Sahel Online News

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF 3RD MEETING OF THE NORTHEAST GOVERNORS’ FORUM HELD IN YOLA, ADAMAWA STATE. THURSDAY, 26TH NOVEMBER, 2020.

Preamble

The Northeast Governors Forum (NEGF), Comprising of the Governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe States, held its 3rd meeting in Yola, Adamawa State. It deliberated on the common challenges facing the sub-region and resolved as follows:

Forum notes that there is relative improvement in the security situation in the sub-region. However, the activities of Boko Haram, bandits, cattle rustlers and kidnappers are still constituting a threat to sustainable development. While the Forum commends the effort of the security agencies in the sub-region, it agreed to strengthen community policing and action to complement their efforts.
Forum notes with dismay, that despite the challenges of development especially the infrastructural deficit in the Northeast, the 2021 proposed budget makes provision for only 45.32 Billion Naira for Capital projects in the sub-region. This represents a paltry 0.35% of the proposed N13.02 Trillion Naira. This means that Northeast is highly short changed. Forum demands the National Assembly to review the 2021 budget in the spirit of equity and inclusion. It equally mandates the Northeast caucus of both the Senate and House of Representative to take immediate steps to redress this imbalance.
Forum notes that the Sub-region has been unfairly treated in the provision of roads infrastructure by the Federal Ministry of Works & Housing. It further noted with dismay the slow or outright non existent progress on the pace of the roads already allocated in the sub region and calls for the immediate reactivation and review of the comatose existing road contracts in the sub-region.
The Forum notes with dismay, the lack of budgetary provision in respect of the Mambilla Hydro Project in the 2021 Budgetary Proposals and calls on the Federal Government to make the project a matter of serious priority, resolve all encumbrances around the project and order action on site.
Forum critically examined the challenges of education in the sub region and resolved to adopt a regional approach by being deliberate on transforming education, especially at the basic level. Forum also agreed to form the Northeast Council on Education.
Forum reaffirms the commitment of member States within the sub. region to enforce the UBEC Law to protect and ensure all children have an opportunity to acquire basic education.
Forum calls on the NEDC to expedite action on the development of the Northeast Strategic Master Plan. While working on the plan, it should ensure projects are demand-driven to ensure impact and accountability. Forum frowns passionately at a situation where projects are imposed on the States without due consultation
Forum notes that Gender based violence is still a major nuisance in the sub-region, and called on all the Governors of the zone to domesticate the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act 2015 and ensure the rapid dispensation of justice on gender-based violence.
Forum notes the need for sub-regional integration on significantly cross-cutting issues that could mutually be beneficial to States within the region and agreed that the State Gover ors within the region should appoint Special Advisers on Regional Integration.
Forum critically examined the status of the post- COVID-19 Economic Stimulus Package of 2.3 Trillion Naira. While it praises the Federal Governemnt for this noble Initiative, it solicits for equitable and fair treatment especially in view of the economic and social challenges facing the sub-region.
Forum resolved to engage Arewa Research and Development Project (ARDP), to provide technical support in key areas of development such as Agriculture and Education.
The Forum resolve to pursue vigorously the issue of securing admission for its candidates in Nigerian tertiary institutions to fill its quota.
The next meeting of the Forum would hold from 3rd – 4th March, 2021at Bauchi.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya Commiserates with Acting MD, Gombe State Investment and Property Devt Company over Son’s Death.

… Leads Government Officials to Funeral Prayer

Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya has attended the funeral prayer of the late Abdullahi Bashir, 27- Year old son of Acting Managing Director, Gombe State Investment and Property Development Company, Alhaji Bashir Nuhu.

The funeral prayer was held at the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe mosque and was led by Shiekh Muhammad Adam Dokoro.

Top Government functioneries, including the Chief of Staff, Alhaji Abubakar Inuwa Kari, commissioners, Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Alhaji Usman Kamara were also in attendance.

The Governor had in a condolence message, described the death of the young graduate as a great loss, not only to his family but to the state in general.

He said “there is nothing more devastating and heartbreaking to parents than losing a child especially the one at his prime, like Arch. Abdullahi”.

