A civic advocacy group in Zamfara State has criticised Governor Dauda Lawal for organising a chess exhibition featuring renowned Nigerian champion Tunde Onakoya. The group argued that while youth engagement through sports is commendable, the timing of the event was insensitive given the rising insecurity and frequent attacks in the state.
According to the statement released on Wednesday, the group expressed concern that the government appeared more focused on public relations than addressing pressing security issues plaguing rural communities. They urged the governor to prioritise actionable security measures over symbolic events.
Governor Lawal, however, defended the initiative as part of a broader effort to promote education, mental development, and peace among young people in Zamfara. The state government has yet to directly respond to the criticism from the civic group.