….dedicate same to Governor Inuwa, the people of the State.
As Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration Continue to receive accolades for it’s giant strides in the development of the State in the last two years, the contributions of Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi the Secretary to the State Government is also being recognised outside the shores of the State.
The latest of such recognition came from the OODUA Youth Parliament a Yoruba Youth pressure group Committed to the Unity and sovereignty of the Nigeria State who Conferred on Professor Njodi the traditional tittle of MAYEGUN “Ambassador of Peace”
Reacting to the honour, the Secretary to the State Government SSG Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi dedicated the award to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and the People of Gombe State for giving him the opportunity to Contribute his quarter to the development of Gombe State which attracted the recognition.
Professor Njodi expressed appreciation to the Oodua youth parliament for recognising his Contributions to humanity noting that it is heartwarming for the Youth to engaged in propagating the gospel of Peace across the Country.
The SSG however condemn the conduct of some misguided youth in the Country who are being used by some unpatriotic elements to cause disaffection, describing the experience of the Civil war which the Country went through some 51 years ago as most unfortunate.
He futher enjoined Youth across the Nigerian states to engage in roboust dialogue on challenges facing the country, saying them that the Young People remain the future of Nigeria.
Earlier in an Address, the Oba Yoruba Gombe, Kabiyesi Abdulrahim Jimoh Alao who led the Oodua youth parliament for the Award Presentation Commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for making a good choice of the SSG whom he described as detribalized, humble and a bridge builder.
Oba Abdulrahim Jimoh Alao also appreciated the Oodua youth parliament for making the choice for the tittle of Mayegun the Ambassador of Peace expressing the belief in Professor Njodi to do more for the State.
In a goodwill message, the Special Adviser to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya on inter Community Relations Chief Cornelius Chimack congratulated the the SSG for his role towards the smooth execution of Visions and Missions of Governor Inuwa Yahaya in transforming the State.
Presenting the award and tittle Conferment, the Speaker of the Oodua youth parliament Abdulwajeed Oladeji said the honour was bestow on Professor Njodi in recognition of his Iconic support to humanitarian Services, Professionalism in leadership and an epitome of hope for future generations.
Abdulmajeed Oladimeji who described the Gombe State Secretary to the State Government humble and hardworking said Youth across the Country have much to learn from his endearing qualities hence the resolve by the Paliement to recognise him with the Prestigious title of Mayegun of Oodua Youth Parliament worldwide.
The brief but historic occasion was attended by House of Assembly Member, Commissioners of information and Culture, Youth Development, Special Duties, Special Advisers, Directors Generals, Permanent Secretary Special Services and Political Affair senior Government official and well wishers were treated to musical performance of a Yoruba Cultural troupe.
Joshua Danmalam Information Officer SSG’S office. 9/6/2021
…As NEPC Sets to Establish Common Facility Centre in Gombe to Support Value Chain Development
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya says his administration is laying an institutional framework to provide the enabling environment for investment and export of Agro-Allied products in the State.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya stated this when he visited the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC in Abuja.
Governor Yahaya, who was at the Corporate Headquarters of the NEPC as part of his efforts towards forging stronger and strategic partnerships to drive new investment opportunities, told his jost that the 1000-hectare industrial park in Gombe state, which is designated as a special economic and agro-processing zones, is being set up to facilitate rapid industrialization and value chain development.
He equally said that the Wawa-Zange Grazing Reserve will help boost livestock production and export, as the vision of his administration is to leverage on the State comparative advantage on Agriculture and other Agro allied products.
The Governor noted that with a total land mass of over 20 thousand square kilometres and a growing population of about 3.5 million with a Gross Domestic Product GDP of over 2.5 million dollars, Gombe State is without a doubt a commercial hub in the Northeast.
He added that the strategic location of of State at the center of the north east also places it in a strong reputation position as the commercial nerve centre since the 1960s, and home to many cottage industries.
He sought for partnership with the agency in his drive to attract investors to Gombe, canvassing that “considering our geographic and strategic advantage, the north-east Warehouse Facility should be housed in Gombe and NEPC should also open its NE regional office in Gombe. He assured that on its part, Gombe state Government will give all necessary support in that direction.
The Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo said the NEPC is pleased with the contribution of Gombe State towards the production of Agricultural products and will do everything necessary to harness products that have export potential from the State for such as tomatoes, sunflower, groundnuts, maize sesame seeds among among others.
He said the Council will work with Gombe State to holistically look at areas that can benefit the State and its people, just as he disclosed plan to establish a Common Facility Centre in Gombe to support value chain development in preparation for export to ensure that products meet international standards.
The NEDC boss said for the country to exit the current economic challenges, the build up has to be from the States because unlike the Federal Government, the second tier of Government have all it takes to create jobs and boost the economy.
He said when the Council launched the zero oil plan which encourages the country to survive out of oil proceeds, no many Nigerians believed in it, saying it is gradually becoming clearer that sooner or later the world will have nothing to do with the black gold.
He explained that it is to guard this development that the council introduced the 22 strategic sectors which encourages Nigerians to increase production and productivity in order for the country to build a virile economy that will sustain the Nigerian State.
Ismaila Uba Misilli Director-General ( Press Affairs) Government House Gombe
As the Emir of Gombe, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III marks his 7th year anniversary on the throne of his forefathers today, 6th June, 2021, the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has rejoiced with the royal father, describing him as an exemplary and compassionate leader who has become a rallying point for his subjects.
Governor Yahaya noted that the Chairman of the Gombe state Council of Emirs and Chiefs has within the 7 years of his rule, impacted so much on his people and the whole of the state by bringing uncommon zest, innovations and class to his traditional leadership.
The Governor praised him for being a father to all and for his uncommon display of philanthropy, forthrightness and wisdom while handling his royal responsibilities.
He said the Emir Abubakar III is playing a significant role in the promotion of harmony and peaceful coexistence among the diverse people of his cosmopolitan Emirate and the state in general while remaining the rallying point and inspiration for his subjects.
Governor Yahaya particularly commended the monarch for his consistency in supporting the less privileged children in the society to acquire education through his foundation and for using his royal influence to attract development not only to his immediate domain, but to the entire state.
He prayed Almighty Allah to continue to guide the traditional ruler and grant him sound health, more wisdom and successful reign.
Ismaila Uba Misilli Director-General ( Press Affairs) Government House Gombe
Gombe state Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has emerged the 2020 Blueprint Newspaper’s Governor of the Year in Healthcare Delivery.
The award is in recognition of his administration’s excellent performance and giant strides in the health sector.
The Governor was presented with the award alongside winners of other categories, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum and his Cross River state counterpart, Professor Ben Ayade among others at the Annual Lecture and Impact Series/Awards ceremony, organised by Blueprint Newspaper held at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
Recall that Governor Inuwa had earlier this year received similar awards from Business Day and National Pilot Newspapers also in recognition of his outstanding performance and unprecedented achievements recorded by his administration.
President of the Senate, Dr Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan chaired the event which was meant to also celebrate the Blueprint newspaper’s 10 years of robust contribution to the socio-economic development of the country and its people, and the enthronement of responsible journalism.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya was represented at the occasion by his Special Adviser, Abuja Liaison, Hon. Usman Aliyu Garry and Director- General Federal Government Bureau, Mr Nuhu Sada.
Speaking on behalf of the Governor, Hon. Usman Garry appreciated the Newspaper company for recognising the modest efforts of the Governor in repositioning the health sector in Gombe state, saying the award will spur Inuwa Yahaya to continue with his selfless service to the people and humanity.
Governor Yahaya had upon assuming office in May 2019, declared a state of emergency in the health sector and set an agenda to transform the system in line with his health sector response plan 2019-2023. His administration has adopted a holistic approach to address the myriad of challenges and improve the healthcare system at both primary and secondary levels.
Already, Governor Inuwa Yahaya administration has thoroughly renovated and upgraded the Specialist Hospital Gombe, thus expanding its capacity to meet the increasing demand for specialised health care service by the growing population in the state. Also on account of his stewardship, Gombe state now boasts of having at least 1 PHC in every ward of the state that is fully revitalized and open 24-hours a day providing basic health services to the people at the grassroots.
Ismaila Uba Misilli Director-General ( Press Affairs) Government House Gombe
….. As 4,500 adolescent school girls benefited from Textbooks, Uniforms.
Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya says his administration is open and readily available to any person or organisation wishing to undertake activities that will lead to the growth and development of the State.