“Please accept our deepest condolences on behalf of the government and good people of Gombe state. We pray Almighty Allah to comfort you over this huge loss and grant the deceased Aljannat Firdaus”, the Governor consoled the grief- stricken family.

Abdullahi, 28, was a holder of Bachelor of Science ( Architecture) degree from a Turkish University. He died on Tuesday, 24th November, 2020 after a protracted illness, leaving behind his parent and siblings.

Like,share and come back for more news update.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya presides over State Executive Council meeting.

.. as SEC Approves 2021 Budget Estimate

The Gombe State Executive Council has approved the sum of 116 billion naira as 2021 budget estimate for onward transmission to the State House of Assembly for consideration and passage into law.

Briefing newsmen on the outcome of the meeting, the State Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development, Malam Muhammad Gambo Magaji disclosed that N58.5 billion is for capital expenditure while N57.8 billion is for recurrent expenditure, which is 17 per cent higher than the 2020 revised budget.

He said sectoral allocation of the budget shows the administrative sector has 3.1 billion, the economic sector 34 billion, law and Justice 1.3 billion and the social sector 58 billion representing the capital expenditures while the recurrent expenditure has personnel cost at 22.7 billion, overhead cost 15.7 billion, pension and gratuity 4.1 billion, statutory office holders salaries 168 million, public debt charges 14.7 billion representing 57.5 billion for recurrent.

The Finance commissioner said the over 116 billion naira proposed 2021 budget estimate is 7.5 percent higher than the revised 2020 budget which stood at 107 billion six hundred and nine million and eight thousand five hundred and ninety three fifty eight kobo.

“Out of the N55.24 billion approved for recurrent expenditure for 2020, N39.37billion has been spent between January and October, representing 71.2 per cent performance on the budget while from N52.37 billion total capital budget for 2020, N26.06 billion has been spent representing 44.8 per cent performance as at October”.

He said the budget deficit for the 2021 estimate is put at five billion two hundred and six million three hundred and thirty six zero kobo representing 4.4 percent of the entire budget size.

The Commissioner said the budget deficit will be financed through internal and external borrowings whereas external borrowing will be 3.5 billion representing 3 percent of the total budget size while internal borrowing is put at 4 billion.

Malam Gambo Magaji said the Mid term Expenditure Framework MTEF alongside the fiscal strategy paper have already been submitted to the State House of Assembly, expressing the confidence that the budget will be laid before the house of assembly by the Gombe State Governor effective next week.

Answering questions from journalists, the Gombe State Commissioner of Information, Hon. Ibrahim Alhassan Kwami said the budget estimate is built on submissions made by stakeholders at the second edition of stakeholders consultative meeting on 2021 budget preparation, adding that it reflects the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

Like,share and come back for more news update.

Gombe to Partner N-SRIC to Combat Manace of Snakebite in the State.

…As N- SRIC Names Governor Yahaya Champion of Campaign Against Snakebite in Nigeria

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya says his administration is ready to work in partnership with the Nigeria Snakebite Research and Intervention Centre ( N- SRIC) and relevant bodies with a view to combating the menace of snakebite in Kaltungo and Gombe state in general.

He was speaking when he received a delegation from N- SRIC who paid him a courtesy visit at the government house.

Governor Yahaya said he is ready to support the institute in all aspects with a view to ensuring that the scourge of snakebite is checked to barest minimum in Gombe state and even beyond.

He assured the institute of his readiness to champion the cause of snakebite campaign through protecting and promoting the institute’s objectives at all fora.

” As a champion in this cause, aside from Gombe state intervention, I will also ensure propagating the institute’s objectives, priorities and interest at forum such as Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) North East Development Commission (NEDC) and similar other bodies and seek support to push for this cause”

He thanked the snakebite research institute for recognizing him to champion the campaign.

Earlier in his address, team leader of the delegation, Professor Abdulrazak Habib said the institute found governor Yahaya suitable for the honour considering his commitment towards salvaging the lives of a common man as demonstrated ever since he assumed office.

The professor said the title recognition on the governor was out of the believe of his influential drive in tabling the institute’s needs for support.

Part of the activities of the Bayero University Kano (BUK) based snakebite research institute include training of selected health personnel in combating snake bite.

