Worried by the socio economic backwardness of the erstwhile prosperous Kaltungo Chiefdom, the Secretary to the State Government SSG Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi has call for a rethink towards harnessing the Potentials of the area for economic development.
Professor Njodi who express this concern when he played host to Executives members of Kaltungo People’s Progressive Foundation in his office, also charged them to remain resolute in their commitment to revitalize the glorious past of the Chiefdom.
The SSG who also recall with nostalgia the good days of Kaltungo where unity was the pre-occupation of every leader, pledged his unalloyed support to the Kaltungo People’s Progressive Foundation.
The SSG further advised the Foundation to remain steadfast as every effort to correct the ills of the society is always faced with resistance from bad elements.
He added that their objectives of attracting productive ventures, combat the sales and consumption of illicit drugs are in line with Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s commitment to advancing the course of the youth.
Professor Ibrahim Njodi also expressed satisfaction with the commitment shown by the elders to stand against moral decadence, poverty, illiteracy and economic backwardness, calling on all well meaning sons and daughters of the Chiefdom to join in the noble crusade.
The chief scribe also stressed the need for political and community elites to close ranks towards putting Kaltungo first before any parochial interest.
He debunked rumour of his intention to contest any political office saying it is premature for such declaration as his commitment is to ensure the successful delivery of Inuwa Yahaya’s mandate to the people.
The Chairman of the Kaltungo Peoples Progressive Foundation Reverend Luka Zakka said the idea of the foundation is a none Governmental organization with the mandate of addressing socio- economic challenges confronting the area.
Reverend Zakka, added that the foundation also re- defines the concept of community development to include moral re-orientation of the youth, attracting scholarship to indigent students, encouraging small scale business enterprenurship for the betterment of future of the Chiefdom.
In their separate remarks, the legal Adviser of the Foundation Barrister Danjuma Wantam, the Secretary Zakari Mohammed and some members reiterated their commitment towards working for a peaceful and better future for the Chiefdom.
They appealed to the SSG to reach out to prominent sons and daughters of the Chiefdom to support their noble objectives.
They also appreciated Governor Yahaya for awarding the Construction of Gundali road which has remain a long time dream for surrounding Communities.
Joshua Danmalam Information Officer SSGs office. 24/2/33
…As Cattle Breeders, Others Appeal For Timely Commissioning Of Completed Facilities At Wawa-Zange Grazing Reserve
The Federal Government, will in collaboration with Gombe State, establish another grazing reserve in Nono district of Yalmatu Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State. The establishment of the reserve is aimed at consolidating on the gains so far recorded in the national livestock transformation programme.
The Gombe State Commissioner of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Muhammad Magaji Getado disclosed this at a meeting with officials of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Gombe State Chapter.
The Commissioner explained that the Nono grazing reserve, which is expected to sit on a one hundred hectares of land, will consist of solar and motorized boreholes, clinics for both humans and animals, a milk collection centre and a hay growing field for animal feeds among other facilities.
He said the establishment of a new grazing reserve in Nono district will not undermine the gains so far recorded in Wawa-Zange grazing reserve, but a deliberate and conscious effort by the Federal and the Gombe State governments to bolster livestock production.
Magaji Getado remarked that the present administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya is committed towards the smooth implementation of the FG’s livestock transformation agenda in the State.
It is for this reason that the Gombe State Commissioner of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry disclosed that plans have reached an advanced stage to commence the vaccination of livestock in the State.
The Commissioner appealed to members of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association in the State to be vigilant in maintaining peace and security by reporting to security agencies, any strange or suspicious movement within their vicinity.
Earlier speaking, the Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders, Modibbo Yahaya thanked the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for being steadfast towards the welfare of its members in the State.
“The establishment of the Nono grazing reserve is another step in the right direction; so to me herders have never had it this good in Gombe State and we want to sincerely thank Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for always being there for us”.
Modibbo Yahaya used the occasion to call on the Federal Government to expedite action towards the commissioning of facility at the Wawa-Zange grazing reserve so that herders can begin to reap the benefits of the National Livestock Transformation Programme.
