Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has flagged-off disbursement of funds to women under the Micro Enterprise Enhancement Scheme MEES, with a call on beneficiaries to utilize the funds for self economic emancipation.
The Micro Enterprise Enhancement Scheme MEES is coming on the heels of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s shuttle to the headquarters of the National Directorate of Employment, NDE where the Federal Government Agency heeded to his lobbying efforts to empower rural women and youths in Gombe State.
Addressing the beneficiaries at the new banquet hall of the Government House, Governor Inuwa Yahaya said the scheme specifically aims at assisting unemployed women and youths, especially in rural communities to boost their small businesses.
Governor Yahaya charged the beneficiaries to utilize the opportunity for the overall good of their families and the larger society, saying women are as good as their male counterparts and should therefore not be intimidated by realities and circumstances but to strive for the zenith at all times.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya reiterated his administration’s commitment to alleviating poverty through policies that will attract investors, enhance economic growth and create wealth.
He said it is on record that the National Directorate of Employment NDE has been in existence for over 20 years but not until his lobbying shuttle to the Headquarters of the Directorate that resulted in the agency allocating one thousand, one hundred slots for the MEES programme in the State.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya assured the beneficiaries, particularly women in that the loan is just the beginning of many other good things to come their way, pledging more dividends of democracy for women in his administration.
The Governor lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for giving women in the State a voice through the appointment of Hajara Salim as the nation’s Ambassador to Malaysia, eulogising equally the feat attained by Hajiya Amina J. Mohammed as the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations.
He said in recognition of the pivotal role women play in nation building, his administration has appointed women in key positions of authority so as to encourage them and to also enable them contribute their quota to the growth and development of the State.
“Under my watch, we have a chairman of a local government council, female councillors in each ward. We have also appointed women to man key ministries, boards and commissions and we also have a host of others holding elective and other political posts”.
He said he is of the opinion that when women are given the opportunity to serve, development can easily permeate through the society given their central role in family management and societal development
The Governor called on women occupying elective and other political positions in the State not to betray the confidence reposed in them, but to strive and impress the larger society of the women fork.
The Director General of the National Directorate of Employment, NDE, represented by the State coordinator, Hassan Mustapha said the flag-off of the Micro Enterprise Enhancement Scheme MEES forms part of the Directorate’s mandate to eradicate poverty and empower the people, especially rural dwellers.
He said the disbursement was facilitated by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya who painstakingly visited the Headquarters of the Directorate in Abuja to seek for assistance for rural women and youths that are into small scale businesses.
The Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Naomi Joel Awak had earlier applauded the Governor for his lobbying acumen which led to the disbursement exercise.
She appealed to the beneficiaries to make better use of the funds collected in order to uplift their individual living conditions and those of their families.
The cash disbursement will continues with each of the 11 LGAs having 100 beneficiaries that will collect 10 thousand naira each.
Ismaila Uba Misilli Director- General ( Press Affairs) Government House, Gombe
Gombe state Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has congratulated Hajiya Hajara Ibrahim Salim on her appointment as Nigerian Ambassador to Malaysia, describing her posting to the southeast asian country as apt.
In a statement, Governor Inuwa Yahaya described Hajiya Hajara Salim as a distinguished and hardworking woman who displayed great leadership traits during when she served as clerk to the Gombe state House of Assembly and during her meritorious service years in the National Assembly where she retired as a Director.
He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for nominating her and the senate for the confirmation, vouching for the new envoy’s ability to justify the confidence reposed in her.
“This is indeed the result of Mrs Hajara’s discipline, knowledge, skills and tenacity of purpose”.
” Her appointment as Ambassador is also a testament of our belief that our women deserve much more, especially in the area of political inclusion and decision making.
” It is an honour to be called to serve your country at that level. And so, here in Gombe state, we are delighted with this achievement and are looking forward to Ambassador Salim playing a critical role in projecting the good image of Nigeria in Malaysia and at the same time flying the flag of Gombe state high”.
