Gombe state Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has received with sadness, the news of the death of Alhaji Adamu Danjarida (Madakin Kwami) who died yesterday at the age of 78 years.
In a condolence message, Governor Yahaya described the late chairman of the PDP Elders’ Forum as a great loss not only to his immediate family but the state and the nation as a whole.
He described Alhaji Danjarida as a grassroots politician and great community leader who impacted on the lives of many.
Governor Yahaya, extended on behalf of the Government and people of Gombe state, his heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family, praying Almighty Allah to reward his good deeds with Aljannat Firdaus and give those he left behind the fortitude to bear the great loss.
To bridge the learning deficit among students of Primary and Post Schools due to the Coronavirus Pandamic which led to the abrupt closure of Schools across the State, the Gombe State Government through the State Universal Basic Education Board SUBEB has commence the Open School Programm on some selected radio and Television stations in the State.
The Open School Programm will focus on key subjects such as English language, Mathematics, for both Primary and Secondary School students as well as Physics and chemistry for Secondary Students among other subjects.
The Chairman of the Open School Programm Malam Buba Umar Baba’ayi said Students can tune in to the School on Vision FM Gombe at 12:30pm to 1:00 pm as well as 4:30pm to 5:00 pm on every week day. He said the Television version of the Open School Programm is still been worked at assuring students that they will soon enjoy same on television.
Baba’ayi assured parents and students alike that the Programme will run until the resumption of Schools across the State. He appealed to parents to ensure that their children tune in to the Open School Programme so as to keep with their curricular activities.
The chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board SUBEB Gombe Hon. Babaji Babadidi said the Open School Programme was in line with the State Government policy to revamp the education sector through effective teaching and learning.
He thanked Governor Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya for expressly approving the Open School Programme adding students in the State stands to benefit from the School if they stay tuned to the on air classes.
On how students can get answers to questions arising from a lesson taught the Chairman said a feedback mechanism will establish for students to have their grey areas cleared.
Gombe state government is to produce over one million units of face masks for distribution to people across the state, especially the less privileged as part of measures to curtail the spread of covid-19.
This was disclosed by the Chairman of the state Task Force on covid-19, Professor Idris Mohammed today while receiving a donation of locally made supporting items from the Gombe state office of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC.
He said plans are underway to make it mandatory for everyone to wear face mask but that his committee will ensure the items are made available before the policy takes effect.
The Task Force Chairman said already the face masks are being produced and will be made available as soon as they are ready in a couple of weeks.
He appreciated the NYSC for identifying with the state government at this trying time, adding that the gesture will significantly help the state government in attaining its plan of reaching every household with face masks and hand wash items.
The NYSC state coordinator, Florence Yaakugh while presenting the items said the Corps members in Gombe state have benefitted much from the state government as such the state deserves much from the NYSC, especially at this trying time when the entire world is engaged in the fight against the deadly virus.
She further stated that NYSC accords priority to skills acquisition programme, hence the youth corps members in the state took advantage of the scheme to produce locally made items that will compliment government’s effort in fighting the pandemic.
Items presented included 120 units of hand sanitizer, 160 packs of facemasks and 60 pieces of hand washing soap.
Gombe state Government has received additional support to contain the spread of coronavirus pandemic in the state.
Keystone Bank plc joined other corporate bodies in donating some operational supporting items to the state task force on covid-19 to compliment the government’s effort in fighting global plague.
The Gombe Branch Manager of Keystone plc, Mr Liyo Mohammed who made the presentation on behalf of the bank’s management said the financial institution resolved to partner Gombe state government in the campaign against the covid 19 pandemic through such support.
Items donated include 5 sets of hospital beds and mattresses, 300 pieces of 100ml hand sanitizer, 60 packs of face masks and 60 packs of hand gloves.
Mr Mohammed said in line with the bank’s corporate social responsibility, Keystone is determined to support the state at this trying time when the world is faced with the ravaging pandemic.
Similarly, the Task force has received a personal donation of 2 oxygen concentrators from Hamza Yuguda, Manager, Gombe Branch of Guarantee Trust Bank, GTB in support of the state Government’s containment efforts against covid-19.
The Chairman, Task Force on covid-19, Professor Idris Mohammed while receiving the items, appreciated the management of Keystone Bank and Hamza Yuguda for the timely support, assuring of judicious utilisation of the materials donated.
Gombe state Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has approved additional measures to curtail the spread of coronavirus in the state with effect from 6 pm of today, 27th April, 2020 as follows:
Commercial Motorcycles operation, popularly called Achaba is banned throughout the state.
Tricycle ( Keke NAPEP) operators are allowed to carry only one adult passenger at a time.
All calls to Muslim prayers are allowed ONLY to notify the faithful of the time for prayers and NOT for observing congregational prayers in the mosques. All Muazzins ( persons responsible for calls to prayers) should clearly mention (in Arabic and local languages) that people should observe their prayers in their respective homes.