“We want to thank the Federal Government for the transformation at Wawa-Zange grazing reserve. However if these facilities are not immediately put to use for the benefit of herders in the State and beyond, I am afraid the beautiful structures may deteriorate at the expense of tax payers money”.
While thanking the Gombe State Governor for consistently providing the Association with animal feeds and vaccine, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders appealed for an increase in the quantity of animal feeds being distributed to cattle breeders in the State.
In a goodwill message, the Federal Director in charge of Agricultural activities in Gombe State, Musa Mohammed Inuwa, challenged cattle breeders in Gombe State to derive pleasure towards sending their children to school so that the transformations associated with the fast changing times will not catch them unawares.
Earlier today in Abuja, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya ( Dan Majen Gombe) received a delegation from Vanguard Media Limited, owners and operators of famous Vanguard Newspaper, who came to present to him, a letter of notification of conferment of Award as Vanguard Governor of the Year 2021.
The delegation, led by the Chairman of the Editorial Board of the media outfit, Ocherome Nnana, also included the Northern Regional Editor, Soni Daniel and Business Editor, Emeka Anaeto.
Vanguard’s award to Governor Inuwa is in recognition of his sterling leadership, superlative performance and uncommon commitment to industrial, infrastructural and human capital development of Gombe State.
The Newspaper particularly acknowledged the Governor’s transformational leadership, fiscal reengineering, speedy completion of several uncompleted projects inherited from previous administration, reducing of backlog of pension/ gratuity as well as execution of various physical and social infrastructural projects across the nooks and crannies of Gombe State.
It also cited Inuwa’s giant strides in the health sector, especially the revitalization of PHCs across all the political wards of the state as well as reconstruction and upgrade of general hospitals among others.
Governor Inuwa while responding, appreciated the honour, which he said will spur him to do more in service to humanity.
He later granted an exclusive interview to the editorial team which will be relayed later.
It will be recalled that just recently, the Lagos based tabloid announced Governor Inuwa as its 2021 Governor of the Year with the main presentation holding at an elaborate ceremony later in March.
The justification by the national daily to have the name of the Gombe State Governor engraved in its hall of fame is not only systematic but pragmatic given the Inuwa’s legendary leadership disposition to place Gombe State on the path of sustainable social, economic and infrastructural development.
The Governor was joined at the brief ceremony by the Senator representing Gombe North, Sen. Saidu Ahmed Alkali, Hon. Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development, Muhammad Gambo Magaji, Special Adviser on Budget Planning and Development Partners Coordination, Dr. Ishiyaku Mohammed and his Abuja Liaison counterpart, Usman Aliyu Garry, Acting State Accountant General, Aminu Yuguda among other aides.
Ismaila Uba Misilli Director-General ( Press Affairs) Government House Gombe
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has commiserated with Gombe South APC zonal chairman Musa Hassan (Walin Awak) over the death of his daughter Maryam Samaila.
The Governor’s condolence message was conveyed by the Secretary to the State Government Prof Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi who led a high powered delegation.
Governor Yahaya expressed shock over the passing away of Maryam who died during child birth.
The Governor also enjoined the APC zonal chairman to accept the incident as the perfect will of God.
He further called on the family to continually pray for the deseased soul and the survival of the baby boy she left behind.
The Government’s delegation consists of Majority Leader State House of Assembly Yerima Ladan Gaule, Commissioner Internal Security Adamu Dishi Kupto, Permanent Secretary in SSG office Muhammad A. Umar, Directors Generals of Due Process, Woman Affairs, North East Development Commission and that of Protocol and Facility Management and other top Government fuctionaries.
Responding on behalf of the family, Ja’afaru Audu appreciated the Governor for sending a powerful delegation to identify with them in their moment of grief and prayed Allah to reward him abudantly.
Special prayers were offered for the deceased and the bereaved family.
Joshua Danmalam Information Officer SSGs office. 22/2/22.
