The Zamfara State Governor, Dr. Dauda Lawal, has called for stronger global partnerships and investment to unlock the economic potential of the state and create sustainable opportunities for its growing youth population.
Lawal made the call while speaking at a high-level side event at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81), convened by Vivacity Development, under the theme, “Work, Innovation and Opportunity: Preparing the Next Generation for the Global Economy.”
The governor, who addressed international diplomats, investors and development partners at the event, said subnational governments were strategically positioned to drive economic development because of their proximity to local communities, natural resources and demographic realities.
“In Zamfara State, our young people are not a burden to be managed; they are our greatest economic asset,” Lawal said.
“Their creativity, energy, and courage can transform our communities when matched with the right skills, institutions, and opportunities. Opportunity, however, must be deliberately created and responsibly sustained.”
The governor identified agriculture, solid minerals, agro-processing, renewable energy and digital enterprise as key areas with significant investment potential in Zamfara.
He said attracting foreign direct investment should not be limited to the injection of capital, but should also facilitate knowledge transfer, strengthen local capacity and generate decent employment opportunities for young people.
Lawal also called for partnerships capable of translating investment and policy frameworks into tangible outcomes for communities, businesses and young people across the state.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Vivacity Development, Engr. Oluwakemi Ann-Melody Areola, said the organisation was committed to connecting subnational economic opportunities with international capital, expertise and development resources.
“At Vivacity Development, we believe that real economic transformation happens at the subnational level,” Areola said.
“Our focus is on creating platforms that connect regional potential—like that of Zamfara State—with global capital, capacity-building resources, and sustainable infrastructure partnerships.”
Lawal commended Areola and the Vivacity Development team for convening the dialogue, stressing the need for sustained collaboration between governments, investors and development partners to promote inclusive economic growth.
The event provided a platform for discussions around youth employment, innovation, investment and the role of subnational governments in preparing the next generation for participation in the global economy.
About Vivacity Development
Vivacity Development is a development practice and social enterprise focused on inclusive growth, youth workforce preparation, digital innovation and subnational economic resilience across Africa. The organisation facilitates strategic convenings, research-driven interventions and public-private partnerships aimed at connecting local economic potential with global development resources.
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