The State Universal Basic Education Board SUBEB Gombe has embarked on monitoring to ensure that schools in the State complied with the State Government directives on all institutions of learning in the State to shut down as means of containing the Coronavirus.
The chairman of the Board Hon. Babaji Babadidi who led the monitoring visit within the State capital and environs said the move becomes necessary to enforce the State Government directives while taking appropriate measures on any School that failed to comply.
Hon. Babaji Babadidi however praised the level of compliance by Schools in the State but was quick to advise institutions of learning to always improve on their sanitary conditions even beyond the Coronavirus.
The monitoring visit took the SUBEB chairman and members of the Board to both public and private schools.
The Secretary to the Gombe State Government Prof Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi has challenged religious leaders in the State to continue praying for the nation’s stability and the dreaded Coronavirus.
Professor Njodi who stated this when he granted audience to the Executive members of the Kaltungo District Church Council of the Evangelical Church Winning All ECWA said as the mouthpiece of the living God, the clergy should always intercede for the overall wellbeing of the Country.
The Secretary to the Gombe State Government appeal to religious leaders to always focus on issues that unite the nation rather the once that divide the country saying religious bickering is in no one interest.
He thanked the Kaltungo DCC Executives for coming to felicitate with him on his appointment as the SSG but was quick to note that his elevation was nothing short of a favour from God and Governor Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya.
Earlier the Chairman of Kaltungo District Church Council of ECWA Revered Gerson Laushigi said they were in the SSG’s office to felicitate with him on his appointment as the Chief scribe of Gombe state and to thank Governor Inuwa Yahaya for the honour done to the people of Kaltungo.
High point of the visit was the offering of special prayers for the Governor, the SSG and the dreaded Coronavirus.
…Shuts down schools, advises on distancing, limit on congregations, social gatherings
…as state Executive Council holds emergency session over convid-19
Gombe state Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe state has inaugurated a 21-member state Taskforce to review and monitor Coronavirus pandemic in the state.
The Taskforce is to be headed by a renowned professor of immunology and infectious diseases, Professor Idris Mohammed.
Inaugurating the committee at council chamber of the Government House, Governor Yahaya said the constitution of the Taskforce became necessary as part of preventive measures to contain the dreaded global pandemic.
The Governor gave the committee the following 10 points 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). Governor Inuwa Yahaya charged the committee not to spare any effort towards combating the Pandemic should the virus is reported in the State.
The Tasforce chairman, Prof. Idris Mohammed thanked the Governor for exhibiting courage in setting up the the committee despite the fact that there is no reported case of the virus in the State.
Professor Mohammed said the World is facing a global health emergency of unprecedented proportion which demands the buy in of all and sundry to mitigate its spread.
He said there is no place or time to play politics with convid-19, assuring the Governor that the committee will deliver on its mandate.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya had earlier in a statewide live broadcast, urged the people of the state not despair or get discouraged, assuring that with continuous effort and perseverance, the challenges will be overcome.
The Governor announced that” in accordance with the directives by the Presidential Task force on COVID 19, all schools in the state are hereby directed to close effective from tomorrow Tuesday 24th March, 2020 until further notice”.
” Furthermore, congregations for ceremonies, religious and other social activities are advised to limit numbers so as to not exceed the 50-person maximum as advised by the committee”.
He assured of his administration’s effort and commitment to fight the coronavirus disease, while appealling to the citizenry to complement government’s effort in the fight against the dreaded disease irrespective of different shades of opinion or position.
He said people must come to terms with the fact that the human race is facing one of its greatest challenges in history, urging traditional rulers, community and religious leaders to join in the enlightenment and sensitization on the dangers of the disease and the need to adhere strictly to medical advice.
“Our Government has always taken the health of its people as a serious business. It is against this background that we released funds to the Ministry of health in order to facilitate public sensitization on preventive measures against the disease, enhance surveillance activities for early detection of potential cases and ensure that medical supplies and equipment’s are stockpiled in the event of occurrence of the disease in our state”.
“I will like to assure you that we have been monitoring the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic with keen interest, and all the proactive measures we took were guided by advice from technical experts. The reality is that COVID-19 is already at our door-steps, we must therefore brace-up to face this challenge. Over the next few weeks, we shall continue to review the situation and might have to make tough decisions where and when necessary. There is no easy way out of this very difficult situation”.
