INSECURITY: ZAMFARA GOVERNOR RECEIVES EIMC PARTICIPANTS, PLEDGES PARTNERSHIP WITH NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR SECURITY STUDIES

By; Imrana Abdullahi

Governor Dauda Lawal has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with relevant security agencies, including the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), to tackle insecurity in Zamfara State.

On Wednesday, a team of Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 17/2024 participants and faculty officials from the National Institute for Security Studies visites Zamfara State and met with Governor Lawal.

In a statement Signes by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, explained that the course theme is “Artificial Intelligence, Security and Emerging Economies in Africa: Challenges and Prospects,” participants are drawn from various agencies within and outside the country.

The statement added that the composition allows participants to share ideas and brainstorm on critical and diverse issues from different perspectives, resulting in a much richer output.

Addressing the officials and course participants, Governor Lawal commended the institute for choosing Zamfara State for a study tour. “The decision is apt and promising in appreciating some critical variables for proper dissection of the theme. Like other parts of Nigeria, our State is endowed with abundant natural and human resources, which, as a necessary catalyst for economic progress, could open a broad spectrum of economic opportunities.

“Going back on the theme with a focus on the application of AI, the place of global trends, including the innovative application of Artificial Intelligence components towards maximization of benefits from minerals available in our state and in tackling existential threats bedeviling us, is a reality we must come to terms with. Fully aware of this, my administration has been working with security agencies and other partners toward leveraging available technological expertise to address our challenges.

“I therefore urge you, the course participants, to critically interrogate and analyze the existing scenarios and provide us with practicable recommendations relevant to the state government for implementation. If this is achieved, this study tour will be worth its while.”

Furthermore, Governor Lawal restated that the Zamfara State government collaborates closely with security, law enforcement agencies, and other relevant stakeholders to stem the ugly trend.

“Since we assumed office about a year ago, we have initiated specific measures, including regular State Security Council meetings to review the security situation, begin a thematic course of action for implementation, and establish the Zamfara State Security Trust Fund.

“We also engage in periodic issuance and enforcement of restriction orders on specific activities that tend to aid insecurity in the State; Promulgation of an Executive Order prohibiting traditional rulers from issuing consent letters for mining across the fourteen (14) LGAs in response to the established correlation between banditry and illegal mining.

“Declaration of State of emergency on Health sector and Education to achieve fast and drastic progress in these sectors for the well-being of citizens and a brighter future of the state; Establishment of the Zamfara State Community Protection Guard (ZSCPG) to complement conventional law enforcement outfits in tackling security challenges in the State.”

Earlier, the team leader of the delegation from the National Institute for Security Studies, Madam Patricia Edak, praised the impressive achievements of Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration.

She stated, “Your Excellency, we have toured the state and witnessed the significant transformation you have brought about in a short period of your tenure. Zamfara State is fortunate to have you as their governor.”