara’s participation in the global digital economy.

The signing, led by Governor Dauda Lawal, fostered direct collaboration between ZITDA and Oracle to deliver global-standard ICT training to Zamfara youths.

The state’s progress has also attracted national recognition where Zamfara state emerged as 1st in the Digital Technology Infrastructure Development category at the Peer-Review Session of the 12th National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.

This achievement underscores Governor Dauda Lawal’s commitment to advancing technology and innovation, and marks a significant step toward modernizing Zamfara’s digital infrastructure.

Further affirming this progress, Zamfara won Best State in E-Government and 1st Runner-Up in ICT Human Capital Development at the 13th National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in Jos, Plateau State.

Speaking on the milestone, Dr. Habib Gajam reaffirmed ZITDA’s commitment to building a digitally inclusive Zamfara.

He noted that the achievements recorded reflect teamwork, the visionary leadership of Governor Dauda Lawal, and the agency’s focus on empowering people through technology.

Dr. Gajam reaffirmed the commitment of the agency to deepening innovation, expanding digital access, and ensuring technology becomes a strong driver of sustainable development across Zamfara State.

[08/02, 12:03 pm] S.Bala Zamfara Media: Zamfara Unvails Task Force to Curb Illegal Drug Sales

The Zamfara State Government has launched a multi-agency effort to curb the illegal and indiscriminate sale of medicines, warning that the practice fuels fake drugs, treatment failure and avoidable deaths.

The initiative was announced by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nafisa Muhammad Maradun, at a review meeting bringing together security agencies, regulators, professional bodies and development partners to develop an enforcement roadmap.

Dr Maradun who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Sheikh Bashir Sirajo also NIPSS Ambassador of Integrity and Leadership said the widespread hawking of medicines in the streets, markets and motor parks poses “a severe and growing threat” to public health and security, noting links to antimicrobial resistance and broader criminal networks.

Sheikh Bashir surajo said the State Security Council has mandated the Ministry of Health to coordinate all relevant agencies to deliver a clear, actionable and sustainable plan to Curb the illegal sales of drugs in the state.

“Our task is to stop the hawking and illegal sale of medicines, assign clear roles for enforcement and public awareness, and ensure sustained action beyond one-off exercises,” Sheikh Bashir said.

He further said, the progress will be reported quarterly to the State Security Council meeting to comprehensive action.

The Commissioner further said the roadmap would strengthen coordination and accountability across agencies.

“This is about protecting lives With shared responsibility, routine surveillance and firm enforcement, we can restore integrity to the drug distribution system in Zamfara.”

The commissar also emphasized that the while the Department of Pharmaceutical Services has statutory oversight of pharmaceutical outlets and patent medicine vendors, the scale of the problem requires robust inter agency collaboration, including inspections, arrests and prosecutions where necessary.

Speaking, the State Coordinator of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control applauded the commissioner and the permanent secretary, describing the meeting as timely.

He outlined NAFDAC’s mandate to regulate, control and ensure the safety, quality and efficacy of medicines, foods and related products, pledging the agency’s support for inspections, public sensitization and enforcement.

Also speaking, the Zamfara State Officer of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, (PCN) Pharmacist Yusuf Abdulmujib, presented the council’s mandate on the regulation of pharmaceutical outlets, patent and proprietary medicine vendors, and pharmacy practice in general, emphasizing the need for strict compliance with existing regulations.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) was represented by Ghazali D. Isgogo on behalf of the state commandant, reaffirming the agency’s readiness to collaborate with other stakeholders to curb illegal drug distribution and related criminal activities.

Maradun urged the security and other law enforcement agencies to ensure the roadmap moves “from paper to practice” to safeguard public health across the state.