Governor Yahaya urged the envoy to bring to bear her personal charisma, managerial acumen and wealth of experience in the discharge of her diplomatic assignment as resident representative of Nigeria in Malaysia.
Ismaila Uba Misilli Director-General ( Press Affairs) Government House, Gombe
… Tasks Members to Provide Policy Direction, Good Leadership to move institutions forward
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has inaugurated the Governing Council of the State University and boards of School of Nursing and Midwifery and College of Health Sciences and Technology, Kaltungo with a charge on members to ensure that their various institutions adhere to the principles of accountability and compliance with the best practices in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The Governor stated this while performing the inauguration of the i Governing Council and Boards of the three institutions at the new banquet hall of the Government House.
He charged members of the Governing Council and the Boards to provide policy direction and desired leadership in order to move the institutions to greater heights.
To the Governing Council of the State University, Governor Inuwa Yahaya noted that “the institution was established in line with the tripartite mission of institutions of higher education which involves teaching, research and service as well as production of knowledge through research, building of an exemplary character in the individual student through learning and engaging the society in the exchange of ideas through service”.
He said in order for any university to achieve its mission, the governing council has a big role to play in maintaining its functions as enshrined in the law establishing it.
These functions, the Governor explained, include the general principles of control and supervision of policy implementation, finances and property of the University, including its public relations.
He further tasked the Council to ensure that proper accounts of the University are kept and audited annually by auditors appointed by the State Auditor-General and an annual report published by the University together with certified copies of the audited account.
“In carrying out its functions, the Governing Council should cooperate with the State Government, the management of the University, the various Unions in the University, external bodies and local communities for the purpose of fairness, equity and justice”.
As for the College of Nursing & Midwifery, Gombe, Governor Inuwa Yahaya reminded the board members that “the institution was established in order to train the much-needed manpower for our health institutions and serve as a vehicle for effective healthcare delivery in State”.
To the Board members of the College of Health Sciences and Technology, Kaltungo, the Governor said that the institution was established to produce skilled health technologists and allied personnel to help the health institutions respond to emerging and re-emerging health challenges across the State.
“Discharging those responsibilities require the efficient mobilization and application of resources. This is even more important considering the prevailing economic condition caused by Covid-19 which calls for prudence and accountability. The Boards should therefore help their institutions create innovative ways to generate revenue and reduce their financial dependence on government”.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya said in order to ensure that higher institutions achieve their statutory objectives, his administration selected individuals of impeccable character and track records into the council and boards, expressing the belief that they will bring their wealth of experience and unique expertise towards the development of the institutions.
“I charge you to exhibit exemplary character in the conduct of your affairs in order to move the institutions forward so as to justify the confidence reposed in you. Your appointments and inauguration are coming at a critical time when Government is seriously focusing its attention investing heavily in the education sector, culminating in the declaration of state of emergency in education after considering the reports of the Transition Committee and the Taskforce on Tertiary Institutions which highlighted the negligence and systemic rot in the sector”.
He extended his appreciation and that of the Government and people of Gombe State to the members of the immediate past Gombe State University Governing Council chaired by His Royal Highness, Alh. Haruna Kadiri Rashid, the Emir of Dukku and those of the two Colleges for their services and commitments to duty.
The Governor appealed to the management, staff and students of the institutions and the general public to give the members of the newly inaugurated Council and Boards the support and cooperation in order to succeed in their new responsibilities.
Earlier speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi said the inauguration of the Governing Council of the State University and the Boards of the School of Nursing and Midwifery as well as the College of Health Sciences and Technology Kaltungo is another milestone in the history of the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
He said the inauguration ceremony is just another commitment of the present administration of bringing life back into the state owned institutions of higher learning.
Speaking on behalf of the members of the three boards, the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Gombe State University, Senator Joshua Lidani thanked the Governor for the confidence reposed in them, assuring that the trust will not be misplaced.