The institute also is carrying out research on how anti venom drugs will be produced locally for easy healthcare access.

Professor Abdulrazak added that the institute also supported some hard to reach communities in Kaltungo environs with motor cycles used for conveyance of snake bitten patience.

” Snakebite is a major problem in the tropics, causing over 125,000 deaths globally and at least 20,000 deaths in Africa yearly.

“Nigeria records over 25,000 bites, 2000 deaths and 2300 amputations yearly mostly among farmers. Most affected states include Gombe, Taraba, Bauchi, Adamawa, Plateau, Benue, Kebbi, Kogi, Borno and Enugu”.

The N- SRIC team was accompanied to the government house by retired federal permanent secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Jalo Daudu.

Like,share and come back for more news update.

Gombe Governor Receives NYSC National Governing Board.

…Guarantees Safety, Security, Comfort for Corps Members Serving in Gombe State

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has pledged the intervention of his administration to address some of the challenges confronting the temporary orientation camp of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) in Gombe state.

The Governor was speaking when he granted audience to the national governing board of the NYSC led by its chairperson, Ambassador Fatima Ballah Abubakar.

Governor Yahaya explained that as far back as 2008, the State had a befitting permanent NYSC orientation camp located in Malam Sidi which was later converted to a de-radicalisation programme centre for repentant insurgents by the federal government.

“By record, the state’s NYSC facility taken over by the federal government few years back was supposed to last for only six months but now it has gone into its fifth year and yet no any commitment from the federal authorities on the tentative status of the camp.

The Governor said in view of current reality, building another NYSC Orientation camp may cost more than a billion naira given the fact that the one in Malam Sidi was constructed at the cost of six hundred million some twelve years ago.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya said he tabled the matter before president Muhammadu Buhari during his last visit to the state house and awaits the FG’s response on the next line of action.

He added that the concern of his administration was in line with that of the NYSC governing board.

“For us here we seriously need that orientation camp because NYSC helps us in boosting the capacity of our staff especially in schools and other services within the civil service. So we will continue to push and when we get the compensation we shall put up another camp”.

Reacting to the challenge of water supply on the NYSC temporary camp raised by the NYSC board chairperson, Governor Yahaya said the issue is not peculiar to the camp but the entire locality in the area which has a very deep water table.

He said inspite of the challenges faced by the State government in pumping water to Gombe metropolis from the Dadin kowa dam, his administration will do everything necessary to ensure water supply at the camp in Amada.

The Governor guaranteed the safety, security and comfort of corps members posted to the State in view of the resurgence of covid-19, saying the State is doing well in the management of the pandemic.

The Chairperson of the National Youth Service Corps Governing Board, Ambassador Fatima Ballah Abubakar said they were in the State to inspect the NYSC Orientation camp and to subsequently intimate the Governor of their findings and possible solutions.

Ambassador Fatima Ballah said some of the challenges observed at the camp include inadequate accommodation for corps members and water scarcity.

She praised Gombe state government for supporting NYSC programmes on various aspects, appealing to the Governor to come to the aid of the camp.

The chairperson of the NYSC governing board used the occasion to eulogise Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his sterling performance since coming into office in 2019.

Like,share and come back for more news update.

Gombe Governor Commisserates with Dr. Isa Pantami over daughter’s death.

Gombe state Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, over the demise of his 13- year old daughter, Aisha ( Amal) who died yesterday in Abuja.

Governor Yahaya described the death of the teenager as sorrowful and devastating, considering the bond that had existed between the young girl and her parent.

He consoled the Hon. Minister to take solace and accept it as a test from the Almighty Allah, quoting from the Prophet’s saying ‘what Allah Has taken belongs to Him and to Him belongs what He granted and He has an appointed time for everything’.

” I am deeply saddened to hear about the death of the young Amal, whose beautiful memories I believe will continue to be cherished by her parents and those who came in contact with her.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with our brother, Sheikh Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami and his entire family in this difficult moment.

“On behalf of the government and people of Gombe state, I extend our deepest condolences and pray Almighty Allah to grant the deceased Aljannah and give us the fortitude to bear this great loss”.

Like,share and come back for more news update.