Governor Yahaya gave this indication at the flag off ceremony of the distribution of Textbooks and Uniforms to School girls by the Centre for Girls Education, a United Nations Funds for Population Activities and Norwegian funded Project for Adolescent Girls Initiative. (AGI) at the Government Girls Secondary School Kaltungo.
Represented by his Deputy Dr. Manasseh Daniel Jatau, the Governor said the Gombe State Government under the leadership of Governor Inuwa Yahaya is desirous of repositioning the education sector especially that of girl child, saying this was why the Governor declared a State of Emergency on the Education sector.
“With the State of emergency, all hands were place on deck in a comprehensive approach that resulted in the provision of infrastructure, supervision, monitoring to ensure that our desires is achieved. Through the established BESDA, more than five hundred thousand out of School children were enrolled back to school”.
He said in order to spur the girl child in the State towards attaining her God given potential, the State Governor appointed reasonable number of women into his cabinet to serve as an encouragement to the adolescent girls.
He commended the Centre for Girls Education CGE, UNFPA and the Norwegian Government for devoting their time, human and material resources and other forms of sacrifice to improve the social, economic, health and well being of adolescents girls through increased access to education, life skills and development of self confidence.
The Secretary to the State Government Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi who pay glowing tribute to organisers of the event said if Gombe must move forward, both the State and development partners must compliment each other for a holistic human development.
Represented by the Special Adviser to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya on Budget Planning and Development Partner Coordination Dr. Ishaku Mohammed, the SSG observed that the State under the leadership of Governor Inuwa Yahaya has demonstrated a rare political will towards the empowerment of the girl child
“Gombe State is putting its money where her mouth is. Since the coming of the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya the budget for the Education in the State has increased by over 60 percent”
The Gombe State Programme Officer UNFPA Dr. Bajowa Lanre represented by Dafe Silas said as part of effort to leave no one behind, UNFPA has been supporting initiatives to promote second chance education for adolescent girls including married vulnerable adolescent girls towards their empowerment and reduce their risk and vulnerability to early marriage.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Commissioners of Education Dauda Batari Zambuk, that of health Dr. Habu Dahiru and the Mai Kaltungo Engr Sale Mohammed all threw their weight behind the initiative describing efforts to groom adolescent girls as a noble one.
Highlights of the event was the conferment of an award of excellence on the Mai Kaltungo as Girl child Ambassador and the presentation of instructional and sanitary materials to in and out of school adolescent girls.
Gombe state Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has approved the constitution of a Taskforce on the Implementation of Gombe Capital Special Development Zone and appointed the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau as Chairman.
The Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi who conveyed the Governor’s approval, announced Members of the Taskforce to include the Attorney-General/Commissioner of Juctice, Commissioners of Information & Culture, Lands & Survey, Housing & Urban Development and Works & Transportation.
Others are Special Adviser, Control & Compliance and Director General, Gombe Geographic Information Systems (GOGIS).
Also to serve on the committee are: Malam Umaru Gurama, Yusuf Bachama of the Civil Society, Representative of GROCOL, Representative of GSIPDC and Surv. Abubakar Umar while Barr. Ibrahim Hussaini of the Ministry of Justice is to serve as Secretary.
According to the SSG, the committee is mandated to ensure full and proper implementation of the Gombe Capital Special Development Zone; guide, direct and control physical development within the zone as well as monitor and ensure compliance with its development guidelines.
It is also to take all necessary measure(s) incidental to the assignment.
Ismaila Uba Misilli Director-General ( Press Affairs) Government House Gombe
Today marks exactly two years when Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya appointed Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi as Secretary to the Gombe State Government.
Sir, your appointment by the People’s Governor did not come as a surprise given your exceptional pedigree in the academia and your superlative performance as an astute administrator per excellence.
Prof, as you hit your second year in office we pray the Almighty God to give you more strength and wisdom to continue to contribute towards the development of Gombe State.
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has flagged off the State Contributory Healthcare Scheme ( GoHealth) with the renewed commitment to ensure all residents of the State have access to quality health service at an affordable cost without suffering financial hardship.
