…Says Gombe will Key into Initiative towards Ensuring Successful, Beneficial Hajj Operations
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has assured the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON and Jaiz Bank that his administration will continue to work in partnership with them in order to enable low income earners from the state reap the benefits of the newly introduced Hajj Savings Scheme.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya stated this at the launching/sensitization programme on Hajj Savings Scheme, organised by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria in conjunction with Jaiz Bank in Gombe.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, the Governor described the initiative by NAHCON and Jaiz Bank to create a saving scheme for prospective low income Muslim Pilgrims as an excellent move which will go a long way in actualizing the dreams of individual Muslims who hope to undertake the religious journey.
While assuring NAHCON and Jaiz Bank of his administration’s unwavering support towards the success of the Scheme, Governor Inuwa Yahaya said the State Government under his leadership will trigger a policing mechanism to judiciously guard and protect the wealth of the people who will open accounts with the Scheme.
He advised both organisations to intensify their sensitization campaign to towns and villages so that Muslims across the State can benefit from the scheme . He challenged Jaiz Bank in particular to make justice and fairness their watch words as their actions can either make or mar the success of the scheme.
Governor Yahaya equally used the occasion to remind the people of the state that the Covid-19 Pandemic is still very much in existence and appealed to traditional and religious leaders to embrace the AstraZeneca vaccine in order to safe human lives.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Alhaji Zikirullah Kunle Hassan said under the Hajj Saving Scheme, subscribers can get reward of their intentions before actualizing the journey.
Represented by a National Commissioner in the Commission, Prince Momoh said every Muslim can participate and will have the opportunity to perform the holy pilgrimage without having to sell off his or her assets.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Jaiz Bank, Hassan Usman said the National Hajj Savings Scheme is a significant milestone for all Hajj stakeholders in Nigeria.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Sa’adu Hassan said the board will galvanize support for the successful implementation and patronage of the scheme in the state.
He said following the suspension of Hajj operations due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the board is mindful of Pilgrims whose monies are still with it and will give priority to them when restrictions on pilgrimage are finally lifted.
Some notable Islamic clerics like Sheikhs Adamu Dokoro, Usman Isah Taliyawa, Bashir Ladan and Hamza Abdulhamid threw their weights behind the Hajj Savings Scheme, calling on low income Muslim faithful to take advantage of the initiative in order to fulfil their dreams of visiting the holy land in Saudi Arabia.
Ismaila Uba Misilli Director-General ( Press Affairs) Government House Gombe
…Governor Inuwa Assures of Smooth Implementation of Project in Gombe
…Says His Administration Determined to Address Challenges of Out-of-School Children
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s Social Investment Programme for providing an excellent opportunity for every Nigerian child to earn a decent livelihood through its ‘At-Risk Children Project’ ARC-P billed to be launched soon.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya gave the commendation at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU between Gombe State Government and office of the Special Adviser to the President on Social Investment on the newly introduced programme, At-Risk Children Project.
He expressed happiness that the Federal Government, through the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Social Investment, is putting together a project that would complement the efforts of different state governments towards tackling the menace of out-of-school children, through the At-Risk Children Project (ARC-P).
Governor Yahaya noted that every state in Nigeria is facing the challenge of out-of-school children in their own peculiar way, saying “in Northern Nigeria, the issue of out of school children can be summed up: to include Almajiri, girl child, children and youth on drugs, those affected by communal clashes and migrations, among others”.
“This is an issue that has plagued Northern Nigeria for decades and has contributed to the increase of crime within the region, leaders in the region have met on several occasions to discuss and arrive at the best possible means of eradicating the issue, both collectively and individually”.
He said his administration has incorporated a multi-pronged approach towards tackling the menace of out-of-school children, noting that in 2019, through the Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA), his Government enrolled 60,000 out-of-school children into public schools and that by 2020, the number had risen to 214,000 out of which 40,000 are girls that were enrolled into formal Girl-Child Learning Centers in the state.
In the same vein, the Governor said his administration has collaborated with the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) to formalize the Almajiri education system in the state by ensuring that the children who pass through the modern Tsangayya Schools, and are found worthy in character and learning, are issued certificates by NBAIS.
“The collaboration with NBAIS also include building the capacity of teachers in Tsangaya Schools to be able to modernize and standardize the quality of education given to the children”.