“We have accepted to serve because we have identified with your laudable programmes which you initiated upon assumption into office as Governor of Gombe State.
“Every one of us is a witness to the giant strides of your administration in various sectors. When you talk of education, we are seeing renovations and constructions going every where.
He said the renovation construction of Schools as well as the training of teachers under the present administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya mark a departure from what obtained in the past, where only physical structures where the main focus.
The Chairman of the Gombe State University Governing Council also lauded the Governor for building roads across the entire length and breadth of the State, through his flagship project, the network eleven hundred among several other developmental initiatives.
He assured the Governor that the Council and Boards will continue to identify with his administration all through.
The memberships of the Governing Council of Gombe State University and the Boards of the two Colleges are as follows:
A. Gombe State University Governing Council
(i) Sen. Joshua Lidani – Chairman (ii) Prof. Fatimah Sawa – Member (iii) Prof. Umaru Gurama – Member (iv) Prof. Hassan Bello – Member (v) Arc. Suleiman M. Kumo – Member (vi) Dr. Ibrahim J. Daudu – Member (vii) Prof. Babagana Bako – Senate Rep. (viii) Prof. Hajja Gana Hamza – Senate Rep. (viii) Dr. Rasheed Abdulgany – Senate Rep. (ix) Dr. Adamu Muh’d Tukur – Senate Rep. (x) Mahmoud Moh’d Hassan – Representing the Congregation.
(xi) Sani Rabiu- Representing the Convocation
(xii) Representative of Min. of Justice (xiii) Representative of Min. of Higher Education (xiv) Representative of NUC
B. COLLEGE OF NURSING & MIDWIFERY
(i) Alh. Sa’idu Moh’d Abubakar – Chairman (ii) Mrs. Margret Yusuf Member (iii) Alh. Babangida Adamu Jigawa Member (iv) Bashir Funawo – Member (v) Perm. Sec. Higher Education Member (vi) Perm. Sec. Finance – Member (vii) Perm. Sec. Health – Member (viii) Perm. Sec. Local Govt.-Member (ix) College Provost – Member (x) Mohammed Musa (Rep. Academic Board) (xi) Lami C. Ubale (Rep. Academic Board) (xii) Danladi Abubakar (Rep. Congregation) (xii) Director Nursing Min. of Health -Member (xiii) College Registrar – Secretary
C. COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES & TECHNOLOGY (i) Alh. Ahmed Sallau Pindiga – Chairman (ii) Mrs. Briskila Tanko – Member (iii) Dr. Muhammad Lawan- Member (iv) Haruna Mahdi Deba – Member (v) Perm. Sec. Higher Education Member (vi) Perm. Sec. Finance – Member (vii) Perm. Sec. Health – Member (viii) College Provost – Member (x) 2 elected members of Academic Board of the College (xi) 1 elected member representing the congregation (xii) Director Pharmaceutical Services Min. of Health- Member
(xiii) Dir. Primary Health Care System Dev. Member
(xiii) College Registrar- Secretary.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, Deputy Speaker, Hon. Siddi Buba, Secretary to the state Government, Chief of Staff, Hon. Commissioners and Advisers as well as other senior government officials.
Ismaila Uba Misilli Director-General ( Press Affairs) Government House, Gombe
His reign Symbolized Peace, Development- Gombe Government
He was a broker of peace, unity… Christian Traditional Rulers’ Forum
The remains of the paramount ruler of the Tangale kingdom, the Late Dr. Abdu Buba Maisheru the second, the fifteenth Mai Tangle, were committed to mother earth, in his palace in Poshiya, Billiri Local Government Headquarters of Gombe State.
The funeral service performed at the palace was attended by a large crowd of sympathizers who thronged to bid farewell to their departed beloved royal father.
