Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe state has expressed deep sorrow over the sudden death of the Publisher/ Chairman and Editor-in- Chief of the Leadership Newspapers, Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah who passed away yesterday in Abuja at the age of 58.
Governor Yahaya, in a condolence message, described the late newspaper proprietor as a highly cerebral media practitioner, astute politician and great administrator who contributed immensely to the growth of journalism profession and democracy in general.
He said as a man of big ideas, creativity and entrepreneurship, the late Kakakin Nupe had made his marks and written his name in gold in the Nigerian political space and the media industry where he touched many lives in the process.
” The death of Sam is a national loss of monumental proportion. He was such a great man of big ideas, conviction, selflessness and passion for excellence. Nigeria has indeed lost one of its finest.
“The death of the veteran journalist will surely create a huge vacuum in the media industry where he mentored and provided means of livelihood to many without discrimination”.
” It is my sincere prayer that those he mentored will keep his memory alive by upholding his vision in all its ramifications “.
Governor Yahaya conveyed the heartfelt condolences of the Government and people of Gombe state to the immediate family of the deceased, the staff and management of Leadership Newspapers, the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria as well as the Government of Niger state over the loss of the trained pharmacist and famous columnist, praying God to repose his soul and comfort those he left behind.
Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya today led a delegation on a condolence visit to the family of the late Alhaji Ishiaku Gwamna over the demise of Hajiya Hajaratu, mother of Alhaji Tanko Ishiaku Gwamna, Chairman of Taj Bank Board of Directors and Chairman of Grandscope Construction Co Ltd.
The Governor was in company of Senator Saidu Ahmed Alkali, Chief of Staff Abubakar Inuwa Kari, Alhaji Abubakar Muazu Yariman Kashere, Alhaji Malah Modu Sheriff, PPS Usman kamara,Hon. Usman Aliyu Garry among other Government functionaries and aides.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya who had to cut short his official engagements in Abuja to pay the condolence visit, had earlier in a condolence message, described the late Hajiya Hajaratu as an upright mother and family pillar, who lived an exemplary life characterised by devotion to Allah and fostering affable relationship among family members and beyond.
He lamented that although Hajiya Yaya died at a time her elderly and motherly counsel and wisdom were needed by her children, grand children and those around her, “We must take solace in the fact that she had lived to witness the growth and accomplishments of her children and left through them a lasting legacy which we would continue to cherish”.
The Gombe Governor consoled Alhaji Tanko and his siblings as well as the entire members of Ishiaku Gwamna family to keep alive the memories and the legacies of service and good character their late matriach left behind.
He conveyed the condolences of the government and people of Gombe State over the sad event and prayed Almighty Allah to grant the deceased Aljannat Firdaus.
Responding on behalf of the bereaved family, Alhaji Abdulkadir Ishiyaku Gwamna, thanked Governor Inuwa Yahaya for identifying with them in their moment of grief, describing the gesture as a demonstration of true love and respect for the family in which the Governor is also considered a member.
Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has commiserated with Alhaji Tanko Ishiaku Gwamna, Chairman of Taj Bank Board of Directors and Chairman of Grandscope Construction Co Ltd over the demise of his mother, Hajiya Hajaratu, popularly called Hajiya Yaya who died today in Gombe.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya in a condolence message, described the late Hajiya Hajaratu as an upright mother and family pillar, who lived an exemplary life characterised by devotion to Allah and fostering affable relationship among family members and beyond.
He lamented that although Hajiya Yaya died at a time her elderly and motherly counsel and wisdom were needed by her children, grand children and those around her, “We must take solace in the fact that she had lived to witness the growth and accomplishments of her children and left through them a lasting legacy which we would continue to cherish”.
The Gombe Governor consoled Alhaji Tanko and his siblings as well as the entire members of Ishiaku Gwamna family to keep alive the memories and the legacies of service and good character their late matriach left behind.
He conveyed the condolences of the government and people of Gombe State over the sad event and prayed Almighty Allah to grant the deceased Aljannat Firdaus.
