Governor Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has given the nod to the State Universal Basic Education Board SUBEB Gombe to commence the Open School programme in all media organisations in the State.
It will be recalled that due to the Coronavirus Pandamic, Schools in Gombe State came to an abrupt closure two weeks earlier to the official calendar arrangements.
Speaking at the inauguration of a committee to oversee the implementation of the Open School Programme, the Executive chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board Hon. Babaji Babadidi said the lockdown has seriously affected the smooth academic flow of Education in State especially as Government battles to redeem the ailing Education sector in the State.
He said the Open School programme will give students staying at home due to the Coronavirus the opportunity to have lessons in their various homes through listening to radio or watching television.
The six man committee on the Open School programme which has seven days to present its report, has the following as its terms of reference.
1. To design in detail modalities for the Open School Programme for Basic Education in the State in order to fill the vacuum created by the stay at home policy of preventing the spread of Covid-19.
2. To Identify competent resource persons from the Board’s existing staff.
3. To contact and arrange with reputable Media Organisations on the modalities for the successful implementation of the program.
4. To come up with an acceptable time table.
5. To proffer solution(s) to challenges and that may confront the successful implementation of the programme.
The Executive chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board SUBEB Gombe Hon. Babaji Babadidi has presented appointment letters to some deserving Senior officers at both the State and Local Government levels.
The Officers include: Adamu Gurama Dukku, Director Teachers Training Centre Kwami, Mrs. Hannatu Madaki Ag. Zonal Education Coordinator Deba, Abubakar Boyi Ag. Education Secretary Akko L.G.E.A and Ali Hassan Ag. Education Secretary Deba L.G.E.A.
Others are Bello Buba Head of Personal Management Deba L.G.E.A, Musa Buba Treasurer Deba L.G.E.A and Titus Ladoli Head of Personal Management Billiri L.G.E.A.
Performing the exercise which took place at the headquarters of the State Universal Basic Education Board SUBEB, the Chairman of the Board Hon. Babaji Babadidi said their appointment followed the retirement of some Education officers hence the need to fill the void.
He said some of the parameters use in arriving at the selection of the officers include: Seniority, Dedication, Punctuality, Cooperation, Honesty, Qualification and loyalty.
Hon. Babaji Babadidi therefore challenged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence repose in them by taking the Education sector in the State to the next level.
In the vain the Executive chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board SUBEB Gombe Hon. Babaji Babadidi has inaugurated a 5 man committee for Open School Programme.
The Open School programme as explained by the Gombe SUBEB chairman becomes necessary in view of the abrupt closure of schools in the State two weeks earlier to the official calendar arrangements due to the Coronavirus.
He said the Board in its wisdom thought wise to come with the Open School programme where students in the State will be given the opportunity to have lessons in their homes through listening to radio and watching TV.
Responding on behalf of the appointees and the committee the Director Teachers Training Centre Kwami Alhaji Adamu Gurama Dukku assured Governor Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya as well as SUBEB of their readiness to deliver on the mandate given to them.
The ravaging coronavirus pandemic hit the world suddenly, thereby becoming one of the biggest threats to humanity, global economy and financial markets. The World Health Organization’s report revealed that the virus, first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year, has infected over one million people in at least 120 countries with more than 60,000 deaths recorded globally so far.
The acclaimed World Powers such as United States of America, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain and others are becoming overwhelmed with increasing cases of the deadly Coronavirus (COVID-19) daily.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 did not spare Nigeria as the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed over 200 cases with 5 deaths as at 5th of April, 2020. The escalation of COVID-19 forced many nations to shutdown their economy as well as lockdown the streets to curtail spread of the communicable disease.
Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari last week announced additional measures including lockdown of Lagos, Ogun and Federal Capital Territory coupled with stay at home order to prevent the spread of the pandemic, while in Gombe state, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya had taken proactive steps, including constituting a Taskforce with adequate funding, closing of the state’s borders and engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that Gombe maintains clean record and prepare for any eventuality.