The state Deputy Governor Manassah Daniel Jatau (Ph.D), who represented Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, conveyed the heartfelt sympathy of the Governor, government, and people of Gonbe state, describing the death as a colossal loss.
Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau qualified the deceased Mai Tangle as one of the greatest rulers of the present time, considering his contributions in peace making, fostering of harmonious coexistence, and development of the state, and the nation.
Quoting the scriptures from John chapter nine verse Four, where “Jesus teaches that, we must work while it is still day for night comes when no one can work”, the Deputy Governor admonished the sympathizers to maximise their time while still alive for nothing can be done in death.
The Deputy Governor pointed out that it is painful to part with loved one, but it must be accepted in good faith as death is part of God’s provision that all mortals shall translate into immortality at the fullness of time, urging the people to emulate the virtues of the late monarch for them to live lasting legacies behind.
The President, ECWA International, Rev. Dr. Stephen Panya Baba, extolled the virtues of the deceased, describing him as a pillar in the Church of God, who contributed greatly to the advancement of God’s kingdom on earth.
In his sermon the ECWA( International) leader who spoke on the theme;’The death of a righteous man” said, precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of a saint, pointing out that in view of the deceased works for God, referred him as a saint to be emulated.
Taking his text from Isaiah Chapter 57, Psalms 115:16,and other relevant books and chapters, the clergyman said, the grace of God, that is keeping others alive towards service and repentance, is the same grace that is taking others away to spare them from the evil of the world.
He charged the gathering to know that, no matter how powerful one could be, death is inevitable and the only way to escape eternal damnation is to live a righteous life through Jesus Christ.
In his remarks on behalf of the Christian Traditional Rulers of the 19 Northern States, the Secretary- General of the forum, His Royal Highness, Barr. Joel Asinge, Chief of Panda in Nasarawa State, conveyed the condolences of the forum to the bereaved family, and Gombe State Government, describing the death as shocking as devastating.
He said the Mai Tangle was a very humble personality who played a prominent role in fostering peace not only in his chiefdom, but across the nation as according to him, he was instrumental to the formation of National Christian Traditional Rulers Forum in Nigeria.
He said the deceased left a great vacuum that can hardly be filled, praying God to grant him eternal rest.
Other dignitaries who paid tribute to the deceased include the Emir of Gombe, represented at the occasion, the Nidu Grah Cham, HRH, Dr. James D. Chachis, Folo Dadiya, HRH, Abdulkadir Abubakar, Mai Tula, HRH, Abubakar Atare Buba, representative of Gbong Gwom, Kwandi Nungurah,(Chief of Lunguda) and many other dignitaries too numerous to mention.
It could be recalled that the deceased,Mai Tangle Dr. Abdu Buba Maisheru, the second, the fifteenth Mai Tangle, died at the age of 72 after ruling the Tangale nation for nineteen years.
He left behind his wife, children and relations to mourn his death.
The Secretary to the Gombe State Government Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi has charged the people of Shongom Local Government Area of the State to be security conscious by reporting any suspicious move that is capable of breaching the peace of the area.
Professor Njodi stated this when he granted audience to Elders of Shongom district led by its newly appointed District Head Dahiru Alfayo Yusuf at the conference hall of the SSG.
He said in lieu of the security challenges confronting the country in the form of insurgency banditry and kidnapping it becomes imperative for the people of Shongom and by extension the entire state to always be on the lookout for criminal element in the society.
The Gombe SSG said it only when there is peace that Government can provide basic amenities to the people regardless of whether they live in the State capital or not.
Professor Njodi called on the people of Shongom to support the policies and programmes of the present administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya who is bent on taking the State to the next level.
While congratulating the new district head of Shongom the Gombe SSG reminded the royal father of the responsibilities that lies before the crown.
Earlier the spokesman of the delegation Danladi Haruna Garba said they were at the SSG’s office to thank the State Government over the appointment of the Dahiru Alfayo Yusuf as the new district head of Shongom.