“When I received Maryam Uwais and her team in Abuja a few weeks ago, she made a wonderful presentation on what the project is designed to achieve, the processes, and the roles of all partners involved. After listening to her and her team, I had no doubt whatsoever that the At-Risk Children Project would help Nigeria go a long way towards winning the war against the societal ills caused by out-of-school children. This is attributable to her reputation and her achievements in the Social Investment Programmes (SIPs) of the Federal Government under her leadership”.
He assured Mrs. Uwais and members of her team, of his administration’s full support, saying he looks forward to a successful kick off of the project in Gombe State.
“Hajiya Maryam Uwais, and the Presidency, deserve every commendation for providing such an excellent opportunity for these conversations around ensuring every Nigerian child is given an opportunity to earn a decent livelihood”.
He expressed gratitude to God for being part of the transformation of the younger generation through structured intervention programmes and urged the project to expand its platforms to engage many children and young people.
“The MOU signed today, has clarified the roles and responsibilities of both the Federal and our State Governments, which include the Appointment of a Project lead, provision of an equipped office at State level, the deployment of State civil servants that have the requisite skills & to provide a workplan for implementation in Gombe State. I would like to mention here, that we will work with Barr, Sani Ahmad- a member of your team who happens to be from Gombe State as the Project Lead”.
He said the impact of adopting social interventions, vocational training and financial literacy programmes to address poverty had continued to facilitate economic growth in Africa and many other developing countries saying it is imperative that Nigeria and indeed Gombe State, also leverage on this initiative so as to wage war against poverty in our dear State.
Governor Yahaya acknowledged that there are bound to be challenges for such a serious and structured effort but he however assured that his administration will continue to engage office of the Special Adviser to the President on Social Investment in order to overcome them.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya thanked development partners, who have continued to engage with his administration for a better understanding of his transformation agenda and in the process offering valuable and constructive advice on how to enhance meaningful efforts.
“I would like to state that, we all are stakeholders in these processes and so I call on everyone to join me as we collectively begin to prepare our participation in the ARC-Project for our children and the younger generation yet unborn”.
The Governor commended the President for the initiative, expressing the hope that Gombe State and the country at large will benefit immensely from the At-Risk Children Project (ARC-P).
The Special Adviser to the President on Social Investment, Maryam Uwais said the At- Risk Children Project cannot exist without the buy in of the State, adding that they were in the Gombe to leverage on existing initiatives and interface with relevant stakeholders on how best to improve the lot of children and youths that are at risk.
Mrs Uwais thanked Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for displaying leadership and commitment towards the smooth take off of the project in the State and its eventual successful implementation for the benefit of Gombe State vulnerable children and the youth.
Earlier in an address of welcome, the first lady of Gombe State, Hajiya Asma’u Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya said the innocence of a child reflects the beauty of life but however observed with dismay that children are currently fighting to survive a world already vulnerable made even riskier by lockdowns, Schools closure, rising prices and other challenges of the covid-19 Pandemic.
“The number one risk factor that makes children vulnerable is poverty. From statistics, 428 million children within the age of zero to seventeen years live in extreme poverty while 150 million girls have experienced sexual abuse, two million children live in institutional care and 218 million children engage in various forms of exploitation.
“As such, as a mother and the First Lady of Gombe State, I am an advocate for women and children’s right, and this is why under the blanket of my foundation, Jewel Care Foundation, whose vision is to support women and children in achieving their full potential, and the mission, to provide services through education, empowerment and creativity, I had the opportunity to meet and interact with Hajiya Uwais last year on the need to provide assistance for the vulnerables, particularly our children in the State. Therefore, it is my wish that this Memorandum of Understanding signed today, will help strengthen the At Risk Children’s Right and also ensure provision of quality services for orphans and vulnerable children”.
The Secretary to Gombe state Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi signed for Gombe state Government while Mrs. Uwais signed for the SIP office as witnessed by the state Attorney General in the presence of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
Ismaila Uba Misilli Director-General ( Press Affairs) Government House Gombe
Gombe state Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has commiserated with the state’s former Commissioner of Health, Dr. Ahmad Muhammad Gana over the passing on of his mother, Hajiya Hafsatu, who died yesterday in Gombe at the age of 80 years.
Governor Yahaya who led senior government officials to attend the funeral prayer for the late octogenarian which took place at the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, described the demise of Hajiya Hafsatu as deeply painful, consoling Dr. Ahmad Gana, his siblings and the entire members of the bereaved family to take solace in the fact that their late matriarch lived an exemplary life characterized by devotion to Almighty Allah and left behind good legacy for her children.