The state Governor also convened an emergency executive council meeting, where he charged cabinet members to brace up and take all necessary measures to combat the dreaded disease.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has secured for Gombe state, a donation of educational materials and healthcare facilities worth millions of Naira through the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation, SEOF.
The Governor, who was special guest of honour at the flag-off of SEOF 2020 National Books/ Educational Materials and Medical Equipment Distribution Programme held in Oraifite, Anambra state, said Gombe state will continue to partner with well meaning individuals and organisations within and outside the country towards improving the educational infrastructure of the state for effective teaching and learning.
He said he had to personally attend the event to encourage and appreciate the founder of SEOF, Chief Emeka Offor for his humanitarian service and to further strengthen relationship with the foundation in his quest to revamp education and other critical sectors of the state.
He lauded Chief Offor’s style of philanthropy which targets at helping the humanity by touching the lives of the less privileged members of the society in many areas of human endeavours, urging other well to do individuals to emulate his humanitarian intervention by investing in the people and giving back to the society.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya was earlier conducted round the warehouses storing the materials by the Coordinator of SEOF Hon. Tony Obi in company of other dignitaries.
Gombe state University, Federal University of Kashere as well as public primary and secondary schools in Gombe state are among the beneficiaries.
In addition, four other tertiary institutions and some selected public schools in Gombe state will also receive books and other educational materials as a special gesture by the foundation.
The Chairman of SEOF and founder of Chrome group of companies, Sir Emeka Offor said over one million, four hundred and sixty thousand volumes of books are to be distributed to universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, public libraries as well as primary schools across the country as part of his support to education.
He said, added to the educational materials, his foundation has procured medical equipment and supplies for distribution to some designated hospitals with Gombe state as one of the beneficiaries.
SOEF Chairman commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya for prioritising education and and focusing attention to human capital development, assuring of his foundation’s resolve to collaborate with the Governor and support his efforts in achieving his targets.
Minister of state for Education, Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, former President of Senate, Sen. Ken Nnamani, and other speakers at the event, commented Chief Emeka Offor for his generosity and benevolence as well as his support to Government in eradicating illiteracy and improving education.
Governor Yahaya was accompanied to Anambra state by the Commissioner of Special Duties, Barr. Mela Nunghe, his associate, Alhaji Mala Sheriff and other aides.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has secured for Gombe state, a donation of educational materials and healthcare facilities worth millions of Naira through the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation, SEOF.
The Governor, who was special guest of honour at the flag-off of SEOF 2020 National Books/ Educational Materials and Medical Equipment Distribution Programme held in Oraifite, Anambra state, said Gombe state will continue to partner with well meaning individuals and organisations within and outside the country towards improving the educational infrastructure of the state for effective teaching and learning.
He said he had to personally attend the event to encourage and appreciate the founder of SEOF, Chief Emeka Offor for his humanitarian service and to further strengthen relationship with the foundation in his quest to revamp education and other critical sectors of the state.
He lauded Chief Offor’s style of philanthropy which targets at helping the humanity by touching the lives of the less privileged members of the society in many areas of human endeavours, urging other well to do individuals to emulate his humanitarian intervention by investing in the people and giving back to the society.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya was earlier conducted round the warehouses storing the materials by the Coordinator of SEOF Hon. Tony Obi in company of other dignitaries.
Gombe state University, Federal University of Kashere as well as public primary and secondary schools in Gombe state are among the beneficiaries.
In addition, four other tertiary institutions and some selected public schools in Gombe state will also receive books and other educational materials as a special gesture by the foundation.
The Chairman of SEOF and founder of Chrome group of companies, Sir Emeka Offor said over one million, four hundred and sixty thousand volumes of books are to be distributed to universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, public libraries as well as primary schools across the country as part of his support to education.
He said, added to the educational materials, his foundation has procured medical equipment and supplies for distribution to some designated hospitals with Gombe state as one of the beneficiaries.
SOEF Chairman commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya for prioritising education and and focusing attention to human capital development, assuring of his foundation’s resolve to collaborate with the Governor and support his efforts in achieving his targets.
Minister of state for Education, Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, former President of Senate, Sen. Ken Nnamani, and other speakers at the event, commented Chief Emeka Offor for his generosity and benevolence as well as his support to Government in eradicating illiteracy and improving education.