Gombe State Government, through the Joint Project Development Agency has awarded a contract worth over 2.8 billion naira for the construction of roads in Nafada and Furnakaye and c a three span bridge in Dukku Local Government Areas of the State.
Speaking on behalf of the state Government during the signing of the contract agreement, the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Gombe state, Alhaji Abubakar Inuwa Kari,said this is the first phase of contract being awarded through the newly established State Joint Project Development Agency.
The first project, as explained by the Chief of Staff, is the construction of Kwanar Rugaji-Kochechiya- Jagabari- Fitila-Almakashi- Kuka bakwai road with a spur in Galgardu in Funakaye Local Government Area of the State awarded to Hanan Construction Company at the sum of Two billion One hundred and Fifty seven million sixty five thousand one hundred and eighty one naira ( N2,157, 181, 000)with a completion period of fifteen months.
He said the second project, is the construction of a three span bridge in Lambo Dashi on Dukku-Wawa-Biri and Wuro Bapparu road awarded to EEC International Limited at the cost of Seven hundred and fifty seven million three hundred and fifty five thousand five hundred sixty five naira sixty eight kobo ( 757, 355, 565,60k) with a completion period of four months.
“The contribution formula for these projects is going to be 60/40 with the State Government funding sixty percent while the Local Governments contribute forty percent”.
Alhaji Kari said the award of contracts by the Inuwa Yahaya-led administration through the State Joint Project Development Agency is going to be a continuous process as the present government in the State is poised to deliver the dividends of democracy to all the nooks and crannies of the State in line with its campaign promises.
The Director General of the State Joint Project Development Agency, Engr. Idris Mahdi said the doors of the Agency are open to all Local Government Councils in the State to submit proposals in respect of any joint projects they may wish to execute in their respective areas.
He assured that more projects will be awarded by the present administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya through the Agency for the overall development of the State.
Speaking on behalf of the construction companies, the Project Manager, EEC International Limited, Dong Jian assured of quality and timely execution of the projects.
Representatives of EEC International Limited and Hanan Construction Company signed for their respective companies while Secretaries/ Overseers of Dukku and Funakaye LGAs signed on behalf of their local councils.
Ismaila Uba Misilli Senior Special Assistant ( Media and Publicity)
Gombe State Government says it is Committed to the protection of lives and property and will therefore do everything necessary to keep to the constitutional mandate especially as it concern fire incidents in the State.
The secretary to the State Government Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi stated this while playing host to personnels of the Federal Fire Service led by its Commanding officer Ayuba Jonah.
Njodi assured the Service of mutual collaboration with the State Government in order to contain the fire outbreaks in the State.
“We will key in as a Government to support the Federal Fire Service as Government, tell us what you want us to do and how you want us to come in, let us know the program and we will support you”
The SSG said, the State Government under the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya inherited a pathetic situation but however, the present administration is turning the tide through the acquisition fire fighting materials and refurbished all the existing Fire Services Vehicles in the state for effective performance.
Professor Ibrahim Njodi further stated that, the State Government is not taking the issue of fire incidents for granted noting that sensitization of the general public on fire incidents is of great importance to preventing fire outbreaks.
He told his guest that soon he will arrange a meeting between the Federal and State fire services to fashion out modernities on how best the system can work for the benefit of the citezenry.
He lauded the Federal Government for establishing the Fire Service outfit in Gombe state and assured that Government would consider their request for a Piece of Land for the construction of a State Office.
Earlier in his address, the Commanding officer Gombe command Ayuba Jonah said, they were at the SSG’s Office for a formal introduction and to brief the chief scribe about the activities of the Command in the state.
He said, the Federal service have provided states of the earth equipments which according to him, the Vehicles is to cited in two locations for prompt response to fire outbreak.
He appeal for a Plot of Land to build their State head office.
Gombe state Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has expressed grief over the death of Alhaji Idi (Nakudu) Umar, elder brother of former Minister of Transport, Sen. Abdullahi Idris Umar, Galadiman Yamaltu.