No doubt, Coronavirus pandemic is having negative effect on Nigeria’s economy, making Gombe and other states to feel the heat. For instance, the global crude oil price has dropped to less than $30 as against $57 projection in 2020 budget and millions of Nigeria’s oil barrels are on the high sea waiting for buyers. Also, revenues from non-oil sectors are affected, including Value Added Tax due to shutdown in some countries which is slowing down the economy.
Unsurprisingly, the recent FAAC meeting indicated about N50billion decrease in revenue available for sharing among the Federal, States and Local Governments. The ongoing Stay at home/lockdown would further deplete our revenue, thereby reducing allocation to each state. We are in this cloudy situation together, hence a good leader must restrategise and act fast!
Therefore, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya seems to be in agreement with United States Army General, General Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964) who said: ”A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others’. The Governor is already restrategising, rethinking and working out modalities to ensure the state stays strong and continues to meet its financial obligations amidst this crisis.
Gombe State Government is now putting in place measures aimed at mitigating the economic impact, including minimizing recurrent expenditures in order to save cost and make funds available for projects amidst Coronavirus crisis.
In a recent interview with journalists, the state Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development, Alhaji Muhammad Gambo Magaji said, “We begin to plan ahead for those months that will be extremely difficult.”
He hinted that the quick-fix measures being taken by the state government were to strengthen the Internally Generated Revenue base to ensure that it meets most of its needs in terms of the yearnings and aspirations of the people. He said the state had commenced reviewing its 2020 budget to reflect the effect of the pandemic on the economy with a view to maintaining financial discipline as allocation from Federal Government dwindles.
“For us in Gombe, we have started to look at our budget for 2020 and already in the process of reviewing it to reflect the changes that have already been adopted by the Federal Government. “Our budget should also reflect the reality, so that we capture correctly what we expect as revenue from federal allocation and that of course, translates to a reduction in the overall revenues accruable to the state.
He said that the suspension of the N30,000 minimum wage after due consultation and deliberation with labour leaders in the state and slashing the salaries of all political appointees are part of the measures to mitigate the economic impact of COVID-19. The Commissioner said the worst days were yet to be seen but, “as a responsible government, we will try to ensure that we are able to meet our obligations within these periods”.
“The suspension of new minimum wage implementation was a painful decision for the governor but the current administration acted in good faith after due consultation with labour leaders”.
Interestingly, Governor Inuwa Yahaya since assumption of office has shown commitment to workers’ welfare as can be attested to in prompt payment of salaries, clearing of outstanding wages including those of staff of State Owned Higher Institutions, taking over full payment of higher institutions staff salaries and payment of backlog of gratuity to state retirees.
The process of reviewing the 2020 budget is ongoing but priority projects such as roads, education, health, rural development and others will continue to receive attention for common good. It is noteworthy that some of the projects initiated or inherited by this administration will be ready for commissioning soon. Also, prudence in governance and effective utilization of funds will remain the hallmark of Inuwa Yahaya’s administration, as such public funds would not be deployed for frivolous activities.
Having said this, the diversification of Gombe state economy through revamping of agricultural sector, industrialization drive by setting up of an industrial park and attracting investors, revitalizing government owned companies such as Gombeline and resuscitating others like Manto as well as boosting of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) are the routes towards building stronger economy for our dear state.
It may be recalled that Governor Inuwa Yahaya had recently effected change in the management and affairs of Gombe State Board of Internal Revenue and deployed technology for its operations with the view to strengthening it and blocking leakages as well as sharp practices in manual revenue collection. Just last week, the new management of the Board Internal Revenue uncovered a syndicate printing fake e-receipt to shortchange the state government and indeed the people of the state. Without mincing words, the strengthening of the revenue collection agency is already yielding good fruits with increment in State IGR and the revenue will be used to augment government purse.
The lesson from the impact of the coronavirus on the nation’s economy only reminds us of the need to diversify by encouraging people to move into other sectors to harness the potentials there.
Gombe state is already moving on high speed to diversify its economy and this is the reason Governor Inuwa Yahaya is passionate about the Gombe industrial park which has already started attracting investors even before it comes on stream.