Governor Yahaya was accompanied to Anambra state by the Commissioner of Special Duties, Barr. Mela Nunghe, his associate, Alhaji Mala Sheriff and other aides.
As new officials of the Arewa consultative Forum, ACF take over the affairs of the northern socio-cultural organisation, Gombe state Government has identified with its illustrious son and former Minister of state for Power, Malam Murtala Aliyu who is taking charge as Secretary-General of the forum.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya in a congratulatory message, described the emergence of Malam Murtala Aliyu as ACF Secretary-General as a timely and well deserved one, considering his vast knowledge and outstanding pedigree in both private and public service.
He said although the new ACF leadership is coming at a trying period when the northern region is bedevilled with so many challenges, including insurgency, banditry, youths unemployment among other socio-economic issues, but with people like Malam Murtala Aliyu in the Audu Ogbe- led team, the forum now has all it takes to deliver on its mandate.
Governor Yahaya who noted that the position of Secretary-General is an important one that carries with it some degree of authority and influence, enjoined the new ACF scribe to bring to bear his wealth of experience and vast network to restore the glory and dignity of the forum and the northern region in general.
The Governor declared the support and solidarity of the government and people of Gombe state to the new ACF leadership, praying Almighty Allah to guide them in carrying out the onerous task.
As new officials of the Arewa consultative Forum, ACF take over the affairs of the northern socio-cultural organisation, Gombe state Government has identified with its illustrious son and former Minister of state for Power, Malam Murtala Aliyu who is taking charge as Secretary-General of the forum.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya in a congratulatory message, described the emergence of Malam Murtala Aliyu as ACF Secretary-General as a timely and well deserved one, considering his vast knowledge and outstanding pedigree in both private and public service.
He said although the new ACF leadership is coming at a trying period when the northern region is bedevilled with so many challenges, including insurgency, banditry, youths unemployment among other socio-economic issues, but with people like Malam Murtala Aliyu in the Audu Ogbe- led team, the forum now has all it takes to deliver on its mandate.
Governor Yahaya who noted that the position of Secretary-General is an important one that carries with it some degree of authority and influence, enjoined the new ACF scribe to bring to bear his wealth of experience and vast network to restore the glory and dignity of the forum and the northern region in general.
The Governor declared the support and solidarity of the government and people of Gombe state to the new ACF leadership, praying Almighty Allah to guide them in carrying out the onerous task.
As new officials of the Arewa consultative Forum, ACF take over the affairs of the northern socio-cultural organisation, Gombe state Government has identified with its illustrious son and former Minister of state for Power, Malam Murtala Aliyu who is taking charge as Secretary-General of the forum.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya in a congratulatory message, described the emergence of Malam Murtala Aliyu as ACF Secretary-General as a timely and well deserved one, considering his vast knowledge and outstanding pedigree in both private and public service.
He said although the new ACF leadership is coming at a trying period when the northern region is bedevilled with so many challenges, including insurgency, banditry, youths unemployment among other socio-economic issues, but with people like Malam Murtala Aliyu in the Audu Ogbe- led team, the forum now has all it takes to deliver on its mandate.
Governor Yahaya who noted that the position of Secretary-General is an important one that carries with it some degree of authority and influence, enjoined the new ACF scribe to bring to bear his wealth of experience and vast network to restore the glory and dignity of the forum and the northern region in general.
The Governor declared the support and solidarity of the government and people of Gombe state to the new ACF leadership, praying Almighty Allah to guide them in carrying out the onerous task.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe state today attended the funeral prayer for the late Hajiya Hauwa Yakubu who died today in Gombe at the age of 93 years.
The late octogenarian was the mother of Abuja-based business mogul and Managing-Director/Chief Executive of Lubell Nigeria Limited, Architect Yunusa Yakubu.
The funeral prayer which held at the Emir’s palace, Gombe, was attended by dignitaries, including former Governors of Gombe and Borno states, Sen. Danjuma Goje and Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff respectively, Secretary to Gombe state Government, Commissioners, traditional rulers and other top Government functionaries among hundreds of sympathisers from within and outside the state.
In a condolence message, Governor Yahaya said the late Hajiya Hauwa was a strong woman, great mother and family pillar who sacrificed a lot for her children, instilled discipline and courage in them and nurtured them to become great men and women that the society is proud of.
