The Gombe State Taskforce on convid-19 Friday says its has discharged 20 patients in two isolation centres in the State.
The isolation centres are that of Kwadon in Yalmatu Deba Local Government Area and the Federal Teaching Hospital in Gombe metropolis.
Speaking through one of its members, Dr. Habu Dahiru at a press conference, the Taskforce said the discharges came after repeated tests results of the Patients shows that they were no longer carrying the Coronavirus.
Dr. Habu Dahiru who is also the State commissioner of Education describe the discharge as a welcome development but was quick to appeal to members of the public not to discriminate against the patients which have since been given a clean bill of health.
He called on the discharged patients to be Ambassadors of covid-19 by inspiring the individuals to take personal responsibility of preventing themselves from catching the Coronavirus.
The Gombe State commissioner of health Dr Ahmed Gana said the Taskforce is ramping up testing in the State to identify individuals carrying the Coronavirus for isolation and treatment.
To this end, the number one health practitioner in the State said the Gombe State Taskforce on convid-19 has so far tested a total of one hundred and fifty nine individuals out of which a hundred and nine are confirmed positive.
Gombe state Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has expressed grief over the demise of a veteran broadcaster and former Nigeria Television Authority ( NTA) staff, Malam Danjuma Ladan who died yesterday in Bauchi.
The late Danjuma Ladan served as Manager, News and Current Affairs, NTA Gombe and retired as a Deputy Director and General Manager, NTA Birnin Kebbi station.
In a condolence message, Governor Yahaya described the late Ladan as a seasoned broadcaster and media icon who lived an exemplary life, adding that the late veteran journalist would be remembered for his selfless service in the foremost television station and media industry in general.
He noted that the late NTA staff was an advocate of good governance, Justice and united Nigeria.
The Governor said Gombe state has lost an illustrous son, who mentored a lot of upcoming journalists and whose remarkable contributions in the nation’s nedia industry will continue to be remembered in years to come.
The Governor extended his heartfelt condolences to the wife and children of the deceased as well as the entire Sarkin Lema’s family over the great loss, praying Almighty Allah to reward his good deeds with Aljannat Firdaus.
…as Deputy Governor-led committee refurbishes 56 abandoned Government vehicles
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe state has stressed the need for government officials to imbibe the culture of maintenance and managing public property at their disposal.
The Governor was speaking at the occasion of handing over of refurbished government vehicles at the Government House, Gombe.
He said it is very pertinent for government to be rational in resource management with a view to earning confidence and trust of the people.
The committee, headed by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau had repaired 56 hither to abandoned vehicles of various models.
Governor Yahaya, appreciated the Deputy Governor for carrying out the assignment diligently, having earlier undertaken a similar one in the refurbishment of fire fighting trucks that were abandoned by the previous administration.
He also lauded the civil service reform committee which he described as the brain behind identifying about 70 abandoned faulty vehicles across the MDAs in the state.
The Governor, who directed the committee to return all the repaired vehicles to the ministries, departments and agencies ( MDA’s) they were pooled, charged public office holders in the state to safeguard public property at their disposal.
The Governor who decried the neglect of public property by those saddled with the responsibility of their management and maintenance, said “We must go back and retrace our steps. We must imbibe the spirit of maintenance of public property. We must do the right thing as far as this administration is concerned”.
According to him, the refurbishing of the hither to unserviceable vehicles is aimed at instilling the culture of maintenance in the minds of civil and public servants as well as adherence to costs cutting measures aimed at ensuring prudent and effective management of resources.
He added that ” the era where Government vehicles were perceived as nobody’s property is over”.
Furthermore, the governor strongly emphasized that government officials entrusted with public property owe it a duty to manage them with extra care the way they manage their own property.
“Resource management is very imminent especially with the dwindling oil price in the world market today which may have effect on the FG’s revenue generation and by implication Gombe state”, the Governor said
“These 56 refurbished vehicles are also government resources and therefore have to be managed properly, warning that government will develop monitoring mechanism to ensure vehicles are properly managed.
Conducting the Governor round to inspect the vehicles, the Chairman of the committee, who is also the state Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau commended Governor Yahaya for the prudent management of state resources since his assumption of office.
He disclosed that ” further to the directive of His Excellency, we were able to repair 56 vehicles of various models and the vehicles are now serviceable. However, 44 others were considered ‘economically unwise” to be repaired and we therefore suggest that the state Government constitutes a board of survey with a view to auctioning them in line with extant laws “.
