Gov Dauda Lawal @ 61: A functionalist in power

Dauda Lawal, who was 55 years old on his birthday in 2020, was once described as a symbolic interactionist and a retired banker seeking a quiet life. However, fate intervened in 2021 when Governor Lawal received a distress plea from his people in Zamfara State, asking for assistance. Lawal, who had previously reached the pinnacle of his profession, responded to the call for help, becoming the Dauda Lawal that governed Zamfara State from May 29th, 2023.

Lawal's governance style differs from the one observed five years ago. Instead of rushing to make decisions, Lawal governs with precision and a focus on results. This approach is consistent with the sociological theory of Functionalism, which views society as an integrated organic whole where institutions such as security, education, healthcare, and the economy are interdependent and interrelated.

Under Lawal's leadership, Zamfara State's internally generated revenue (IGR) increased from ₦90 million to over ₦5 billion monthly. One can only speculate whether Lawal owns Émile Durkheim's The Rules of Sociological Method and George Ritzer's Sociological Theory, but his leadership has demonstrated a refined application of Structural Functionalism. Lawal's administration strategically applied the AGIL scheme, which consists of Adaptation, Goal Attainment, Integration, and Latency, to the governance of Zamfara State.

Lawal began by reaching out to international development partners who had withdrawn from the state due to concerns over transparency and accountability, such as the World Bank. His administration was successful in rebuilding trust and restoring confidence, leading to the return of development partners and securing resources for critical projects.

Lawal's commitment to Goal Attainment involved setting clear public goals and determining how those goals could be achieved across ministries, departments, and agencies. Integration was maintained by coordinating ministries and agencies in ways that helped manage conflicts and sustain cooperation across the government. With a deep understanding of Parsons' concept of Latency, Lawal's administration preserved, transmitted, and renewed the core values and beliefs that underpin the state's purpose of rescuing and rebuilding Zamfara.

As Lawal celebrates his 61st birthday, he is no longer seen merely as a boss but as a father who has transformed the trajectory of Zamfara State and altered the negative narrative surrounding the state.