…Says Gombe Now Beacon Of Industrial, Human Capital Development
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, has lauded the purpose- driven stewardship of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, describing his midterm score card as a reference point and clear evidence of selfless performance, accountability and transparency in governance which will stand long after his administration for younger generation to savour the practical application of leadership.
Boss Mustapha stated this while speaking to newsmen shortly after an audience with the Governor in Abuja.
Going through the Governor’s midterm score card, which is a compendium of achievements of Inuwa in two years, Boss Mustapha remarked that the document is a clear indication of a leader that is focused and determined to succeed against all odds.
He told the Gombe State Governor that the federal government acknowledges his purposeful leadership and uncommon commitment to laying a good foundation for industrial and human capital development in his state.
The SGF noted that Governor Inuwa Yahaya is on the right trajectory in laying a solid foundation for industrial development of Gombe state and creating an avenue to engage the productive youthful population by redirecting their energies to fundamental purposes.
“You know that the mass population of our youths were hitherto the reservoir where bandits, insurgents and terrorists recruited a good number and radicalised them on the path of destruction and getting them involved in things that are not productive to the society; but with particular direction which Governor Inuwa has decided to go he will be able to draw back the mass population that are available from going into crime and criminality and so we want to sincerely commend you”.
He maintained that the Governor’s wealth of experience from private and public sectors, is an added advantage that brought about his superlative performance.
Also responding to questions from newmen, Governor Inuwa Yahaya stated that his administration is committed towards building human capital for sustainable economic and social development.
He explained that the recruitment of first batch of 500 young men and women in the State into the Gombe State Security, Traffic and Environmental Corps, GOSTEC was to redirect youthful energies into productive courses for the benefit of the society.
He revealed that the recruitment of GOSTEC personnel will be in batches of 500 each and that it is the intention of his administration to continue to exercise until it reaches the 2000 mark.
“Earlier on we engaged 500 again as facilitators to do with development in basic skills acquisition and in agriculture and entrepreneurship who are now spread all over the State; we are working to see that our youths are carried along and by the grace of God by the time we complete the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, we have the hope that the industries located and the abundant power available plus land and agricultural resources, Gombe will have engagement of not less than fifty thousand youths for them to have means of livelihood and for them to sustain development in Gombe and indeed the entire north east”.
On his recent visit to the Nigerian Pavilion at the Dubai Expo, the Governor revealed that the idea of attending such events, is to get connected and bring people that are genuinely interested in bringing development to the country in general and Gombe State in particular.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya observed that being in the centre of the North East, Gombe State has an excellent market for both local and international investors and will therefore spare no efforts in wooing them to Gombe.
Governor Inuwa was accompanied on the visit by his Chief of Staff, Abubakar Inuwa Kari and other aides.
Ismaila Uba Misilli Director-General ( Press Affairs) Government House Gombe
The Health System consists of all organizations, institutions, resources and people whose primary purpose is to improve health of the people. For a health system therefore to function well, it needs staff, funds, information, supplies, transport, communications and overall guidance and direction. These are collectively referred to as the health system building blocks. Strengthening health systems thus means addressing key constraints in each of these areas.
A decayed and poorly functional health system owing to years of neglect of this very important sector by past administrations was inherited by the Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya-led administration in 2019. Hence, the governor declared a state of emergency in the sector upon assuming office and set up a comprehensive agenda for the holistic overhaul of the system.
Starting with service delivery as a key pillar entails making available the needed health services for people to access. This includes but not limited to the availability and distribution of health facilities (physical infrastructure) for service delivery, availability of needed equipment including beds, laboratories, adequate rooms for key services such as child birth, family planning, ante-natal consultation etc.
In order to prepare the system to be able to provide the needed services to the people, the government accomplished the following within two years: Complete renovation and upgrading of 1 PHC in each of the 114 wards of the state. Each of this PHC was thoroughly renovated, provided with basic equipment, 24-hour light through the installation of solar power system across all the facilities and drilling of boreholes to ensure availability of uninterrupted water supply critical for quality health service delivery.