He described her death as a personal loss, saying the deceased’s elderly counsel and motherly guidance will be greatly missed.
The Governor enjoined Architect Yunusa and all those she left behind to take solace in the fact that the late Hajiya Hauwa lived a fulfilled and exemplary life as well as witnessed the growth and successes of her children in different fields of endeavour.
He urged them to keep her memory alive by always praying for her and upholding the good legacy of honour and resilience she bequeathed to them
Governor Yahaya extended the condolences of the Government and people of Gombe state, praying Almighty Allah to forgive deceased’s shortcomings and grant her Aljannat Firdaus.
Gombe State Government wishes to assure the people of the state that it has taken pro-active measures to mitigate the effects of the strike action embarked upon by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Gombe State Chapter.
It is saddening to note that the association is embarking on an industrial action at a time when the world is battling the global pandemic of new Corona virus infection (COVID-19) and locally the state is still trying to contain outbreaks of highly infectious diseases such as Lassa fever. In saner climes, retired health workers volunteer to offer free support to the health system during such epidemics. This strike is certainly against the moral ethics of medical practice and demonstrates the insensitivity of the association to the plight of the public.
It is also important to note that most of these doctors were sponsored throughout their medical training by the state government, and are also enjoying the recent minimum wage increment.
The current administration has persistently demonstrated that health sector is one of its highest priority areas, and despite the severe financial constraints, huge investments has been made in the sector including;
a. The release of the sum of Three Hundred And Fifty Million Naira (N350m) so far for the upgrade and renovations of the State Specialist Hospital to a world Class facility b. The release of Four Hundred and Twenty Three Million Naira (N423m) counterpart funds for various developmental programs in the state, most of which are health related c. The release of Six Hundred and Five Million Naira (N605m) to scale up NSHIP intervention to all the 11 Local Government Areas, aimed at providing at least one fully functional primary health facility in every ward in the state d. The prompt release of the sum of Fourty Two Million Naira (N42m) for preparedness and response to infectious disease outbreaks, including Lassa fever and Corona virus Disease in the state e. The release of One Hundred and Sixty Million Naira (N160m) for payment of stipends to Village Health Workers who are providing community health interventions to complement the work of trained health care workers across the state f. And many other efforts demonstrated by this administration
It is worth noting that most of the demands of the association are not peculiar to doctors alone, and were inherited from the previous administration, dating back more than three years
The government is fully aware of the concerns of the doctors and has already set in motion machineries to address holistically the problems in both short and long terms. As a short term measure, the government released the sum of Five Million Six Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N5.65m) to thirteen (13) house officers, all in an effort to cushion the effect of their delayed upgrade, pending the constitution of the civil service commission. Among other measures, the government has also established the hospital management board and the State Contributory Health Scheme in an effort to systematically address most of the yearnings with respect to promotions and upgrades for the entire sector, without limiting to only doctors.
Furthermore, arrangements have reached advanced stage to secure accreditation to commence internship training of fresh graduating doctors at the State Specialist Hospital, which would go a long way in boosting the manpower of the facility.
Over the past three months the government has, in different capacities, engaged the association in a series of discussions to make them see reasons and avoid creating unnecessary hardship on the people of Gombe State during these trying times. Unfortunately, these efforts seem not to be appreciated by the association.
Consequently, the management of the ministry has since yesterday, summoned an emergency meeting to discuss mitigation strategies to ensure that the strike does not seriously impact the delivery of essential health services across the state. During the emergency management meeting, the following resolutions were made: a. Noting that senior doctors on GL 15 and above, who are only honorary members of the association are not expected to go on strike, all patients on admission at the health facilities should be retained to be managed by these senior doctors b. All senior doctors on posting in the ministry or its agencies should be drafted to the State Specialist Hospital and the Zainab Bulkachuwa Women and Children Hospital to complement patient care services at these facilities c. Members of the hospital management teams of all the facilities are expected to remain at their duty posts as management staff do not partake in strike actions d. All NYSC doctors, who are not members of the association, should continue to render services e. A group called “Concerned Doctors Forum”, made up of over fifty (50) doctors, have dissociated themselves from the strike and pledged to continue rendering essential services during the strike action
Lastly, I will like to call upon the public to remain calm, and continue to seek for health care at all the public facilities of the state. Be rest assured that the Government is doing all it can to ensure that people of Gombe State continue to access all services required at these facilities.
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