Former Military Administrator, Colonel Jibril Bala Yakubu, Says He Could No Longer Recognise Secretariat He Built in 1997; Commends Lawal’s Rebuilding Agenda
The Zamfara State Government has commissioned the remodelled JB Yakubu Secretariat in Gusau as part of activities marking the 30th anniversary of the state’s creation.
The commissioning ceremony, held on Friday, October 2, 2026, was performed by the former Military Administrator of Zamfara State, Colonel Jibril Bala Yakubu (Rtd), who originally constructed the secretariat during his administration in 1997.
The event was attended by Governor Dauda Lawal, former governors Ahmad Sani Yarima and Mahmud Shinkafi, as well as other dignitaries, including members of the National and State Assemblies and the Emir of Wuse, Colonel Yakubu.
The commissioning marked the completion of Phase Three of the remodelling project, bringing the former military administrator back to the facility nearly three decades after its original construction.
Speaking at the ceremony, Colonel Yakubu expressed amazement at the transformation of the secretariat, saying he could hardly recognise the building and the extent of changes that had taken place across the state.
He commended Governor Lawal for what he described as significant contributions to the development of Zamfara, while calling on political leaders, stakeholders and residents to embrace peace and unity.
“When I came here, I could no longer recognise anything. The whole state has changed drastically, and Dr Dauda Lawal has done a great work,” he said.
The former military administrator urged the people of Zamfara to support the governor’s rebuilding agenda, stressing that peace and unity were essential to the state’s progress.
He also described the commissioning as an emotional moment, recalling that he was in detention when the original secretariat was commissioned in 1997.
“This commissioning brings back memories. I was in detention when this secretariat was first commissioned, and coming here to commission a building named after me while still in good health and wealth brings joy to my heart,” Yakubu stated.
In his remarks, Governor Lawal expressed appreciation to former governors and military administrators who had contributed to the establishment and development of Zamfara State over the years.
He said his administration remained committed to consolidating previous developmental efforts while expanding infrastructure and improving public service delivery.
According to the governor, the remodelling of the secretariat was particularly significant because it would provide civil servants with a more conducive working environment and enhance the quality of services delivered to residents.
“We will continue to ensure development in all aspects, and this project commissioning is significant because workers can work in good conditions and render quality services to the people of Zamfara,” Lawal said.
He further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development as part of efforts to open up the state, attract investments and support ongoing capital projects.
Following the ceremony, Governor Lawal, the former governors, Colonel Yakubu and other invited guests embarked on a guided tour of the remodelled facility to inspect the completed work.
The commissioning formed part of activities marking Zamfara’s 30 years as a state, providing an opportunity to reflect on its political history, successive administrations and ongoing efforts to improve public infrastructure.