Alhaji Idi died Yesterday in Abuja at the age of 68 after a protracted illness.
In a condolence message, Governor Yahaya described the deceased as a gentleman, unassuming and a wonderful personality who will be sorely missed by not only members his family or associates but the state in general.
“The news of the death of Alhaji Idi is quite saddening, though as Muslims we must take solace in the fact that death is inevitable as ‘What Allah Has taken belongs to Him and to Him belongs what he granted and He has an appointed time for everything “.
The Governor, on behalf of the government and people of Gombe state, conveyed his heartfelt condolences to Sen. Abdullahi Idris Umar and the entire members of Hinna community in Yamaltu Emirate over the huge loss, praying Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased’s shortcomings and reward his good deeds with Aljannat Firdaus.
Earlier today, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya received on behalf of Gombe state Government, a donation of 3 fully equipped Ambulances and 50,000 reusable facemasks from BUA Foundation, a charity arm of BUA International Group.
Governor Yahaya while receiving the items commended BUA Group’s humanitarian gesture and steady efforts in supporting the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.
He noted that the foundation’s tremendous support in Nigeria ever since the setting in of covid-19 pandemic about a year ago has been remarkable.
Governor Yahaya described the donation of the medical vehicles and face masks as apt and timely, especially in view of the resurgence of the covid-19 when more efforts are now needed to stem the tide of the pandemic.
He assured that the items donated will be put to good use.
The Governor used the opportunity to invite BUA Group to take advantage of numerous business potentials in Gombe state and come and invest, saying Gombe is endowed with solid minerals and vast land for industrial and agricultural activities.
In his remarks, Chairman of BUA Group International, Abdussamad Isiaka Rabi’u, represented by the Director Government Relations, Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong said BUA foundation is the humanitarian arm of BUA International Group that channels its annual profit savings towards helping the needy individuals and institutions.
Dr. Hong said the foundation has expended about N8 billion in support of the federal and state governments as well as other charity organisations in the fight against Coronavirus as well as in mitigating the socio-economic impact of the pandemic.
He said, “The Chairman of this foundation, Alhaji Abdussamad Isiaka Rabiu would have loved to come to Gombe himself to witness the laudable achievements and giant strides of your administration which you have recorded within short period of your stewardship, but could not make it due to other exigencies but he promised coming in no distant time”.
” These ambulances we are donating today are convenient and are fully equipped with every facilities for the conveyance of patients, specifically for covid-19 and are also suitable for other medical emergencies “.
The former minister of health explained to the Governor that, “our intention is to assist the state with 100, 000 face masks in addition to the ambulances, but we brought with us 50,000 pieces for now and will make up the balance and will also bring other items as soon as the contractor supplies them”.
Present at the occasion were the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau who is also the Chairman of Gombe state Covid-19 Management Committee, Secretary to the state Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, Chief of Staff, Alhaji Abubakar Inuwa Kari, Commissioners, Special Advisers, PPS and other top Government functionaries.
Ismaila Uba Misilli Senior Special Assistant ( Media and Publicity)
It was a joyous moment for the family of Mr. and Mrs. Yakubu Bayambe as their son, a legal luminary and military officer Captain EY Bayambe took to the podium at ECWA Gospel Church Galilee Tunfure to celebrate his recent elevation to the rank of a Captain in the Nigerian Army.
Captain EY Bayambe who was full of praise to the Almighty God for his divine providence and protection, said he ascribe all the successes he has so far recorded in the Nigerian Army to God who is the giver of all good things.
“I am here to thank God on three fronts. By the grace of God i am now a Captain in the Nigerian Army. I was elevated to the enviable rank of a Captain sometime in August this year. Secondly am also thankful to God for the success i recorded in my conversion exams which means that I can reach the rank of a General and lastly to thank God for the giving me the opportunity to be selected alongside a colleague for a course in Netherlands. But for the covid-19 Pandemic we would have long been to the course” the captain was quoted as saying.