The Gombe State Taskforce on COVID-19 notes with dismay and disappointment the purported protest by some COVID-19 asymptomatic carriers housed at the Kwadon isolation centre in Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area of the state. The Taskforce, under the leadership of Prof Idris Mohammed, wishes to put the records straight with regards to the incident that took place on Tuesday, May 5, 2020.
First, the Taskforce wishes to inform the general public that the protest was not as a result of neglect by authorities as claimed by the protesters; rather it was on an issue that unfortunately went out of hand.
Truth is; one of the female patients was admitted to the centre with a wound she got long before she came into Gombe State. The Taskforce took it upon itself to treat the wound, similar to what was applied for all the isolated patients; all those with other background ailments are being managed irrespective of its relation to the Covid-19 infection. Unfortunately, the patient’s sister, who was understandably emotional, was of the opinion that the condition can only be treated by traditional healers back in their village.
Although, the patient has the right to choose where to seek for health care services, taking into consideration the risk of transmitting the Covid-19 in the communities, the Taskforce was reluctant to allow her to be managed at home. Public health consideration outweighs personal interests in this context. This was the primary issue that escalated into the protest.
The Taskforce has since evacuated the said female patient to a place in her hometown in a location with minimal risk of community transmission. The Taskforce has since its inauguration been working assiduously to meet the immediate needs of the patients at the isolation centre, especially food and other essential services. Medical attention is being given to them with Doctors and nurses attending to in line with the protocols of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the Taskforce will not allow self-medication at the centre.
It is therefore inaccurate for anybody to claim that the patients are being “poorly managed.” The Taskforce notes that the protest was a manifestation of multi-faceted impacts on economic and psychological factors associated with COVID-19. The social implication is clearly visible.
Majority of the cases in the State are menial workers who returned from Lagos, Abuja or Kano, after realizing they could not bear the consequences of the on-going lockdowns in those cities, as their earnings depend on daily outing.
Now, despite the border restrictions, the Taskforce understood the difficulty these returnees found themselves in and welcomed them into the State with agreement that they have to be subjected to screening for the disease.
Those that turned out positive were therefore isolated for the safety of the general public. All their needs with regards to accommodation, feeding and treatment are being taken care of by the government. However, some of the patients demanded that the government should cater for their immediate family members since they are in isolation and cannot provide for their respective families. However, as you are aware, the Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has established another committee on distribution of palliatives.
Recommendations had already been forwarded to this committee to consider the immediate members of the index cases, even before the staged protest.
It is disheartening that while the patients came out to protest, some residents of Kwadon freely mingled with them despite the risk of being infected. Their action was indeed uncalled for. The Taskforce is disturbed that it appears some residents of the State still consider COVID-19 as a hoax.
The Taskforce assures that the medical personnel attending to the patients in isolation are working round the clock to ensure that patients get the desired medical and psychological attention.
While the Taskforce welcomes recommendations on where to improve its operations, individuals should deter from spreading false accusations and creating distrust among the public. The Taskforce also wishes to inform the general public that the welfare of all the engaged medical personnel and other workers rendering essential services on daily basis is paramount and is being met accordingly.
The Taskforce has already commenced contact tracing of the people in Kwadon community that might have mingled with the isolated patients during the protest in order to guard against community transmission of the virus. The Taskforce assures the good people of Gombe State and Nigerians in general that it will do everything possible to ensure that the COVID-19 patients in the state are well taken care of.
Dr. Mohammed Kwami State Focal Person Covid-19 Pandemic Response Gombe state.
Gombe state Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has received a brand new ambulance donated by retired President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa to a hospital named after her in Gombe.
The ambulance was presented to the Governor by the state Acting Chief Judge, Justice Muazu Pindiga on behalf of the former PCA.
Governor Yahaya while receiving the medical vehicle, extended the appreciation of the Government and people of Gombe state to Justice Bulkachuwa for the gesture, pointing out that it will go a long way in complimenting government’s efforts towards repositioning and revamping the health sector, especially in this trying period.
Governor Yahaya used the occasion to appeal to well to do and public- spirited individuals in the state to also support the Government it its efforts to address healthcare and socio-economic challenges occasioned by the coronavirus pandemic.
Earlier presenting the ambulance to the state Governor, the Acting Chief Judge of Gombe state, Justice Muazu Pindiga conveyed the gratitude of the former Appeal Court President to the state Government for naming the women and children hospital after her, saying the donation to the healthcare facility was her modest contribution and support and that more will continue to come.