He prayed Almighty Allah to give her family the fortitude to bear the great loss and grant the deceased Aljannat Firdaus.
On the Governor’s entourage were the Chief of Staff, Alhaji Abubakar Inuwa Kari, Commissioners, Special Advisers, PPS and other government functionaries.
Ismaila Uba Misilli Director-General ( Press Affairs) Government House Gombe
…As Governor Inuwa Commissions ICT Library in Jekadafari Primary School, Distributes Instructional Materials, Sporting Facilities to Schools
Gombe State Government is to spend the sum of Three Hundred and thirty three million naira (N333, 000, 000) in the construction of 110 standard libraries in schools across the State.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya disclosed this at the commissioning of a newly built library at the Jekadafari Primary school, Gombe and the distribution of motorcycles, instructional materials and sports facilities to schools across the State.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, the Governor told guests at the event that his administration inherited huge challenges in the education sector with Gombe ranked 34th out of 36 states in the federation in external examinations.This, the Governor explained, prompted his administration to immediately declare a State of emergency in the sector, particularly at the basic level in order to salvage it from total collapse.
“The establishment of Primary school library is yet another bold step in the right direction towards addressing the challenges inherent in basic education, the importance of a library as a foundation for pupils/ students’ self motivation cannot be over-emphasized as it will greatly enhance learning in schools across the State”.
“To this end and considering the importance of a library as the fastest growing means for for inducing self motivation in learning, the State Ministry of Education, through the State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, will undertake the construction of 110 standard libraries across the State at the total cost of three hundred and thirty three million Naira (N333,000,000) in the first phase”.
The Governor directed Education Secretaries and head teachers in the State to include library period of at least 80 minutes per week on their school time table to enable students and pupils read on their own under the guidance of a trained librarian.
“Government has also noted with delight the prompt procurement of 31 additional motorcycles in order to enhance monitoring of Schools by quality Assurance Officers in all the eleven local government areas. Similarly the provision of instructional materials and sports equipment worth over 85 million naira to schools is highly commendable”.
Earlier speaking, the Commissioner of Education, Dauda Batari Zambuk said Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s interventionist policy in education sector is beyond imagination, describing it as one that will yield positive fruits and be remembered for many years to come.
The Executive Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Hon. Babaji Babadidi said as part of measures to improve the education sector in the State, the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has carried out sweeping reforms in the state especially at the basic level.
He said the commissioning ceremony is yet another bold step by the Inuwa Yahaya’s administration towards injecting new techniques that will guarantee the desired quality in education following the declaration of a State of emergency in the sector by the present administration.
Ismaila Uba Misilli Director-General ( Press Affairs) Government House Gombe
… Says “We Must Safeguard our Cherished Peace and Stability”
…As Inuwa Yahaya Attends NISS Graduation Ceremony, Receives NISS’ Award of Honour
Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya says the security challenges confronting the country requires the highest level of capacity in intelligence gathering and surveillance to nip the ugly monster in the bud.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya stated this while speaking at the closing ceremony of the Special Intervention Squad SIS Course, Batch 6 at the National Institute for Security Studies, NISS, Lower Usman Dam, Bwari, Abuja
The Governor, who was the special guest of honour at the occasion, lamented the security situation in the country, advising that the challenges must be taken within the broader context of insecurity in the sahel, sub-saharan Africa and the entire globe vice versa the proliferation of weapons in conflict areas like Libya and Mali among other troubled spots in Africa.
The Governor said his decision to attend the closing ceremony of the Special Intervention Squad Course was predicted on the fact that he is from the North East which is the sub-region that is currently facing the greatest security challenge.
” I am here not only at the prompting of the invitation I got alone, but also as a leader from the sub-region that is facing the greatest challenges of our time in terms of insecurity. If I tell you that I sleep with my two eyes closed as a Governor I think I must be joking because the security situation in the North East is so disturbing and worrisome that it needs a concerted effort and cooperation of all stakeholders- from the administrators to the operatives, so as to move forward and close the gaps”.
He described the training as apt and timely, saying ” the security situation is getting out of hand and I think that is what necessitated this training for your operatives”.
He explained that being at the centre of the North East, Gombe State is faced with the fall out of insurgency in contiguous states such as the influx of Internally Displaced Person, IDPs and the rising threat of criminal activities.