Gombe Governor Mourns APC Legal Adviser, Rotimi Williams.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has expressed grief over the demise of Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Gombe state, Barrister Abayomi Rotimi Williams who died Thursday, 19th November, 2020 at the age of 50.

The Governor, in a condolence message, described the deceased as a thorough bred legal professional, devoted party man and a strong pillar who lived an exemplary life that his family and APC stakeholders in Gombe will continue to cherish.

Governor Yahaya said Barrister Rotimi Williams left an Indelible footprint through demonstration of loyalty, commitment and allegiance to our great party, the APC and the present administration.

“Barrister Rotimi Williams was a consistent progressive, highly skilled lawyer and sagacious politician endowed with wisdom whose contributions and wealth of experience will be sorely missed”.

The Governor, on behalf of the government and people of Gombe state commiserated with his immediate family, members of the APC and the Nigerian Bar Association over the great loss, praying God to grant the deceased eternal rest.

The late Barrister Rotimi Williams will be buried tomorrow, Tuesday 24th November 2020.

Like,share and come back for more news update.

Gombe Governor Gives Out His Chief of Staff’s Daughter in Marriage.

…As Governor Yahaya, Deputy Senate President, Others Admonish New Couple on Patience, Tolerance in Marriage

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya earlier today gave out the hand of the daughter of his Chief of Staff in marriage.

The wedding fatiha between Barrister Khadija Abubakar Inuwa Kari and Musa Ahmed was held at the Modibbo Bubayero Juma’at Mosque, Emir’s palace, Gombe.

Governor Yahaya stood in as Waliy for the bride (Khadija) while former Director General National Pension Commission, Malam Muhammmad Kabir Ahmad served as Wakil for the groom (Musa) and the sum of one hundred thousand naira was paid as dowry in line with Islamic injunction.

The wedding soleminization was conducted by the Chief Imam of the central mosque, Imam Umar Mohammed Pindiga and witnessed by dignitaries, including Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo- Agege, former governor of Gombe state, Sen. Muhammad Danjuma Goje, members of the National Assembly, Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Babayo Ardo, Speaker of Gombe state House of Assembly, former ministers Malam Murtala Aliyu and Barrister Abdullahi Idris Umar, Commissioners, Heads of Federal and state government agencies, party chieftains and other guests from within and outside the state.

Moment after the wedding, guests were hosted to a grand reception by the bride’s father, Alhaji Abubakar Inuwa Kari at the banquet hall of the Government House.

In a remark at the occasion, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya admonished the couple to embrace patience, tolerance and perseverance in their matrimony.

He noted that marriage as an institution requires mutual trust and understanding, urging the couple to respect one another and adhere strictly to islamic teachings in their matrimony.

Governor Yahaya appreciated the guests for finding time out of their tight engagements to grace the wedding and prayed for their safe return as they go back to their respective destinations.

In his goodwill message, Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ovie Omo- Agege congratulated the couple and urged them to be good ambassadors of the families they come from by exhibiting exemplary conduct in their matrimony.

Sen. Omo-Agege described the relationship between him and the bride’s father, Alhaji Abubakar Inuwa Kari as long standing.

He lauded Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for standing by the two families in their moment of joy, describing him as an exemplary father and reliable leader.

In their separate remarks, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapa represented by the Permanent Secretary Ministery of Niger Delta Affairs and the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) Dr Garba Abari congratulated the parents of the couple for witnessing this great day, calling on the newly married couple to respect the institutional provisions of matrimony.

They prayed for blissful conjugal union for the couple.

Like,share and come back for more news update.

Solidarity visit: Njodi receives Tangale East Elders Council.

Tangale East Elders Council led by it’s Chairman Major Peter Yazu (rtd) Friday paid a Solidary Visit to the Secretary to the Gombe State Government Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi assuring him of their unwavering Support.

While praying along with him, they urged the SSG to remain fucused, Steadfast and strong describing him, as a truly proud son of Tangale East.

On his part, Professor Njodi appreciated the Elders Council for their show of love, encouragement and solidarity.

Like,share and come back for more news update.

Establishment of Institute of Trypanosomiasis Research in Gombe Will Boost Livestock Production’, Economy, Governor Inuwa Yahaya says.