With these and many more initiatives and measures, one must agree that Gombe state is already on a sound pedestal to absorb the consequential effects of the coronavirus pandemic as Governor Inuwa Yahaya continues to take far-reaching and multi pronged steps to address the challenges of the state and in particular the concerns of covid-19, which is threatening lives and means of livelihood of the citizenry.
The ravaging coronavirus pandemic hit the world suddenly, thereby becoming one of the biggest threats to humanity, global economy and financial markets. The World Health Organization’s report revealed that the virus, first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year, has infected over one million people in at least 120 countries with more than 60,000 deaths recorded globally so far.
The acclaimed World Powers such as United States of America, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain and others are becoming overwhelmed with increasing cases of the deadly Coronavirus (COVID-19) daily.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 did not spare Nigeria as the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed over 200 cases with 5 deaths as at 5th of April, 2020. The escalation of COVID-19 forced many nations to shutdown their economy as well as lockdown the streets to curtail spread of the communicable disease.
Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari last week announced additional measures including lockdown of Lagos, Ogun and Federal Capital Territory coupled with stay at home order to prevent the spread of the pandemic, while in Gombe state, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya had taken proactive steps, including constituting a Taskforce with adequate funding, closing of the state’s borders and engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that Gombe maintains clean record and prepare for any eventuality.
No doubt, Coronavirus pandemic is having negative effect on Nigeria’s economy, making Gombe and other states to feel the heat. For instance, the global crude oil price has dropped to less than $30 as against $57 projection in 2020 budget and millions of Nigeria’s oil barrels are on the high sea waiting for buyers. Also, revenues from non-oil sectors are affected, including Value Added Tax due to shutdown in some countries which is slowing down the economy.
Unsurprisingly, the recent FAAC meeting indicated about N50billion decrease in revenue available for sharing among the Federal, States and Local Governments. The ongoing Stay at home/lockdown would further deplete our revenue, thereby reducing allocation to each state. We are in this cloudy situation together, hence a good leader must restrategise and act fast!
Therefore, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya seems to be in agreement with United States Army General, General Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964) who said: ”A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others’. The Governor is already restrategising, rethinking and working out modalities to ensure the state stays strong and continues to meet its financial obligations amidst this crisis.
Gombe State Government is now putting in place measures aimed at mitigating the economic impact, including minimizing recurrent expenditures in order to save cost and make funds available for projects amidst Coronavirus crisis.
In a recent interview with journalists, the state Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development, Alhaji Muhammad Gambo Magaji said, “We begin to plan ahead for those months that will be extremely difficult.”
He hinted that the quick-fix measures being taken by the state government were to strengthen the Internally Generated Revenue base to ensure that it meets most of its needs in terms of the yearnings and aspirations of the people. He said the state had commenced reviewing its 2020 budget to reflect the effect of the pandemic on the economy with a view to maintaining financial discipline as allocation from Federal Government dwindles.
“For us in Gombe, we have started to look at our budget for 2020 and already in the process of reviewing it to reflect the changes that have already been adopted by the Federal Government. “Our budget should also reflect the reality, so that we capture correctly what we expect as revenue from federal allocation and that of course, translates to a reduction in the overall revenues accruable to the state.
He said that the suspension of the N30,000 minimum wage after due consultation and deliberation with labour leaders in the state and slashing the salaries of all political appointees are part of the measures to mitigate the economic impact of COVID-19. The Commissioner said the worst days were yet to be seen but, “as a responsible government, we will try to ensure that we are able to meet our obligations within these periods”.
“The suspension of new minimum wage implementation was a painful decision for the governor but the current administration acted in good faith after due consultation with labour leaders”.
Interestingly, Governor Inuwa Yahaya since assumption of office has shown commitment to workers’ welfare as can be attested to in prompt payment of salaries, clearing of outstanding wages including those of staff of State Owned Higher Institutions, taking over full payment of higher institutions staff salaries and payment of backlog of gratuity to state retirees.