He said it was not through his power or might that he was able to achieve these feat but through the instrumentation of the holy spirit saying some of his colleagues have paid the supreme price while many others missed the opportunity to be promoted to the rank of a Captain.
Captain EY Bayambe equally use the opportunity to thank the leadership and members of ECWA Gospel Church Galilee Tunfure for their continued prayers and support describing it as a pillar of strength.
While congratulating his fellow thanks giver Rev. Billison Agwala for the successful completion of his Doctorate Degree in Theology, the military Officer wish him God’s guidance and protection as he journeyed through the vein yard of the Lord.
The Thanksgiving service was witnessed by thousands of worshippers amongst them families and well wishers of the Jessu born military Officer.
It is against the sobering backdrop of the challenges occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic and the unwavering commitment and resilience to turn around the fortunes of Gombe state in line with his campaign promise to better the lots of the citizenry, that Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya laid before the state House of Assembly, the estimates and details of the 2021, tagged ‘budget of resilience’, which is geared towards consolidating the tremendous gains of the administration in the 2020 fiscal year.
In introducing the much awaited Budget of Resilience, Governor Inuwa Yahaya observed that “the challenging experiences we went through in the 2020 fiscal year will be used to sharpen our vision for the 2021 fiscal year and beyond. As we are all aware, the art of nation building is a collective responsibility, I therefore want to call on all of us to rededicate ourselves to the service of Gombe State as nobody will come and develop for us, other than ourselves’’, Noting that the 2021 budget was prepared with useful inputs gathered from the people of Gombe State, the Medium Term Expenditure Framework and the Ten Year Development Plan (2020-2030).
The budget estimate is N119, 663 billion made up of N57.635 billion for recurrent expenditure which represents 48.2% of the total while proposed capital expenditure stands at N62. 026 billion representing 51.8% of the budget estimate.
The 2021 budget is expected to be funded with recurrent revenue estimated at N75. 293 billion naira and capital receipts estimated at N62.457 billion while the Governor also announced a closing balance which represents a healthy surplus engendered by the prudent fiscal policies of the state government.
The thrust of the 2021 budget is aimed at strengthening the economic sector as the positive results of investments in that critical sector provides the launch pad for the development of other sectors. The Economic Sector projects/programmes stimulate growth and development in the state which explains the state government’s prioritisation of that sector particularly the Agriculture and Livestock subsector.
Thus the budgetary allocations for the various sectors are as follows: Economic Sector N35.852 billion; the Social Sector N20.983billion, General Administration N3. 091 billion and Law and Justice N1. 371 billion. A breakdown of the Social Sector allocations shows that the various sub-sectors under it have been allocated various sums in line with the avowed determination of the Inuwa Yahaya administration in ensuring that all strata of the state are carried along in the developmental amalgam. The Education sub-sector is allocated N6. 348 billion; Higher Education N3.592 billion; Health N5.549 billion; Youth and Sports N1. 055 billion; information and Culture N641 million; Women Affairs and Social Development N389 million; Local Government and Chieftaincy N138 million; Internal Security and Ethical Orientation N730 million.
The Economic Sector allocation has been distributed to various sub-sectors including Rural, Community Development and Co-operatives N2.127 billion; Works and Infrastructure N12.890 billion; Housing and Urban Development N3. 925 billion; Land and Survey N2.019 billion; Water Resources N1.8 billion; Environment and Forestry N3.22.billion; Science, Technology and innovation N377 million.
This epochal Budget of Resilience unveiled by the amiable Governor Inuwa Yahaya is meant to consolidate on the strides of his administration in the previous one and half years which have impacted positively on the lives of the Gombe people and is meant to raise the socio-economic tempo of the state in order to drive meaningful development at all sectoral levels.
While expressing his profound gratitude to the House for their continuous support towards the successful implementation of the previous 2020 budget in the face of unprecedented economic and social challenges, Governor Inuwa Yahaya emphasized that the avowed target of his administration is to restore the confidence of the people in government and put the state on a solid path of sustainable and inclusive development. ‘Even though faced with the COVID-19 pandemic, we remain committed and unshaken in implementing projecta and programmes that touch the lives of the Gombe people’, Governor Yahaya reiterated .