Then government embarked on the upgrading of the state specialist hospital including the installation of relevant equipment that were hitherto lacking such as Xrays and Ultrasound machines, ECG, Echo, Endoscopy and equipping of the dialysis centre constructed by the past administration but left unequipped. In addition to that, one general hospital in each of the three senatorial zones is upgraded so as to make available to the people specialized services and reduce the burden on the state specialist hospital. The general hospital in Kumo is being completely reconstructed while that of Kaltungo and Bajoga are undergoing a state-of-the-art transformation. Other Cottage hospitals/health clinics are also gradually being renovated and upgraded such as Cottage hospitals in Mallam Sidi, Bojude, Kuri and General Hospital in Nafada. The government has also embarked on ensuring the construction of a cottage hospital in Filiya, Shongom LGA, the only LGA without any secondary health facility in the state. Still, government established a 12-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the SSH Gombe.
The Human Resource is as critical as the service delivery pillar in the provision of health services to the people. It entails making available all the needed manpower to man the clinics and hospitals. It includes the doctors, nurses, midwives, radiographers, physiotherapists, laboratory scientists, community health workers etc.
The major strides recorded by this administration under this pillar are as follows: Ensuring the commencement of housemanship at the specialist hospital where at least 30 young doctors have been engaged to undergo their internship training. This was a strategic move considering the fact that the housemanship quarters located at the specialist hospital was abandoned for over 20 years. Its construction started in 1999 and all previous governments abandoned the project. The successful completion of the quarters in addition to the employment of specialist consultants enabled the state to secure accreditation to commence this programme. With this singular achievement, it means having at least 30 doctors every year undergo their training at the hospital thereby boosting the human resource availability at the facility.
Employment of Consultants and Senior Registrars is also significant. For the first time in the history of the state, there are close to 20 specialist consultants working at the state specialist hospital. Before the coming of this administration, there were only 2-3 consultants. This was made possible because of the governor’s approval of the upward review of consultant’s salary in the state. This has made consultants in the state to earn more than their colleagues at the Federal Teaching Hospital. This has greatly resulted in drawing specialists to the state civil service.
Government also secured accreditation to commence residency training in Obstetrics/Gynecology and Family Medicine. Securing this accreditation would not have been possible if the necessary infrastructure, equipment and consultants are not available. With this now, the state will attract doctors from all over the country to come for specialist training in these fields of medicine thereby significantly increasing the available manpower to provide services.
The deployment of 147 nurses/midwives to all the 114 renovated PHCS in the state has been quite revolutionary in the state. This move has made available at least 1 nurse/midwife at all the PHCS located in the various wards of the state and drastically reduced the referral rate from the PHCS and reduced the incidence of maternal deaths associated with pregnancy and childhood morbidity/mortality.
For the first time in the history of the state, the PHCDA engaged not less than 15 Youths Corps doctors and posted to the major PHCs across the state. This singular effort has multiplier effects. Apart from making available doctors at the grassroots level, these doctors will also build the capacity of the existing health workers in their areas of assignment. This will ensure the provision of quality service to the people. In addition, engagement of laboratory and pharmacy technicians to provide services at the PHCs and construction of a new school of nursing will significantly boost the school’s production capacity thereby increasing the availability of nurses and midwives in the state. The new school has a 640-student capacity as against the current 150 students.