The process of reviewing the 2020 budget is ongoing but priority projects such as roads, education, health, rural development and others will continue to receive attention for common good. It is noteworthy that some of the projects initiated or inherited by this administration will be ready for commissioning soon. Also, prudence in governance and effective utilization of funds will remain the hallmark of Inuwa Yahaya’s administration, as such public funds would not be deployed for frivolous activities.
Having said this, the diversification of Gombe state economy through revamping of agricultural sector, industrialization drive by setting up of an industrial park and attracting investors, revitalizing government owned companies such as Gombeline and resuscitating others like Manto as well as boosting of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) are the routes towards building stronger economy for our dear state.
It may be recalled that Governor Inuwa Yahaya had recently effected change in the management and affairs of Gombe State Board of Internal Revenue and deployed technology for its operations with the view to strengthening it and blocking leakages as well as sharp practices in manual revenue collection. Just last week, the new management of the Board Internal Revenue uncovered a syndicate printing fake e-receipt to shortchange the state government and indeed the people of the state. Without mincing words, the strengthening of the revenue collection agency is already yielding good fruits with increment in State IGR and the revenue will be used to augment government purse.
The lesson from the impact of the coronavirus on the nation’s economy only reminds us of the need to diversify by encouraging people to move into other sectors to harness the potentials there.
Gombe state is already moving on high speed to diversify its economy and this is the reason Governor Inuwa Yahaya is passionate about the Gombe industrial park which has already started attracting investors even before it comes on stream.
With these and many more initiatives and measures, one must agree that Gombe state is already on a sound pedestal to absorb the consequential effects of the coronavirus pandemic as Governor Inuwa Yahaya continues to take far-reaching and multi pronged steps to address the challenges of the state and in particular the concerns of covid-19, which is threatening lives and means of livelihood of the citizenry.
Gombe state Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has felicitated with the National Chairman of the governing All Progressives Congress, APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomole as he turns 68 years today.
In a congratulatory message, Governor Yahaya said Oshiomole’s personal attributes of courage, discipline and forthrightness have helped greatly in strengthening the APC and stabilizing the polity.
He commended Comrade Oshiomole’s political sagacity and maturity in handling party affairs and his unwavering commitment to party supremacy, democratic tenets and nation building as well as his avowed support and commitment to the success of the next level agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“As a comrade and former labour leader, public servant and accomplished politician, Oshiomole has always stood firm on his conviction and demonstrated remarkable courage and exemplary leadership”, Governor Yahaya noted.
He added, “We in Gombe state are happy to identify with the indefatigable National Chairman of our great party on this auspicious occasion of his 68th Birthday anniversary. This is indeed a great milestone that calls for celebration, especially given the fact that his life is one full of patriotic service, commitment and struggles in the interests of the common man and the nation”.
The Gombe Governor prayed Almighty God to bless the APC National Chairman with many more years of good health to continue to serve the nation and humanity.
The Secretary to the Gombe State Government Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi has visited Kaltungo in order to monitor the level of people’s compliance on the preventive measures of the coronavirus pandamic.
Professor Njodi admonished the people of Kaltungo as well as the entire citizen’s of Gombe State to key into the preventive measures such as social distancing, regular hand washing, use of hand sanitizer and to avoid a gathering of more than 50 People.
He said, even though there is no record of Covid-19 case in Gombe State the State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, the SSG explains has taken drastic measures by inaugurating a 21 member Commitee of experts which is currently working tirelessly to ensure that the virus does get into the State.
While calling for prayers from all and sundary at this moment of global anxiety, the SSG appealed to the citizens of the State to cooporate with government effort to prevent the State from joining the league of States coronavirus Pandamic.
Professor Njodi who describe the virus real express worry over the alarming increase in the number of new case of the disease across the world saying it is big challenge not only to Nigeria but the entire globe.
While in Kaltungo, the SSG had an interactive session with stakeholders where he was briefed by the Secretary of the Local government, Mohammed Dantata Ndus on the modalities put in place by the council which includes the setting up of a 17 member Commitee to enlighten the people of Kaltungo local government council on the Coronavirus among others.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has approved the establishment of covid-19 testing centre in Gombe.