” As you may be aware, we share boundary and long standing relationships with all the 5 other states in the North East. Yes Gombe is not a frontline state but because of our centrality and long standing relationship we have to accomodate those that are able to escape from the insurgency ravaged areas. We are a small state of about 3.5 million in population but because of the insurgency in the region, a lot of people have come to settle with us and put a stress on our hospitals, educational and institutional resources and even the social fabric. And you can imagine what it is for you to have people that you don’t have records of. To some extent and in this regard, we must appreciate the role of the DSS and in particular, we appreciate what the Director, State Service in Gombe is doing. He is doing a commendable job”.
The Governor, however said said despite the prevailing security challenges rocking the North East sub-region, Gombe State remains largely peaceful, praising his administration’s inclusive and community driven approach to security.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya said the State Government under his leadership is doing everything necessary to safeguard peace and stability for which the State is known for.
“In Gombe, we adopted a bottom up security model starting from the community and ward units up to the state level, carrying all relevant stakeholders like traditional rulers, religious and community leaders along”.
He said his administration created the Ministry of Internal Security and Ethical Orientation to foster peace and harmony through community driven security framework, adding that an initiative is underway at the sub regional level to deepen cooperation among the six states of the North East.
While thanking the Department of State Security Service for its cooperation and commitment in quelling the recent crisis in Billiri Local Government area of the state, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya pledged his government’s commitment to partnering with the service and other security agencies.
He congratulated the participants for successfully passing through the rigors of training and called on the Federal Government to invest more in training, funding and equipping of the nation’s security forces to better prepare them for any eventuality.
Earlier, the Director General, State Service, Yusuf Magaji Bichi who was represented by the Director, Economic Intelligence of the service, Dr. Olufunke Amos charged the course participants to put in practice the knowledge acquired during the training, just as he asked them to remain disciplined, loyal and committed as demanded by the ethics of the profession.
In his remarks, the commandant of the institute, Alhaji A.S. Adeleke appreciated Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s disposition towards ensuring peace and security, not only in Gombe state but the North East and the country at large.
He particularly commended the Governor’s handling of the recent security breach in Billiri local government area of the state, describing the approach adopted by Governor Yahaya in calming the situation as highly commendable.
” His Excellency is a man that is security conscious. You have invested heavily on security and we also appreciate the way you handled the recent issue in your state. This is highly remarkable and commendable “.
He sate the service is concentrating on training of younger elements within its ranks to confront the numerous security challenges both nationally and globally.
He explained that the 58 participants were carefully selected and trained on various tactical operations, including timed reaction and target precision, VIP evacuation, marksmanship, unarmed combat among others.
Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Ihab Awad who also graced the occasion commended the Institute, saying ” what I have seen today is nothing short of excellence”.
During the event, Governor Yahaya also participated in symbolic pistol marksmanship and also received NISS’ award of honour.
Ismaila Uba Misilli Director-General ( Press Affairs) Government House Gombe
Gombe State Government says it remains appreciative of the support given to it by development partners especially the world Bank in the area of Educational development in the state.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya stated this through the Secretary to the State Government Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi while receiving the report of State Coordination Program Investment Project Additional Financing (SEPIP) AF a World Bank assisted program in his office Thursday.
He said the present administration under Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya is passionate about Education and is doing everything necessary to transform the sector in the State.
He commended the World bank and other development partners for supporting Government effort towards restoring the lost glory of Education in the State.
While appreaciating the intervention of UBEC, World Bank and other agencies, the SSG says ” I wish we have more hands coming on deck to support what Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya is doing, he is so committed, so passionate about Education. What he keeps saying over and over is that, if we want to get out of the present situation we must take Education serious and that is what we have been doing”.
Professor Njodi said Government will continue to engage with development partners for more support.
He commended the Coordinator and his team for their tireless efforts towards improving Educational development in the course of the Program.
Earlier speaking the Project Coordination, State Education Program Investment Project Additional Financing (SEPIP)AF, Abubakar Yilah said during the program they have trained 9,800 teacher’s and have given grant to some selected Schools where 1,067 projects were under taken.
He said with the support of School management committee set up and train by (SEPIP) AF, Schools were supplied Computers, Text books, Water and sanitation among others.
Yilah said School enrolment especially that of girl child had also improve calling on all stake holders to support Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s Educational development drive.
Joshua Danmalam, Information Officer SSG’S office. 18/3/2021
Gombe State Government says it remains appreciative of the support given to it by development partners especially the world Bank in the area of Educational development in the state.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya stated this through the Secretary to the State Government Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi while receiving the report of State Coordination Program Investment Project Additional Financing (SEPIP AF) a grogram of the World Bank in his office Thursday.