Critical to all the above is the requisite financing which aims to ensure that all people can access health services without suffering catastrophic expenditure. The result has been very positive in the sense that for the first time in over 10 years, the state has consistently maintained its budgetary allocation to health at 2 digits nearing the Abuja Declaration of 15%. From 12% in 2020, 13% in 2021 & 14% in 2022. This means increased funding to revitalize this sector which was neglected and left comatose by the past administrations. Government further established the State Contributory Health Scheme (GoHealth) to ensure all residents of the state can access quality health services without suffering financial hardship. So far, the state civil servants have been enrolled into the scheme where the individual employee contributes 3.5% of his salary and the government also contributes same percentage to take care of his/her needs and that of his/her family. Over 300,000 people are going to be protected from financial hardship associated with huge medical bills under the formal sector programme
Among other steps, the governor also approved the earmarking of at least 1% consolidated revenue of the state as health equity fund to cater for the healthcare needs of the most vulnerable members of the society. So far, over 25,000 poor and vulnerable individuals across all the 114 wards have been enrolled and are enjoying free health service delivery without spending a dime out-of-pocket.
The net effect of these invaluable and pragmatic innovations is a well-functioning health system that ensures equitable access to essential medical products, vaccines and technologies of assured quality, safety, efficacy and cost- effectiveness, and their scientifically sound and cost-effective use.
From loads of medical supplies to proper storage of drugs and vaccines to actual strengthening of the existing Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) scheme, we’ve seen a remarkable improvement of health care services to the people.
Above all, we have to give the credit to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and his team for the huge success recorded within two years of his administration in the health sector. We’ve seen the correlation between leadership and governance. Governance in health is being increasingly regarded as a salient theme on the development agenda. Leadership and governance in building a health system involve ensuring that strategic policy frameworks exist and are combined with effective oversight, coalition-building, regulation, attention to system design and accountability. The need for greater accountability arises both from increased funding and a growing demand to demonstrate results. Accountability is therefore an intrinsic aspect of governance that concerns the management of relationships between various stakeholders. If there is one area one could vividly see the exemplary demonstration of political will and determination to provide the necessary strategic direction and oversight is the governor’s ability to take the centre stage whenever issues related to governance and leadership in the health system is concerned.
This has seen the renewal of MOU with multilateral, bilateral and international donor organizations such as the World Bank, UN Organizations, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Global Alliance for Vaccines (GAVI), German International Cooperation (GIZ) and a host of others. These organizations are currently implementing programmes and projects at the grassroots level to improve the health of Gombe State citizens.
Muhammad D. Hassan is a Final Year Medical Student at the Gombe State University
… As Governor Yahaya appoints new GM, Secretary for the club.
The State darling team Gombe United FC has defeated Dakada FC of Oyo in ongoing National Professional Football League NPFL.
With this away victory, Gombe United is steadily climbing the league table from its previously 11th position on the log.
Meanwhile, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has approve the appointment of Abubakar Abubakar (Yellow) as the General Manager of Gombe United FC and Bala Abubakar as Secretary respectively.
The Governor’s approval for the appointments was conveyed in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi.
According to the statement both appointments takes immediate effect.
Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has sympathised with the family of Mr. Emmanuel Rims over the death of his mother who died recently at the age of one hundred and eleven years (111)
The Governor’s condolence message was delivered by the Secretary to the Gombe State Government Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi at the family compound of the deceased in Boh, Shongom Local Government Area.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s representative described the death of Mama Laku Lakwanun Rims as a great loss not only to her immediate family but the entire State given her undisputed role as a home maker who painstakingly brought up her children in the most effective and efficient way.
The Governor however enjoin the family of the deceased to take solace in the fact that Mama Laku Lakwanun lived fulfilled life moreso that death is a necessary end on all mortals.
While personally paying tribute to the late Mama Laku Lakwanun, the Governor’s representative recall with nostalgia how the deceased took care of him alongside her son and friend Mr Emmanuel Rims during their growing up days in Kaltungo.
“Am equally mourning the death of mama because she touched my life in the most positive ways however i believe that her death is more of a celebration given her well spent life”.
Responding on behalf of the deceased family Mr. Alfred Ambrose thanked Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for sending a high Government delegation to sympathise with the grieving family.
He equally use the visit to express gratitude to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for appointing sons and daughters of Kaltungo Chiefdom into key Government positions in his administration.
Meanwhile, the SSG and Chairman of the Kaltungo Central Mosque Building Committee also stop over to inspect ongoing construction at the Mosque were he expressed satisfaction with the quality and progress of work.