The Governor revealed at the flag off ceremony, which took place at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, that his administration has equally constituted the Governing Board and posted appropriate and competent staff to the Gombe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency to ensure successful implementation of the scheme in the State.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya recalled that during the electioneering campaigns, he promised the people of the state that his administration will take bold steps to holistically address the numerous challenges facing health care delivery system in the State.
“Following our historic success at the polls, we set up a needs assessment team that toured over 400 communities across the the state to identify and prioritize the needs of our people. Access to quality health care came top as the most pressing problem bedeviling our people”.
He said survey has revealed extensive decay in the health system following years of neglect by the immediate past administration, the health institutions in State at the time under review was in shambles, without essential drugs and lacking, equipment and human resource.
“Our health indices were among the worst in the country. Yet, the system was being overstretched due to influx of IDPs from our neighboring states. However, upon assuming office in May 2019, we declared a state of emergency in the health sector and set an ambitious agenda to transform the system as set out in our health sector response plan 2019-2023. We adopted a holistic approach to address the challenges so as to improve both physical as well as financial accessibility to basic health services”.
The Governor explained that at the primary health care level, his administration has commenced immediate revitalization of at least 1 fully functional PHC in each of the 114 political wards of the state in collaboration with the World Bank-supported Nigeria State Health Investment Project (NSHIP) which saw the injection of over 600 million as counterpart funds.
“Today, I am proud to say we have at least 1 PHC in every ward of the state that is fully revitalized and open 24-hours a day in order to provide basic health services to our people at the grassroots”
Similarly, Governor Inuwa Yahaya said at the secondary health care level, his administration was able thoroughly renovate and upgrade the Specialist Hospital Gombe, thus expanding its capacity to meet the increasing demand for specialized health care service by the growing population in the State.
He maintained that the Gombe State Government under his leadership has also commenced works to upgrade 1 general hospital to a befitting status in each senatorial district which includes general hospitals of Bajoga, Kumo and Kaltungo.
“In addition, we shall equally renovate all other secondary health facilities in the state before the end of our four years mandate Insha’Allah. We have also established a Hospital Services Management Board to particularly ensure effective management of our secondary health facilities”.
He said in order to improve the human resource for health in the state, his administration completed the internship quarters in the Specialist Hospital which was abandoned for more than 20 years thus meeting a critical requirement for accreditation by the MDCN for internship training of young doctors, adding that his leadership is working to improve the training capacity of the college of nursing and midwifery.
“While we are working assiduously towards improving physical access to quality healthcare services, we are also mindful of the significant hardship that individuals and families face because of paying for basic health care services out-of-pocket at the point of service utilisation”
Governor Inuwa Yahaya noted that available data shows that in the North-East region of Nigeria, more than 60% of this kind of out-of-pocket expenditure for health services pushes individuals and families into poverty, saying that was why his administration is working tirelessly with the Gombe State House of Assembly to enact the enabling law that established the Gombe State Contributory Healthcare Scheme (GoHealth) following the decentralization of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
He said “the GoHealth scheme is designed so as to ensure every resident of Gombe State can benefit from at least 1 of its pre-payment programmes. For the formal sector, we reached an agreement with the labour unions to contribute 3.5% of workers’ salaries while the government will also contribute another 3.5% to cover the healthcare needs of the worker and 5 of his/her dependents”.
“We also keyed into the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) which was officially flagged-off at Daban Fulani on 18th March 2021 to accelerate our drive towards achieving Universal Health Coverage. We have also earmarked not less than 1% of the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) of the State and LGAs to finance the cost of Healthcare for the poor and vulnerable person sin our communities. So far, over 25,000 poor and vulnerable individuals across all the 114 wards have been enrolled to enjoy free access to basic health services in the state as first phase”.
He assured that his administration will continue to work diligently with all stakeholders, development partners, traditional rulers, religious leaders, women groups and civil society organizations to ensure the provision of quality and affordable health care to the people of Gombe State.
Earlier in an address of welcome, the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru said the establishment of the Gombe State Contributory Healthcare Scheme (GoHealth) is a deliberate effort by the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya to achieve Universal Health Coverage for the people of the State.
“We are all aware of the comprehensive approach this administration is adopting to address the inherited challenges in the health sector by improving both physical as well as financial accessibility to basic health services. The State has witnessed a revolutionary turnaround at both the Primary and Secondary health facilities levels over the last two years”.