While outlining the budget estimates and sectoral allocations, Governor Inuwa Yahaya also listed the expected gains of the 2021 budget to include deepening the provision of physical infrastructure, investing in human capital, enhancing investment in education, strengthening and implementing social protection policies, for vulnerable groups, poverty reduction and job creation for the teeming youths, promoting development partnership and trust, strengthening the health care system through the renovation, remodelling, construction, and equipping of health care facilities, pooling of skilled human resources and the implementation of universal health coverage through the recently established State Health Insurance Agency. Other benefits accruing from the historic budget according to an ebullient Governor Inuwa Yahaya include the strengthening of investment in the crucial agricultural sector, strengthening rural and urban transformation initiatives, prioritizing ease of doing business, enhancing internally generated revenue performance, enhancing fiscal responsibility and transparency, strengthening the state security architecture for peace and stability, consolidating the gains achieved in public and financial sector reforms and addressing environmental challenges including the climate change phenomena.
In line with the proactive and fiscally prudent style of his administration, Governor Inuwa Yahaya also restated his resolve to clear up all abandoned projects spilling over from the past administration as well as ensuring strict fiscal probity and financial transparency in order to plug all loopholes and leakages that were a veritable conduit for the siphoning of public funds belonging to the Gombe State people. Thus the successful implementation and sterling performance of the 2021 budget rests as much on human resources as well as financial resources thus necessitating the Gombe chief executive’s clarion call on all and sundry to join hands in moving the state forward in all positive ramifications.
Throughout his budget presentation, Governor Inuwa Yahaya stressed consensus building, co-operation, mutual dialogue and steadfastness as qualities that must be thoroughly imbibed in order to ensure the success of the government’s policies and programs and on conclusion thanked all ‘the stakeholders, the leadership and membership of our great party, the APC, traditional and religious leaders, the political class, the civil society organizations, women and youth groups, our developmental partners (local and international), the media and the entire people of Gombe state for their support and understanding to the administration as we work towards the building of a new Gombe State where the needs of every citizen is considered. We shall therefore continue to remain unshaken in our determination towards improving the quality of lives of the people of Gombe State’, the Governor stressed.
Misilli is the Senior Special Assistant ( Media and Publicity) to the Gombe state Governor
…Witnesses other Weddings at Bubayero Mosque, Gombe.
Earlier today, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya gave out the hand of the daughter of the Accountant General of Gombe State in marriage.
The wedding fatiha between Hauwa Umar Bello ( Mammy) and Samir Usman Ahmed was held at the Modibbo Bubayero Juma’at Mosque, Emir’s palace, Gombe.
Governor Yahaya stood in as Waliyy for the bride (Hauwa) while Retired High Court Judge, Justice Sa’ad Mohammed served as Wakil for the groom (Samir) and the sum of one hundred thousand naira was paid as dowry in line with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ( SAW).
The Governor also witnesed the solomnization of other marriages conducted in the mosque, including that of Mamman Ibrahim from the Ndimi family and Zainab Aminu Inuwa in which Alhaji Umaru Sarakin Shanun Gombe and the Yeriman Gombe, Alhaji Abdulkadir Abubakar Umar served as Waliy and Wakil for the bride and the groom respectively.
The wedding fatiha was conducted by the Chief Imam, Umar Mohammed Pindiga and witnessed by dignitaries, including Deputy Governor of Gombe state, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau and his Borno state counterpart, Umar Usman Kadafur, Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III as well as Emirs of Biu and Shani in Borno state.
Also Business Mogul and Philanthropist, Alhaji Muhammad Ndimi, Speaker of Borno state House of Assembly, members of Gombe state House of Assembly, Chief of Staff Alhaji Abubakar Inuwa Kari, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Permanent Secretaries, top government functionaries, party chieftains and other guests from within and outside the state were in attendance.
Ismaila Uba Misilli Senior Special Assistant ( Media and Publicity)
Sahel Online News 