For this gesture Danladi Haruna Garba assures that the people of the State will continue to stand in solidarity with the present administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has again reiterated his administration’s commitment to give priority attention to sectors that can generate wealth and uplift the living conditions of the people of the State.
The Governor stated this on Thursday at a quarterly media parley to give account of his administration’s stewardship to the people of the state in a live broadcast beamed on Local TV, Radio stations as well as social media platforms in the state.
Speaking on one of his administration’s flagship projects, the Gombe Industrial Park, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya said a preliminary site plan of the has since been designed and submitted, detailing the architectural master plan of the project.
He said by the end of the first quarter of this year, a final draft of the plan is expected which will eventually lead to the award of contract for the construction of the Gombe Industrial park that will consist of big, medium and small processing companies, road networks, schools and housing units.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya explained that his administration has already attracted the interest of some investors willing to inject funds into the construction of the Gombe Industrial Park and those planning to set processing companies, saying the Nigerian Export Processing Zone will also be on ground to maintain quality and standard of goods and services meant for international trade.
On the issue of power which has been the bane of companies’ development across the country, the Gombe State Governor said his administration has gone into an agreement with the power generating company at the Dadinkowa Dam to scoop 20 out of the 40 megawatts for the park.
The Governor assured the people of the State that considering the importance of the Gombe Industrial Park to the economic development of the State and its people, his administration will do everything necessary to ensure timely completion of the project.
Responding to a question on the outcome of his visit to the NNPC, his engagement with the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development and the Qatar Foundation in Abuja, Governor Inuwa Yahaya said as a leader he has no choice than to visit those organisations and establishments in order to attract their interventions in utilizing the natural resources that God Has endowed the State with.
To this end, the Governor said, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has indicated that it will begin the exploitation of oil and gas in the gongola basin as well as offer quick intervention in building 200 bed capacity hospital and diagnostic center in the State.
Similarly the Governor revealed that the State Government has also gained the understanding of the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development for the full extraction of mineral resources in the State for the overall benefit of the people.
He described the MoU signed between the Gombe State Government and the Qatar Foundation as a breakthrough which has since attracted the organisation’s intervention in the areas of health, water supply and worship centres among others, disclosing also that a plan to build a school of nursing in Gombe is also in the offing in conjunction with the Qatari charity outfit.
On youths and women empowerment, he said government is collating data to ensure that whatever intervention the state brings in that regard goes round and that no one is short changed.
Speaking on the second wave of the coronavirus pandamic, Governor Inuwa Yahaya regretted that some people are yet to believe the existence of the virus describing it as real and causing fatalities among the people.
He said his administration has performed credibly well in preventing and containing the virus through some proactive measures, including the construction of a covid-19 diagnostic laboratory equipped with State of the art facilities, establishment of isolation and treatment centres among other measures.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya said since coming into office in 2019, his administration has carried sweeping reforms and initiated flagship projects such the network eleven hundred which targets the construction of at least one hundred kilometres of roads in each of the Local Government Areas of the State, the programme he said is on course.
The Governor called for calm and understanding among politicians, saying as genuine as agitations may seem, his administration is doing everything possible to address all concerns in the most effective and efficient manner.
He however said the preoccupation of any government must be the provision of life changing projects that can create wealth and make life better and more meaningful.
On the 30, 000 naira minimum wage, the Gombe State Governor said his administration will resume the payment of the new salary scale which was suspended due to the effect of covid-19 pandemic effective January 2021.
While thanking the people of the State for their continued support to his administration, Governor Inuwa Yahaya assured the citizenry that any project initiated under his watch will be completed for the overall benefit of the people of the state.
Ismaila Uba Misilli Director- General ( Press Affairs) Government House, Gombe
Gombe state Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has expressed sadness over the demise of Senator Sa’ad Abubakar Mohammed who died today in Abuja at the age of 80 years.