The Chairman of the Taskforce on Covid-19, Professor Idris Mohammed who disclosed this at a press briefing on the activities of his committee, said already the state has placed order for Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machines.
“We have ordered for the supply of PCR machines for testing the suspected case for the state own centre and it will be available in the next two weeks”.
” Although we have 3-5 functioning PCR machines in Gombe state, but there are no primas for covid-19 because every micro organism has to have it’s own specific prima for molecular biology testing and unless you have a specific prima for a disease, you cannot diagnose it “.
The Chairman who lamented that there is no single covid-19 testing machine in the north east region, noted that for any suspected case; sample has to be referred to Abuja, Enugu, Edo or Lagos for laboratory analysis.
He said the committee had produced a blue print which received the approval of Governor Inuwa Yahaya for providing testing, isolation and treatment facilities.
” We have made tremendous progress since our coming on board. I am pleased to inform you that there are 3 possible centres for testing which should come on stream in the next couple of weeks or so “.
He said there is now an isolation centre in Kwadon that can accommodate 150 people, adding that for patients with moderate or severe cases, the committee is ready to admit them.
“Today, if we have patients with severe coronavirus infection, we have places that are fully equipped with ventilators, oxygen concentrators, cardiac respiratory monitors and all other things required to manage a severe patient and we intend to expand it in the next two weeks”.
The Chairman disclosed that his committee has received cash donations and other essential materials to boost the state’s campaign against coronavirus pandemic.
He said the taskforce has so far received 28.5 Million naira from United Bank for Africa, UBA and 2 Million naira from former chief medical director of Federal medical centre Gombe, Dr Abubakar Ali Gombe.
According to the Chairman, 200 pieces of water buckets and 50 cartons of soap for hand sanitization were also received from the management of a Gombe based private school, PEN Resource Academy.
While appreciating the gesture, the taskforce head said that though the Committee was not primarily set up for fund raising, but still they are ready to receive any donation from any organization or individual willing to contribute towards curbing the spread of the covid-19 in the state.
He added that, his Committee has intensified advocacy and sensitization across the eleven LGAs in the state on the precautionary measures against the dreaded pandemic.
He said leaders of the two major religions, traditional rulers, health workers and other relevant professionals form part of the Committee and are committed to ensuring smooth implementation of the taskforce’s terms of reference.
Professor Mohammed noted with satisfaction the compliance level of Gombe residents so far, urging the citizenry to continue to heed to advice on protective and preventive measures against the global pandemic.
Gombe state Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has felicitated with the national leader of All Progressives Congress, APC and former governor of Lagos state, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he turns 68 years today.
In a goodwill message, Governor Yahaya described Tinubu as a true democrat, a rare breed and large hearted individual who sacrificed a lot for Nigeria, describing as legendary and inspiring, his relentless commitment and love for the nation and democracy.
He said with his pedigree and track records of mentoring, guidance and support for upcoming leaders to accomplish their dreams, Tinubu has written his name in gold in the annals of history and earned for himself, national and global accolades and respect.
Governor Yahaya who said the APC leader personifies courage in leadership and patriotism, saluted his abiding faith in ideals of democracy and the Nigerian project.
He also showered encomiums on the chieftain for his bridge-building and humanitarian disposition, his dogged commitment to the success of APC and president Buhari’s administration as well as the unity and invisibility of the country.
Governor Yahaya prayed God Almighty to continue to bless Asiwaju Tinubu with good health and long life to continually serve the nation and humanity.
Gombe suspends public gatherings, interstates travellings
…orders civil servants on grade levels 1‐12 to work from home
…As Gombe Governor commits over 500 million to fight Coronavirus
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has suspended all public gatherings in the State just as he ordered civil servants on grade levels 1‐12 to work from home.
The Governor equally directed the suspension of interstate travels and commuting from, through or to Gombe state with effect from Sunday, 29th of this month.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya who gave the directives while addressing a press conference at the new banquet hall of the Government House, said the order instructing civil servants on grade levels 1‐12 will come into effect from Monday next week.