He said the present administration under Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya is passionate about Education and is doing everything necessary to transform the sector in the State.
He commended the World bank and other development partners for supporting Government effort towards restoring the lost glory of Education in the State.
While appreaciating the intervention of UBEC, World Bank and other agencies, the SSG says ” I wish we have more hands coming on deck to support what Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya is doing, he is so committed, so passionate about Education. What he keeps saying over and over is that, if we want to get out of the present situation we must take Education serious and that is what we have been doing”.
Professor Njodi said Government will continue to engage with development partners for more support.
He commended the Coordinator and his team for their tireless efforts towards improving Educational development in the course of the Program.
Earlier speaking the Project Coordination, State Education Program Investment Project Additional Financing SEPIP AF, Abubakar Yilah said during the program they have trained 9,800 teacher’s and have given grant to some selected Schools where 1,067 projects were under taken.
He said with the support of School management committee set up and train by SEPIP AF, Schools were supplied Computers, Text books, Water and sanitation among others.
Yilah said School enrolment especially that of girl child had also improve calling on all stake holders to support Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s Educational development drive.
Joshua Danmalam, Information Officer SSG’S office. 18/3/2021
…Governor, Deputy, Others Receive First Jab of AstraZeneca Vaccine
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has officially flagged-off Covid-19 vaccination in the State.
The Governor, was administered the first dose of the AstraZeneca by his personal physician, Dr. Bello Abdulkadir at the banquet hall of the Government House.
Speaking shortly after being inoculated, the Governor said the coming of the Covid-19 vaccine signals a return to normalcy through the gradual lifting of travel and work restrictions.
“We are grateful to the Federal Government for its role in ensuring Nigeria is not left out of the global vaccine programme. On our part, Government is making necessary plans to ensure the success of the Covid-19 vaccination campaign through careful mapping and targeting of eligible persons during this first phase of the campaign”.
He said the first phase of the vaccination programme will prioritize healthcare workers in both public and private health facilities, this he added, is in line with global best practices where front-line healthworkers and other associated health personnel are given priority.
The Governor said, “subsequent phases of the vaccination campaign will target persons above 50 years of age, those with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and asthma”.
He vouched for the safety and efficacy of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine, saying “My decision, and that of other senior government officials to take the vaccine in this phase is to demonstrate confidence in the safety and efficacy of the vaccination programme”.
Governor Yahaya said his administration will continue to accord great priority to the health of its citizens, saying as the Governor of the State he has the responsibilty to ensure that the health and wellbeing of the people in the state is given the needed attention.
“Gombe State is among the best states across the country that worked tirelessly to curb the spread of Covid-19 among its people. My Government has establised six isolation centers and built a standard molecular diagnostic laboratory in the fight against covid-19, the rapid response team have also been supported with logistics to conduct there activities across the state”.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya therefore urged political office holders, religious and traditional leaders to support the implementation of Covid-19 vaccination across all the local government areas in the State.
“The State has received a total of 71,340 doses of the vaccines from the Federal Government through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the vaccines have been found to be very safe and certified by the WHO at the international level and NAFDAC here in the Nigeria”.
The Governor said as people of faith, it is fact that healing and protection come from God alone, but that both Islam and Christianity also commanded their adherents to take medications and other precautions during periods of ill-health. He emphasized that “vaccinations, just like in the past, have proven to be effective in reducing morbidities and mortalities among our people”.
Governor yahaya used the occasion to express his appreciation to the Federal Government for making the vaccines available to Nigerians and to frontline healthworkers for their various sacrifices in the battle against Covid-19 in the State.
The Governor equally appreciated health partners of the State, especially the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, W.H.O and UNICEF for their technical support in the areas of immunization and other primary health care activities in the State.
Earlier speaking, the Chairman, Coordinating Committee of the Covid-19 Pandemic in Gombe State, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau said in the past one year, the State has tested a total of 34, 246 persons of the covid-19 virus.
Of this number, Dr. Jatau said 2,054 persons tested positive while 1,971 recovered from the virus.
He said at the moment, the State has 9 active cases and recorded a total of 44 deaths since the inception of the virus some 365 days ago.
Dr. Manassah Jatau who is the State Deputy Governor, commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for distinguishing himself in the fight against the covid-19 virus by providing the necessary facilities to tame the its spread in the State.
Foremost Epidemiologist, Professor Idris Mohammed enjoined the people of the State not to entertain any reservations about the AstraZeneca covid-19 vaccine as no scientific proof has suggested that the vaccine is harmful.