Senator Sa’ad, who represented Gombe Central Senatorial District from 2003 – 2007, was until his death the Tafidan Deba.
In a message of condolence, Governor Yahaya described the late elder statesman as a patriot and committed public servant who’s roles in nation building and community development,both as a federal legislator and entrepreneur, remain remarkable and commendable.
He said the demise of the ex-senator is a huge loss not only to his immediate family but the state and the nation in general.
The Governor, on behalf of the government and people of Gombe State, conveyed his deepest condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, his associates, the people of Deba Emirate and Yamaltu Deba Local Government, praying Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and reward his good deeds with Aljannat Firdaus.
The late telecommunications engineer, who left behind one wife and 7 children, was buried today in Abuja after a funeral prayer held at the National Mosque.
Ismaila Uba Misilli Director- General ( Press Affairs) Government House, Gombe
…Calls for Support to Families of Nation’s Fallen Heroes
…Hails Gallantry of Nigeria’s Armed Forces in Tackling Insecurity
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has performed the wreath laying ceremony in honour of the nation’s fallen heroes who paid the supreme prize in defence of the country’s territorial integrity.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya equally inspected the guard of honour mounted by officers and men of the 301 Artillery Regiment at the Pantami township stadium.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after leading dignitaries in the wreath laying ceremony, Governor Inuwa Yahaya praised the gallantry and sacrifice of the nation’s fallen heroes and those in service, saying his administration will continue to assist security agencies in maintaining law and order in the state.
He called on the citizenry to continue to show solidarity and support to the living and fallen heroes as well as their families to boost their morale.
Other dignitaries who joined the Governor in the laying of the wreaths at the symbiotic tomb of the unknown soldier, included the State Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, Speaker of Gombe State House of Assembly, Hon. Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo and the State Acting Chief Judge, Justice Muazu Pindiga.
Others are Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Maikudi Shehu, Commander of the 301 Artillery Regiment, Major J. David, Emir of Gombe, represented by the district head of Jalo Waziri, Commissioner of Internal Security and the State Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Gombe State Chapter as well as the representative of the widows of the ex-servicemen.
The Gombe State Governor also performed the symbolic release of white pigeons to symbolize peace, freedom, sovereignty and prosperity of the nation.
It will be recalled that Governor Inuwa Yahaya had on Thursday, 14th January, launched the 2020/2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Emblem Appeal Fund during which he announced a donation of 5 million naira on behalf of his government and onother 1 million naira as personal contribution to support the families of the ex-servicemen.
Special prayers were offered by both Christian and Muslim military clerics for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes and for the peace of Gombe state and the nation in general.
Ismaila Uba .Misilli Director- General ( Press Affairs) Government House, Gombe.
Gombe Governor Receives National Leadership of ASUU
…Says His Government is Committed to Addressing Issues Relating to the Union Amidst Competing Demands
…Appeals to GSU Lecturers to Shelve Planned Strike, Remain on Negotiation Table for Amicable Resolution of Issues
Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya says in spite of competing demands, his administration will continue to give priority attention to the state-owned versity, the Gombe State University, in order to enhance its academic and physical development.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya stated this when he granted audience to the officials of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, led by its Ibadan zonal coordinator, Professor Ade Adejumo.
The Governor described his administration as a lecturer-friendly one, given the array of cognate academics serving under it such as the State Deputy Governor, the SSG and the Commissioner of Higher Education among others who came from the ivory towers.
He appealed to ASUU to remain calm and continue to engage the government while his administration works out modalities for amicable resolution of issues raised by its members.
He said before the visit, a committee was constituted to interface with the Gombe State University Chapter of ASUU so that both the government and the union can have a clear understanding of the issues knowing fully well that the State ranks second from bottom in terms of allocation from the federation account.
This, the Governor said. was in addition to the poor IGR base of the State, the anormaly which he said his administration is putting necessary machinery in place to correct through stimulating the economy to generate wealth for the state and the people.