The Governor however said the work at home order excludes civil servants on essential duties such as those working in hospitals, fire service department, water board and electricity workers.
In his words ” Government has also resolved to implement some measures to curb the spread of the deadly disease as follows: i) All public gatherings are hereby suspended in the state until further notice; ii) Interstate travels/ commuting by public/private mass transport agencies and operators will be suspended from Sunday 29th March, 2020; iii) Civil servants from grade levels 1-12 should work from their homes for 2 weeks from Monday, 30th March, 2020. However, this order does not affect officers on essential services, e.g. health workers, fire service, water and power supply etc; and iv) All social life outfits like clubs, bear parlours, etc have been suspended with immediate effect.
The Governor said such precautionary measures become necessary in order to halt the possible spread of the coronavirus pandemic in the state and to guarantee the general well being of the people.
He called on members of the public to continue to observe protective measures such as maintaining social distance and personal hygiene which have been proven to be effective in the control of the dreaded virus.
While reiterating his administration’s commitment towards the prevention and control of the Coronavirus pandemic, Governor Inuwa Yahaya said though there is no confirmed case in Gombe state, Government has so far identified 4 isolation centres at the state specialist hospital and Kwadon cottage hospital while Kaltungo and Bajoga General hospitals are on standby in case the two centres are overwhelmed.
He appealed to traditional rulers and religious leaders, youth groups, civil society and non-governmental organisations in state to join Government in the sensitization campaign on the dangers of the pandemic and the need to adhere to professional advice on ways to prevent or control it.
Answering questions from journalists, Governor Yahaya disclosed that his administration has committed over five hundred million Naira to the fight against coronavirus. He said, ” I have already approved two hundred and ninety six million Naira to the state Taskforce on covid-19 for the purchase of hospital equipment to be used for setting up of the isolation centres and purchase of essential facilities and equipment”.
“Another two hundred million naira has also been approved for local Government councils of the State to ensure that the Coronavirus is contained at the local Government level through advocacy and enlightenment campaigns.
” Prior to the setting up of the Taskforce committee on the covid-19, the state Government had released the sum of twenty eight million naira to the ministry of health for purchase of hospital consumables and relevant items”, the Governor revealed.
True to type, the Gombe state Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya did not waste time in swinging into action immediately the news of the Covid-19 outbreak started to filter into the country as he has vowed to do all humanly possible to ensure the welfare and wellbeing of the residents of Gombe State notwithstanding the magnitude of the challenge or obstacle at hand.
Indeed ever since the inception of his administration, Governor Inuwa Yahaya has led the way in positively transforming the lives of the people in the social, economic and infrastructural sectors, turning the tide against years of monumental graft, infrastructural decay, stagnation in the civil service, dilapidated health and educational facilities and rising levels of poverty and socio-economic malaise perpetrated by the past administration.
Thus, it was with archetypal alacrity that Governor Inuwa Yahaya convened a series of top level meetings involving key health personnel and experts, government functionaries in which crucial decisions and policies were formulated with directives issued to health care providers, the civil service establishment and the general populace in order to nip in the bud any imminent threat to public health and the physical wellbeing of the citizenry at large.