He said introducing such a scheme will no doubt protect individuals and families from financial difficulties should they have the cause to visit the hospital for medical attention.
The Chairman, Governing Board of the Gombe State Contributory Healthcare Scheme (GoHealth) Dr. Mohammed Isa Umar commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for exhibiting a rare courage and political will towards the establishment of the Scheme.
He said 6 months of its establishment, the scheme has rolled out two important programmes to include basic health care programme for 25,000 Poor and Vulnerable Households PVHHs in the State and that for civil servants otherwise known as GoHealth.
Dr. Isa Umar assured the government and people of Gombe State that the scheme will provide quality health care services to the citizens of the State.
In their seperate goowill messages, the State coordinator of the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, Comrade Abdulkarim Musa Aliyu and the Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC Comrade Abdulmumini Bappayo scored the Gombe State Governor high for introducing the scheme as a precursor for attaining universal health coverage.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, alongside the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, the Speaker Gombe State House of Assembly, Hon. Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo as well as other top Government functionaries and traditional rulers led the way by becoming the first set to be enrolled in the Gombe State Contributory Healthcare Scheme (GoHealth)
Ismaila Uba Misilli Director-General ( Press Affairs) Government House Gombe
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has approved the appointment of Alhaji Muazu Muhammad Kwairanga as the new Emir of Funakaye.
The appointment was contained in a letter signed by the Commissioner, Ministry for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki Jalo.
According to the Commissioner, the appointment is in the exercise of the powers vested in the Governor under the Appointment and Deposition of Emirs and Chiefs and based on recommendations of the kingmakers of the Emirate as well as due consultations.
While presenting the appointment letter to the new monarch at the Emir’s palace in Bajoga, Funakaye Local Government Area, Alhaji Dasuki Jalo charged the royal father to embrace all and sundry in the area.
“Aside from the three recommended nominees, many other eligible candidates from the royal family contested for the revered position but Allah has chosen Muazu Muhammad Kwairanga as the next emir of this blessed Emirate as such I am appealing to all other contenders and the entire Funakaye Community to support and rally round the new monarch”.
He assured that Governor Inuwa Yahaya led administration will continue to accord special recognition and respect to the traditional institution in view of its role in the maintenance of peace and social cohesion.
While wishing the new Emir a peaceful reign, the Commissioner said the coronation and presentation of staff of office to the new emir will be held at a later date.
The newly appointed monarch is a younger brother to the late Emir Muhammad Kwairanga Abubakar. Until his emergence as the new Emir, he was the Dan Maje of Funakaye.
The brief ceremony was attended by Chairman of Funakaye Local Government Council, Alhaji Ibrahim A. Cheldu, members of the state House of Assembly from the area, kingmakers of Funakaye Emirate, family members and well wishers.
Ismaila Uba Misilli Director-General ( Press Affairs) Government House Gombe
…As Governor Inuwa reiterate commitment to the growth of the institution.
As part of effort to ensure the smooth take-off of the Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has Presented a Utility Vehicle (Hilux Van) to the institution.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government Governor Inuwa Yahaya reiterated the commitment of his administration to the speedy development of the Polytechnic.
He said the presentation of the Utility Vehicle is partly in fulfilment of his promises having provided the Institution with a Temporary Site fully renovated and Land for the Permanent Site.
The Governor disclosed that his administration is working towards timely compensation of Land owners at the Permanent Site as well as resolving issues related to it.
The Secretary to the State Government SSG Prof Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi presented the keys of the Vehicle while the Chief of Staff Government House Abubakar Inuwa Kari official title documents of the Vehicle to the Rector of the Polytechnic Dr. Suleiman Mohammed Lame.
In his remarks the Rector Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo,Dr Mohammed Suleiman Lame commended the zeal and commitment of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya to the smooth take off of the Institution.
Dr Lame who led senior management Staff of the Polytechnic to the Government House also appreciated the continued contributions of the Governor to the institution to include provision and renovation of a temporary Site, provision of espance of land for the Permanent Site as well as acomodation to management Staff and now a Utility Vehicle.
The Vehicle presentation had in attendance the Principal Pravate Secretary to the Governor (PPS), Permanent Secretary Special Services and Political Affair and other top Government functionaries.
Joshua Danmalam Information Officer SSG’S office. 1/6/2021
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