Joshua Danmalam Information Officer SSGs office. 18/2/22
…Awards Scholarship, Presents Cash Gift To Young Genius
Governor Inuwa Yahaya, earlier today in his office, received the winner of the Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential Award (YONSPA), Maryam Ogunbayo.
Maryam, who representated Gombe State in the competition, emerged the overall winner with 119 points beating all the other states. She was also the best in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
Impressed by her outstanding performance, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya announced scholarship award to the trailblazing Maryam to whatever level of her academic career and a cash gift for making Gombe state proud. He applauded the competitive spirit of the young scientists and congratulated her as well as the management and staff of her school, Pen Resource Academy and her parents over the feat achieved. He also commended the Commissioner of Science and Technology as well as the staff of her Ministry for providing enabling environment for youngstars to explore and exploit their potentials.
The governor charged other youngsters in the state to take advantage of the efforts Gombe state government is making in improving education by borrowing a leaf from young Ogunbayo in their academic persuit, saying ” Let the sky be your starting point “.
Maryam, was accompanied to the Government House by the Commissioner of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Aisha Umar Maigari, Principal of Pen Resource Academy as well as her parents.
While presenting the SS3 student to the Governor, the Commissioner said since coming on board, the present administration has been holding science competition annually at the state level in order to boost creativity among young people.
She said: “This year, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation conducted the competition where Maryam Ogunbayo emerged first. As Your Excellency directed, the state government sponsored her to the competition tagged 774 Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential Award (774 YONSPA) where she came top, making Gombe the first state in the north to win such a prestigious competition”.
“This goes to show the effort of His Excellency in turning around the fortunes of Gombe State in the education sector and the Science, Technology and Innovation in particular, which saw the repositioning of the Ministry to break boundaries and impact the people of Gombe State in all spheres of life”. She noted that the enormous investment in the education sector by Inuwa’s is no doubt yielding positive results in the state, saying the governor has continued to approve various initiatives geared towards improving the educational system of the state.
There is a consensus of opinion that Gombe State is working under Dan majen Gombe and Science Technology and Innovation is witnessing tremendous strides under the first scientist to head the ministry in person of Dr Aishatu Umar Maigari.
Ismaila Uba Misilli Director-General ( Press Affairs) Government House Gombe
Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has sympathised with the family of the late Mohammed Abdullahi whose sad event occurred recently in Kaltungo town.
The Governor’s condolence message was delivered by the Commissioner of Internal Security and Ethical Orientation Adamu Dishi Kupto at the family compound of the deceased.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya representative described the death of Mohammed Abdullahi as a great loss not only to the State but the entire country given his track record as a dexterous Teacher, an examplary Community leader and a loving and caring father.
The Governor however enjoin the family of the deceased to take solace in the fact that the renowned teacher and mentor lived a life worthy of emulation.
Responding on behalf of the deceased family Barrister Bala Ahmad thanked Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for sending a high Government delegation to sympathise with the grieving family.
“Even if the Governor has not send this delegation i know that his mind is with us given his knowledge about the deceased and long standing relationship with the Secretary to the Gombe State Government” He therefore prayed God to guide and direct the Governor even as he pilot the affairs of the State.
Fondly called Malam mess, the late Mohammed Abdullahi is a bossom friend to the Secretary to the Gombe State Government Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi and a well known figure within the Kaltungo community.
The deceased died after a protracted illness leaving behind wives and children and has since been buried according to Islamic rights.
In another development, the Secretary to the State Government SSG Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi has sympathised with elderstateman Mr. Micah Kamat over the dimise of his Daughter Karo Kamat.
Njodi enjoin Baba Kamat and family to take the loss as an act of God just as he describe the death of a child as painful to any parent.
Mr. Kamat appreciated the SSG for identifying with them at their moment of grief and prayed God to continually bless and guide Prof Njodi as he about discharging his responsibilities.
Joshua Danmalam Information Officer SSGs office. 15/2/2022
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