In line with provisions of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control ( NCDC), everyone is strongly advised to wear face mask at all the times.
When the novel Coronavirus Pandemic began creeping into Nigeria, Governor Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya wasted no time in putting every relevant machinery in place to ensure that the virus does get into the State let alone gain a foothold in the State.
To begin with, the Gombe State Governor constituted the State Taskforce committee on covid 19 under the chairmanship of Idris Mohammed a renowned Professor of Epidemiology to among other areas of interest advise and recommend to government a systematic way of not only preventing the virus from getting into the State but to prepare should there be any eventuality.
As if that was not enough, the Governor also inaugurated a Taskforce committee on inter-state travels to curtail the influx of commuters particularly those coming from states considered to be high risk States in the Country. Through the resilience of these committees, the Coronavirus was kept at bay from the State for almost a month.
However, things took a different turn when on the 21st of April, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control NCDC announced that Gombe State had a record of five index cases of the Coronavirus. The announcement by the NCDC was trailed by uneasy calm in the State leading many to effectively conclude that the Gombe State Governor will declare a total lockdown.
But the Governor in his usual style of carrying everyone along on issues that mattered most, declined taking a unilateral decision of closing down the State but instead invited relevant stakeholders to discuss on how best to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus Pandamic.
From having meetings with traditional and religious leaders in the State, to organising same with security agencies all in one effort to accommodate all shades of opinion for better approach to the Coronavirus Pandamic.
These series of meetings which eventually led to Governor Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya announcing a dusk to dawn curfew as well as suspending intra-state travels and gatherings among other far reaching measures to curb the spread of the virus in the State is no doubt a display of democratic values which always seeks to promote and uphold the yearnings and aspirations of the people.
As seen in other climbs, Governor Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya has the constitutional powers to unilaterally close down the State particularly in situations such as the one presented by the Coronavirus Pandamic but for the respect he has for the people coupled with his clear understanding of the tenets democracy made him to always seek for wise counsel from not only his Executive Council members but also opinion leaders across the State.
Even though Gombe State now has thirty confirm Coronavirus cases and one death the believe across board was that the human face approach so far adopted by Governor Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya is just a subtle call for everyone in the State to take responsibility lest the partial lockdown may just turn into a total lockdown.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has lauded Ashaka cement plc, a subsidiary of Lafarge Africa for complimenting the Gombe state government’s effort in containing the spread of the covid-19 pandemic with a donation of a fully equipped isolation facility and other items.
The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau was speaking at the official handing over of the donated facility in Ashaka, said the isolation centre and other items would go a long way in containing the spread and mitigating the effects of the virus.
He noted that the coronavirus pandemic, which has become a global health problem, requires the efforts of everyone in the society, calling on individuals and organizations to assist in the fight against the scourge.
He said the Ashaka Cement Plc has demonstrated an exemplary corporate social responsibility role that will impact on humanity for years to come.
Governor Yahaya urged other corporate organizations operating in the state to borrow a leaf from the Lafarge Africa’s gesture.
He lamented that the covid-19 situation is becoming more worrisome, considering the latest report which represented over 300% increase, stressing the need for all to observe strictly, the protective measures of hand washing, social distancing, use of face mask and staying at home.
The Governor observed that Gombe has a peculiar case of covid-19 index cases by recording up to 30 positive cases in less than a week but however attributed the rapid discovery to the committment of the Professor Idris Mohammed-led task force team in intercepting the suspected carriers before mingling with community members.
He said the discovery of the cases was an indication that the reponse team does not limit its scope on comfirmed cases only but also on tracing their contacts.
The Managing Director, Ashaka cement Plc, Ibrahim Aminu while handing over the facilities to the state Government said the gesture was part of the company’s corporate social responsibility aimed at supporting the Government in the fight against the covid-19 pandemic.
He said the 12-bed isolation centre is equipped with the basic hospital requirements to provide the needed intervention in the event of a suspected or any comfirmed covid-19 case.
The MD further said the cement company has donated 3000 containers of 200 ml of alcohol based hand sanitizers, 120 units of hand wash stations as well as covid -19 awareness campaign posters and flyers translated into Hausa language.
The Managing Director who expressed optimism that supporting the state Government in its concerted effort will help in tackling the spread of the virus squarely, added that the company procured a fully equipped ambulance to be donated to Gombe state with a view to improving its rapid response operations.
Other required items such as face masks and personal protective equipment will soon arrive for presentation to the taskforce team.
Ibrahim Aminu who conductedthe government officials round the equipped isolation centre, further disclosed that Lafarge Africa has also made arrangement for the donation of food packages to about 3000 households across the host community as a palliative.
Chairman of the task force on covid 19, professor Idris Mohammed appreciated Lafarge Africa for the generous donation of the isolation centre and other items, assuring that the facility and items will be judiciously utilized.