The Secretary to the state Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, Chief of Staff, Government House, Alhaji Abubakar Inuwa Kari and the Vice Chancellor, Gombe state University, Professor El- Nafaty were present at the brief presentation ceremony held at the Government House, Gombe.
Gombe state has received donation of 2 ambulances, food items and other materials worth millions of naira from the North East Development Commission ( NEDC) as part of the commission’s support towards cushioning the effect of covid-19.
The State Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau who received the items on behalf of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya thanked the Commission for the timely intervention.
He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for establishing the North East Development Commission, pointing out that the state and the entire sub region shall forever remain grateful to the federal government, considering the impact and importance of the commission.
He informed the delegation that for judicious distribution and handling of donations and palliatives, the Governor of Gombe state had on saturday inaugurated a committee under the Chairmanship of the Emir of Gombe, assuring them that the distribution would be carried out in a judicious manner.
He seized the opportunity to call on well-to-do individuals in the state to complement the efforts of government by assisting the weak in order to ameliorate their sufferings.
Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi appreciated the gesture of the President through the NEDC, saying the people of Gombe will forever remain grateful for the gesture.
The Head of the NEDC delegation, Yerima Gishawu Gashua who is also the Director Audit in the commission, delivered to the state Government, on behalf of the NEDC Chairman, Major-General Paul Tarfa ( Rtd), two ambulances, 3700 cartons of macaroni, 7900 (25kg) bags of rice, 2400(25. Kg) bags of maize flour, 3700 gallons of vegetable oil, 5600 cartons of tomatoes paste,28000 packets of maggi cubes, 7000 packets of salt, and 1800 bags of (15 kg )beans.
He said, already Personal Protective Equipment ( PPEs) and some hospital consumables were delivered for use in hospitals in the state.
As Journalists in Gombe State join their counterparts the world over to commemorate the world Press Freedom Day today, 3rd May, 2020, the State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has paid tribute to media practitioners in the state for their resilience and commitment in enlightening and sensitizing the citizenry on Government policies and programmes and developments around the world amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
In a goodwill message, Governor Yahaya particularly praised the sacrifice and active role of jounalists in the state in the coverage of covid-19 as well as their sensitization of the public on compliance with restriction orders and adherence to the protective measures and protocols of the pandemic.
While making reference to the theme of this year’s celebration, “Journalism without Fear or Favour”, the Governor said as watchdogs of the society and voice of the people, Journalists must continue to uphold the ethics of their profession by promoting the ideals of democracy, justice, accountability, peace and unity as well as updating the general public on developments around the world through their reportage and editorial policies.
While urging the media practitioners to always guard against fake news and misinformation as well as ensure accurate and balanced reportage of events and activities, Governor Yahaya assured to continue to work with them as partners and critical allies in his determination to entrench transparency, accountability and openness in governance in Gombe state.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has inaugurated a 38- man special committee on relief and palliatives to cushion the effect of the partial lockdown in the State occasioned by the Coronavirus Pandamic.
Inaugurating the committee at the new banquet hall of the Government House, Governor Inuwa Yahaya said the setting up of the relief panel was born out of the need to cushion the economic effects of Covid-19 on the people.
“There is no doubt that the special measures taken to tame the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic has put our people in severe economic difficulties. We are fully aware of the hardship being experienced particularly by the daily earners whose living depends on their ability to go out and mingle with others. However, these are sacrifices that we must make to save lives”
Governor Inuwa Yahaya said in order to ameliorate the economic hardships brought about by the restrictions imposed to control the Covid-19 pandemic, his administration is obliged to provide support and relief to the people most especially the vulnerable ones in the State adding that his government will ensure that the palliatives reache its intended destinations.
“As people of faith, we are aware that trials and travails are integral part of our lives. We have an abiding faith in the fact that at the end of every difficulty comes some ease. I therefore enjoin us to persevere and continue to pray in order to win the fight against this invisible enemy” Governor Inuwa Yahaya was quoted as saying.
He commend the people of Gombe State for complying with the measures put in place to keep the state safe, appealing for more of such support and cooperation with government officials and security agencies in the enforcement of all the required guidelines and protocols.
While wishing the citizens of the State who tested positive for Covid-19 a speedy recovery, Governor Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya equally paid glowing tribute to health workers in the State, philanthropists and corporate organisations for their solidarity.