…As Minister of Science and Technology Commissions North East Zonal Office of NITR in Gombe

” You are True Example of What APC Governor Should Be”, Dr. Onu Lauds Gombe Governor’s Superlative Performance

Gombe state Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya says the establishment of the National Institute for Trypanosomiasis ( NITR) will improve livestock production and impact positively on the lives of the people of the state.

The Governor stated this when he granted audience to the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu who was in the State for the commissioning ceremony of the Zonal office of NITR in Gombe.

He told his guest that more than 70 per cent of the people of Gombe state are farmers involved in either crop or livestock production, noting that an institute like NITR will help to combat the devastating effect of tsetse flies on both animals and human beings.

Governor Yahaya said Gombe will no doubt benefit from the institute’s services and that his administration is willing and ready to contribute to its growth, explaining that besides the infectious nature of tsetse flies on animals, human beings are also at risk of contracting onchocerciasis each time they come in contact with them, hence the need to galvanize ideas and forces to combat the menace.

He said siting of the zonal office of NITR in Gombe is apt which was why on request by the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology he wasted no time in allocating a piece of land for the construction of the research centre, describing the speed at which the office was built as impressive.

“When the Ministry of Science and Technology approached me for a land to build this structure, I gave it instant approval and they equally responded instantly and you can see the result here today”.

“A lot of Federal Government ministries and agencies came and took allocation and abandoned them, but for the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, the very month the land was allocated you swung into action and put up a structure, so that confirms the level of dedication, commitment and hope you want to bequeath to the people of the State”.

“Gombe State as you rightly said is at the centre of the north east and as such whatever is sited here will benefit the entire region as it will not take more than two hours, especially in the days when roads were good from any of the State’s headquarters to get to Gombe”.

The Governor said the State Government will enlighten the populace on the benefit of the institute owing to the fact Gombe is home to one of the largest grazing reserves in Africa, the Wawa Zange Grazing Reserve, which measures about one hundred and forty four hectares of land dotted with livestock breeders.

To this end, the Governor said, anything that can be done to support livestock development in the State and by extension the north east is highly welcome. He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the setting up of the NITR’s north east zonal office in Gombe.

Earlier, the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu said the setting up of the NITR’s zonal office is Gombe marks a great milestone as the centre is of great economic importance to the State and the nation considering the fact that Gombe State has a rich livestock industry.

The Minister noted that economies of many countries across the world are dependent on livestock production, expressing confidence that Gombe State can blaze the trail in animal husbandry for the benefit of the people of the State and the country as a whole.

He noted that the siting of the institute in Gombe will improve the quality of livestock which will translate to increase in yields in terms of meat, milk and other derivatives from livestock, which will eventually increase the income of livestock farmers and by extension boost the economies of the zone.

Dr. Onu told his host that, “President Muhammadu Buhari is working to ensure that we are able to help our livestock farmers so that if we establish livestock ranches and grazing reserves they can be free from tsetse flies”.

He said livestock farmers cannot ranch their animals properly without the input of the NITR hence the establishment of a zonal office in Gombe to cater for the health needs of livestock and even human beings.

“ If we are unable to control tsetse flies there is no way we can have ranches; if you put cows and other animals in one place and they have tsetse flies around them, it is like leaving them in danger ”.

“By the location of our nation, we have the tsetse fly which is very dangerous it has its contribution to nature but it has very devastating effect on the lives of both animals and human beings”.

While paying glowing tribute to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his good governance, the Minister said the policy thrust of the Governor personifies what is expected of an APC Governor.

“I want to commend you for the work you are doing for our people in Gombe State in the best interest of our nation. We are happy that you proved yourself a very good example of what an APC Governor can do to transform and improve on the standard of living of our people. I must tell you, Your Excellency, that we are proud of you”.

The Governor later accompanied the minister to the newly established NITR zonal office along Bauchi road where they performed the commissioning ceremony, during which the Chairman of the governing board of the institute, Hon. Shehu Haruna Lambo hailed Governor Inuwa for his speedy response in allocating the land upon which the Zonal office was built and for his support in ensuring its immediate take-off.

Like,share and come back for more news update.