Gombe state taskforce on covid 19 has received more donations from illustrious sons of the state.
The Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN), Mr Edward L. Adamu donated 1, 500 hand sanitizers, 100 facemasks and 100 personal protective equipment.
In a letter conveyed to the state’s covid 19 response team, Mr Edward Adamu said the gesture was to contribute his quota in complimenting the Gombe state government’s effort in fighting the scourge.
“In order to curb the spread of the virus in Gombe state and the country at large it is pertinent for all and sundry to team up with the government in fighting this pandemic in whichever way possible”, the CBN Deputy Governor stated.
In a similar development, a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ali Isa JC has also donated the sum of 1 million naira to the taskforce on covid 19.
Hon. Ali JC, who represented Balanga/ Billiri Federal Constituency said the cash donation is his modest contribution to the collective effort aimed at containing the coronavirus pandemic in Gombe state.
Receiving the donations, Chairman of the state task force on covid 19, Professor Idris Mohammed thanked the donors, saying the gesture will go a long way in supporting the fight against the contagious disease in the state.
Gombe state Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has constituted and inaugurated the steering committee for the preparation of Gombe State 10-Year Development plan.
The Committee was inaugurated by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau in the Conference Hall of the Deputy Governors’ Office.
Headed by the Deputy Governor, the steering committee is saddled with the mandate of giving general direction to the process of plan preparation, approval, and implementation.
It is also to evolve an effective coordination of all the MDAs for the smooth conduct of exercises of plan development and implementation, and to determine its own mode of operations for the success of the assignment.
It is also to engage widely with the public; the political class, traditional institution, private/ business sector, civil society organizations, labour unions, religious organizations, professional bodies, women and youth groups and all relevant stakeholders in the state for the purpose of the plan document.
Other areas of the committees’ mandate include; to undertake any activity that will facilitate the success of the development plan as well as to coopt individuals and organizations into the Committee for an effective and all inclusive plan.
In his address at the inaugural meeting of the committee, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Jatau noted that the preparation of the plan was in line with the strategic vision of the present administration to put the state on a solid development platform through a coordinated and orderly development strategy.
“Distinguished members, the 10- year development plan is intended to serve as a pathway for the state to be on an accelerated development trajectory. The process for the preparation of the document will be participatory with the Ministries,Departments and Agencies (MDAs) driving the process in collaboration with sector stakeholders and development partners.”
The Deputy Governor further explained that the Gombe State Development Plan is predicated on facilitating longer term visioning for the state’s development planning and policy making, sustained long-term response to findings of the 2019 Gombe State Needs Assessment: and support the basis for the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework. (MTEF).
He said, the 10-Year Development Plan is also expected to be in line with overall national development priorities, existing state sectoral plans and the Sustainable Development Goals( SDGs).
Dr. Jatau further explained that the plan will strive to deploy a holistic approach that will positively impact on all the people of the state by setting a clear engagement framework with the Nigerian state in the areas of security of lives and property, equal distribution of resources, good health and education amongst others.
He urged members of the Committee to consider the assignment as an opportunity to be part of building a prosperous future for current and future generations.
Members of the steering committee include the Secretary to the State Government, Emir of Gombe, Commissioners of Finance, Health, Education, Water Resources, Women Affairs, Youth and Sports, Enviroment, Works and Transport, Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, Energy and Mineral Resources.
Others are Commissioners of Commerce,Trade and Industry, Agriculture, Special Adviser, Budget, Planning and Development Partners Coordination, Lead Consultant, Representative of Civil Society Organisations, Representative of Development Partners while Permanent Secretary, Budget,Planning and Development Partners Coordination serves as Secretary.
As the Ramadan fast begins today, Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has enjoined the Muslim ummah to use the opportunity provided by the holy month to pray fervently for an end to the coronavirus pandemic as well as for unity, peaceful co-existence and development of the state.
The Governor who made the call in a goodwill message to mark the commencement of the Ramadan fast, noted that this year’s holy month is coming at a time the world is battling to contain the ravaging covid-19 pandemic, hence the need for all to intensify prayers and seek Allah’s intervention against the plague.
He said, ” as one of the five pillars of Islam, Ramadan fast avails the Ummah a golden opportunity for spiritual rejuvenation and devotion through supplication and other acts of worship”.
Governor Yahaya added that “We therefore must use this opportunity to pray fervently for our dear state and the nation as well as for those in authority as we collectively battle to combat the threat of the global pandemic and many challenges facing the world and humanity today”.
He also urged the people to continue to observe the standard safety guidelines and other protective measures against covid-19 such as avoiding mass gatherings, maintaining social distancing and personal hygiene while undertaking their daily routines, expressing optimism that ‘we will surely overcome the new challenges and emerge stronger”.
The Governor admonished the Muslim Ummah to always demonstrate in their lives the spirit and ideals of Islam by living according to the tenet of the religion, which promotes peace, kindness and obedience.
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