The Governor had earlier directed the state Ministry of Health to mobilize its Rapid Response Team and place the emergency operations centre on high alert. The government has since commenced intensive community enlightenment, sensitisation and mobilisation towards prevention in the state and massive IEC materials were distributed statewide. The government had also procured PPEs and required consumables for management of cases and health workers are being trained
To underscore the seriousness with which the Governor takes the covid-19 issue, Governor Yahaya delivered a statewide address and thereafter inaugurated a 21-member committee under the chairmanship of a renowned immunologist and professor of infectious diseases, Prof. Idris Mohammed with the following terms of reference:
Assess the situation in the state in terms of the risk of the outbreak occurrence and design a response plan to prevent, contain and mitigate the consequences of such outbreak
Identify a suitable isolation center (s) for the management of moderate to severe form of Covid 19 and equip such center (s) with required equipment including ventilators
Ensure the availability of necessary consumables and other medical supplies critical for the management of Covid 19 outbreak in the state
Identify and recommend to the Government a Laboratory facility in the state for upgrading to a Covid 19 compatible Public health Laboratory for testing of suspected cases
Coordinate a multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder response to the containment of the Pandemic
Mobilize resources required for the Covid 19 response in the state
Facilitate the training of relevant health care workers in the State on the management and containment of Covid 19
Design and Implement risk Communication strategies including robust community engagement, sensitization and mobilization of the general public and community leaders to minimize the impact of the outbreak
Recommend to the Government other measures needed to strengthen the state’s health system capacity to respond effectively and adequately to emergency situations in the future
Provide weekly update and report to the Executive Governor and the Executive Council on the situation (Covid 19 response)
Having solidified the medical front against any untoward health infractions, Governor Inuwa Yahaya met separately with religious leaders, traditional rulers and local Government Secretaries in an apparent move to carry along leaders across various sectors of the society to ensure that the proactive effort of his administration against the dreaded coronavirus is inclusive and enjoys the support of all and sundry.
The meetings held in strict compliance with protective measures, including observing hand sanitizing and social distancing.
Governor Yahaya, during the meeting informed the leaders on measures taken by his administration to guard against the spread of the virus in the state, including directing the immediate closure of schools, restricting gatherings that involve large number of people. The general public were urged to embrace social distancing, shun physical contact, engage in constant washing of hands and avoid persons prone to coughing or high temperature levels.
Also the Governor used the occasions to encourage the citizenry to report any suspected case(s) of COVID-19 to the nearest health facility or by utilising the emergency hotlines provided by the Taskforce while any violations of the directives against mass gatherings should be channeled to the appropriate authorities.
The Gombe State owned media organs, the Gombe State Radio and GMTV went into high gear with constant hourly jingles spreading the COVID-19 prevention messages across the length and breadth of the state in both Hausa and English.
Indeed civic awareness is just as important as the medical emergency measures adopted because ignorance, fear, superstition and misinformation are as dangerous in spreading contagion and confusion as the virus itself.
Meanwhile, the Taskforce set up by the Governor has already swung into action in line with His Excellency’s directives. At a press briefing, the state Commissioner of Health, Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Gana disclosed that the committee is considering shutting down any section of or the whole state once a case is confirmed. “We would rather shut down and suffer than to have the virus spread and kill us all”.
He assured that the state is on red alert with the activation of a response team in the 11 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state, “with the state-level response team to coordinate activities of responding to emergencies and suspected cases. “We are in the process of equipping our isolation centre in the state specialist hospital. We have also converted a hospital built by Yamaltu-Deba LGA in Kwadon community, which was handed over to the state government for upgrading to a cottage hospital, to an isolation centre for management of mild and moderate cases of COVID-19,” Dr Gana said, adding that more hospitals are being identified and converted to isolation centres, while the task force is working on building the capacity of the state to be able to detect and test suspected cases without travelling out to Abuja.
He urged residents to “stay safe and observe all precautionary measures outlined, while also avoiding rumour-mongering. These rumors are capable of killing people, let’s face the reality of COVID-19 as it is not a joking matter,” the health commissioner added.
Undoubtedly with the preventive and proactive measures adopted so far by the Government, it can be safety said that Gombe State is well prepared to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic as the government and the people are virtually on the same page as far as testing, treatment, prevention and safety measures are concerned. Much of this healthy scenario can be traced to the humanitarian and benevolent posture of Governor Inuwa yahaya who from day one has never hidden his unvarnished love and affection for the people of the state particularly the down trodden segments of the society.
The Governor’s timely, decisive, and multi-pronged proactive approach towards the COVID-19 pandemic is an adjunct of his political ideology and leadership desiderata; to transform the welfare and wellbeing of the people for the better as vividly encapsulated in his manifestos.
Ismaila Uba Misilli Senior Special Assistant ( Media and Publicity)
Sahel Online News 