“Yes we have a state but the state has to do a lot of things, it is not only the university, we have to maintain our primary and secondary schools, we have to maintain our hospitals and provide social amenities to the people and also provide the necessary infrastructure that can support and sustain the institution for it to thrive”.
The Governor said when his administration came into office he found a backlog of earned allowances of the lecturers amidst huge debt inherted from the previous administration which prompted the setting up of a committee to have a holistic review of the financial position in relation to the needs of the state and how best to prioritise and manage the situation.
“So far I can say that in spite of the nation wide strike earlier on embarked upon by ASUU, we have been able to pay our lecturers to the tune of close to 1.5 billion naira, no ASUU member in Gombe will complain that they have not been paid their salaries for the last nine months or ten despite the fact that they joined the industrial action”.
On the issue of the University Governing Council, Governor Inuwa Yahaya said his administration has already constituted the Council, saying all other demands raised by ASUU are gradually being addressed.
” On the demand for funding in order to carry out research, we considered it and put it in the 2021 budget. Out of the 100 million we now put 50 million and we are ready to grant the 200 million monthly allocation to the University. We are doing this despite other competing demands. If you go to health and Agriculture, if you go to Basic Education and infrastructure, everywhere the demands are always increasing by the day, but as leaders we must continue to do our best to address all challenges’.
He called for mutual understanding between the State Government and ASUU as according to the Governor, “if we must move forward both the government and the university community must work together”.
He stressed that members of ASUU must endeavour to encourage members of the public to pay tax and not complain of over taxation.
According to him, education and other sectors can only be improved with revenue from taxes, adding that what members of ASUU in Gombe State pay as tax is less when compared to those at national on federal employment.
“Tax encourages performance and if we don’t perform you should hang us. These issues are symbiotic. All the issues are on the table and we will see how to address them with 2021 budget.
He also disclosed that Gombe state government will resume the implementation of 30,000 minimum wage effective from January.
“On the issue of infrastructure, I make bold to say that Gombe State University on take off was one hundred percent managed by the State Government and the succeeding government after Danjuma Goje who set up the University, was only one- the immediate past, which did not care to do anything that could move the institution forward and instead created more institutions thereby over burdening the system to the detriment of basic education and other more important ventures” .
“I will like to plead with ASUU at the National level because locally we are managing with our own, please ask your people to sacrifice more and allow us work out how best we can address these issues. May be we will set timelines and milestones, but we will try to do as much as we can as a government”.
Earlier speaking, the Ibadan zonal coordinator of the ASUU, Professor Ade Adejumo, who is also the convener for the visitation to Gombe, said they were in the State to advocate for better funding of the Gombe State University in order to enhance effectiveness in teaching, learning and research.
Professor Adejumo equally appealed to the Gombe State Government to look into the possibility of relaxing the tax regime for its members in the State so as to enhance their take home pay.
While appreciating the Inuwa Yahaya led administration for tackling the challenges confronting the State, the Ibadan zonal coordinator of ASUU appealed to the State Government to address issues confronting its members so as to avoid possibility of an industrial action.
He however said the window of negotiation is still wide open.
Recall that Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has already set up a negotiating team on the ASUU demands under the chairmanship of the state Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau.
Ismaila Uba Misilli Director-General (Press Affairs) Government House, Gombe
Celebrate with me a quintissential leader, a rare gem, an academician cum Politician, reservoir of knowledge, an icon of hope, an epitome of humility and deligent in service, a recipient of many awards and honours. Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi (Madakin Kaltungo) the Secretary to Gombe State Government and Chairman of North East SSG’s Forum as he turns a year older today.
Sir as you turn a year older may sound health, wisdom God’s grace continue to envelop you for the onerous task of Building the State and the nation at large.
Congratulations! And many many happy returns Prof.
Joshua Danmalam Information Officer SSG’S Office. 13/1/2021
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