The Relief and Palliative Committee which is headed by the Emir of Gombe Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, has the following as its terms of reference
(i) To undertake a general situational assessment and identify the households/individuals that are eligible to receive the palliative support;
(ii) To develop an equitable distribution framework for delivering the relief support to the beneficiaries;
(iii) To ensure that relief items reach the deserving beneficiaries in all the 114 Wards of the Eleven (11) Local Governments in the State;
(iv) To solicit for donation of palliative and other relief materials from the General Public, Private sector organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, and Philanthropists to complement Government efforts in this regard;
(v) To undertake activities contingent upon the successful completion of the assignment.
(vi) Prepare and present periodic progress report to Government.
The chairman of the committee and Emir of Gombe, Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar lll assured the Governor that the committee will exhibit due diligence while carrying out its assignment.
He thanked the Governor for finding them worthy to serve in the committee and promised that the committee will ensure equity and justice.
As part of measures to cushion the effect of Covid-19 in the Gombe state, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has constituted a Special Committee on Relief and Palliatives under the Chairmanship of His Royal Highness, the Emir of Gombe and Chairman State Council of Emirs and Chiefs, Alh. (Dr.) Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III.
The Secretary to the state Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi announced the appointment of the committee in a statement he issued today.
The 38- member committee has the Emirs of Dukku, Yamaltu and Mai Tangle as members.
Others are Hon. Adamu Pata , Hon. Shuaibu Adamu and Hon.Samuel Markus; members of Gombe state House of Assembly.
Also to serve as members are Commissioners for Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs, Internal Security & Ethical Orientation and Representative of SEMA.
Also Alh Damina Sardauna, Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs; Hon. Auwalu Abdullahi Gafaka, Special Adviser on Community relations & Ethical Orientation; Mr. Nitte Amangal, Alh. Danjuma Babayo, Alh. Sanusi Abdullahi and Mrs. Margaret Yusuf are members.
The committee also has the Representative of Jama’atu Nasril Islam, JNI, Sheik Adamu Girbo, Sheik Usman IsahTaliyawa, Sheik Adamu Mohammed Dokoro, Alhaji Jauro Bappi, Representative of Christian Association of Nigeria CAN and Rev. Sunday Congo as members.
Also the Representative of Civil Society Organisations (IbrahimYusuf 3000) , Alh. Adamu Malala , Alh. Ali Usman, Alh. Isiyaku Abdullahi, Mrs. Finey David, Hajiya Uwani Shuaibu Gara, Hajiya Dijatu Bappa, Muazzammil Yahaya and Hajiya Zainab Amin are members.
The list also has Representatives of the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Service ( DSS) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC).
The Commissioner of Special Duties, Barr. Mela Nunghe is to serve as Secretary while Mr. Benjamen Wabida, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties serves as Assistant Secretary.
According to the statement, the Committee will be inaugurated by His Excellency, Governor Inuwa Yahaya tomorrow, Saturday, 2nd May, 2020, at the New Banquette Hall, Government House by 11:00am prompt.
Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has congratulated workers in the state as they join their comrades the world over in celebrating the 2020 International Workers’ Day today.
The Governor, in a goodwill message, described workers as partners in progress, assuring that his administration will continue to sustain and deepen the existing friendy working environment and industrial harmony in the state aimed at increasing productivity of the workforce in particular and improving good governance in general.
While acknowledging the support and cooperation of the organized labour with this administration, Governor Yahaya assured that his government will continue to remain favourably disposed towards the welfare of workers, citing prompt and timely payments of workers salaries and wages, the efforts being made in setting backlog of inherted gratuity and the commitment in sanitizing the system to improve productivity in the service.
He observed that although the world is experiencing an unprecedented economic downturn occasioned by the ravaging coronavirus pandemic, his administration will continue to do it’s best to live up to its responsibilities and cater for the workers within available resouces, calling for collective sacrifice and solidarity in the midst of the global crisis.
The Governor described this year’s theme, “Stop the Pandemic at Work”, as apt and timely, especially with the global unity to combat covid-19.
He stated that as part of covid-19 containment measures in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC and other global practices, his administration has channelled resources, deployed personnel and imposed restrictions as well as provided necessary facilities and equipment, calling for collective sacrifice and advising the people to continue to adhere strictly to all the prescribed public health protocols of social distancing, wearing of face mask, use of hand sanitizer and observing personal hygiene among others.
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