The State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru had told the gathering that the administration of the vaccine will be in four phases with the first covering frontline health workers in both public and private hospitals and those in the Rapid Response Team.
He said other phases of the vaccination exercise will involve the aged from 50 and above and those with underlying health conditions.
In his vote of thanks, the Executive Secretary, Gombe State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Abdulrahman Shuaibu thanked Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for displaying leadership in the fight against the covid-19 virus.
He said the symbolic vaccination of the Governor will not only allay the fears associated with the efficacy of the vaccine but will improve the uptake of it by members of the public.
To flag-off the vaccination exercise, the Governor led dignitaries, including his Deputy, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Luggerewo, SSG, Head of Civil Service, Commissioners and other government functionaries in taking the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Ismaila Uba Misilli Director General ( Press Affairs) Government House Gombe
Gombe state is slated to host the rice festival in the North east zone where rice pyramids are already springing up in preparation for the unveiling soon.
The state, which is at the forefront in rice production in the north east is justifying the success of the current administration’s agricultural revolution in Gombe State and Nigeria at large.
The state Commissioner of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Hon. Muhammad Magaji Gettado accompanied by his Directors, national and state officials of Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, RIFAN and those of Central Bank of Nigeria visited the trailer park where RIFAN has aggregated all the recovered rice from farmers who have benefited from the anchor borrowers’ programme across the North East.
Already eleven large rice pyramids have been aggregated with over three hundred thousand bags of parddy rice so far and still counting. These pyramids are expected to be unveiled soon.
Recall that Gombe state has keyed into the current efforts championed by the CBN through the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme to galvanise agricultural production and achieve food sufficiency towards meeting the requirements of Nigeria’s growing population.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has always emphasized that agricultural transformation drive of his administration is geared towards harnessing the vast potentials in the sector.
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya says inspite of the 14 billion Naira backlog inherited by his administration in pensions and gratuity arrears, the State Government under his leadership will do everything within available resources to settle the entitlements of those who served the State in various capacities of responsibility so that they will reap the benefits of their labour and meritorious services.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya stated this at the flag-off of the second phase of the payment of gratuities for retired civil servants covering the period of January to December 2015.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, the Governor said under no circumstance will his administration develop a cold feet in the payment of the benefits of retirees, explaining that the seeming slow pace in the payment of gratuities was due to the humongous debt inherited by his administration in that regard and the need to put the records straight on who gets what, when and how.
“A responsible government cannot just start dishing out funds without following due process and knowing whether an individual is entitled to whatever he or she is getting or not getting, that is why we constituted a committee to verify the correctness or otherwise and advise Government accordingly so that we can pay only those who deserve to be paid and what he or she is supposed to get”.
The Governor said the backlog of about 14 billion Naira inherited by his administration had also placed a cog in the wheel of the State Government’s determination to clear all entitlements owed retired civil servants in the State but assured that Government will get to the root of the matter and address same for the overall benefit of the retired civil servants.
He said his administration is saddened by the fact that the gratuity of 2015 was being paid in 2021, leaving behind an army of retired civil servants in pain.
He called on the retirees to be patient as his administration resolves the backlog, stressing that government is not celebrating the payment which has dragged since 2015.
“We had started with first tranche of payment for 2014. In 2021 we are paying 2015, We feel saddened and we are not celebrating, we are not happy we should be paying 2020 and not 2015 in 2021,” he said
He assured that government will continue to remain responsive to the yearnings of the senior citizens even as he emphasized that his administration is putting machinery in place to address the plight of local government retirees.
Earlier speaking, the Chairman of the committee for the payment of outstanding gratuity and states’s Auditor-General, Muhammad Buba Gombe said the release of the 775 million naira for the payment of gratuity to over 700 retired civil servants in the State for the year 2015 was coming after the State Governor had earlier approved the sum of 1.6 billion for the settlement of 2014 retirees.
He assured retired civil servants in the State that the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya will continue to do everything necessary to pay their entitlements within available resources.
The Chairman, Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Gombe State Chapter, Mohammed Abubakar thanked Governor Muhammadu Inuwa for the payment of the inherited gratuity, calling on him to sustain the gesture.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Binta Malle appreciated Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for deeming it fit to pay a backlog he inherited from previous administration and encouraged him not to be swayed by the negligence of the past but to remain resolute in his administration’s commitment to do that which is good for the people.
Ismaila Uba Misilli Director-General ( Press Affairs) Government House Gombe
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