Sahel Online News

Gombe To Generate 450 Megawatts of Electricity From Coal.

…Signs MoU with Chinese Conglomerate

Gombe state Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a Chinese conglomerate, TBEA Company Limited and Chinese Railway 18th Bureau Group, parent company of the EEC to generate 450 megawatts of electricity in three phases of 150 megawatts each from coal deposits in the state.

Speaking during the ceremony at the Government House, Governor Inuwa Yahaya described the signing of the MoU as another milestone in his administration’s determination to improve on the lives and means of livelihood of the people.

He said Gombe is one of the states richly endowed with human, solid minerals, forestry and agricultural resources but that several attempts overtime to find ways of improving the lives of the people through the natural endowments had not been followed to a logical conclusion.

” God Almighty has endowed Gombe with a lot of coal deposits, other solid minerals as well as oil and gas. You might have heard that recently I was at the villa to see Mr President on how we could fast track the process of exploiting the oil and gas deposits that the State is blessed with”.

The Governor said the State is equally making effort to harness the coal resources so that it can be used to generate power, stimulate industrial development and economic activities.

“We all know without power hardly could anything be achieved in the course of Industrialisation and bringing development to the people.

He said the meeting with TBEA Company Limited and Chinese Railway 18th Bureau Group which are the parent company of EEC Limited provides a golden opportunity for a mutual relation that will lead to power generation and trigger industrial development in Gombe, the north east and the entire country.

The Governor said after series of engagements, both the State and the two Chinese firms eventually agreed to consummate the pact through the signing of the MoU which will form the basis for the exploitation and utilisation of coal deposits in the State.

“So far it is only the Ashaka cement that is benefiting from the coal deposits in the State and when we visited Ashaka recently we discovered that the plant they are putting up will cover only about 18 megawatts”.

He explained that the agreement with the Chinese firms is going to be in three phases which will see each of these phases setting up a one hundred and fifty megawatts, enough to supply power to the north east and beyond.

He said, “by the end of phase 1,2 and 3, the partnership would have led to the generation of 450 megawatts for use in the State, the North East and the entire country for industrial growth as well as socio-economic development of the people.

The Vice President TBEA Company Limited, Chang Weijuin said their conglomerate which is into power generation for global market, has the capacity to harness the abundant human and natural resources Gombe is endowed with, particularly the coal deposits for the benefit of the people of the State.

He said the company is based in China but has markets in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe, assuring the Governor that they will justify the confidence reposed in them and also keep their end of the MoU.

Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi signed the MoU on behalf of Gombe state Government with Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General, Zubair Muhammad Umar signing as a witness, while Mr. Chang Weijiun and Mr. Qin signed for TBEA and CR 18 group respectively.

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Gombe State Government hosts the National Boundary Commission and the Boundary Committees of States in the North East Zone, By Ben Ngwakwe,Gombe.

By Ben Ngwakwe Gombe

It is assumed that one of the major features of the Nigerian geopolitical structure is the existence of Boundaries and intermittent disputes between communities in the same or probably in different local Government Areas as well as states.
Most often are Boundary disputes which often leads to confrontations, deaths and constituted security risk to life, property and development hence the issue of Boundaries should be given a serious attention by stakeholders to avoid untold hardship such ulgy scenarios may likely create in the Zone..

Considering the seriousness it deserves, the Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya on Thursday hosted the Interactive Session of the National Boundary Commission and the Boundary Committees of States in the North East in Gombe with emphasize that boundary matters played a key role in the economy and security of the North East Zone as well as the Nation as a whole.

He further noted that disputes over farmlands are serious challenges which the limits of territories tend to lead to the loss of lives and destruction of property if not properly managed and handled effectively.
When such happened, the occurrences could hamper the sources of livelihood for the people in the North East Zone and affected them drastically thereby contributing to abject poverty, food insecurity and a rise levels of violent crimes and criminalities.
To provide a permanent framework for managing boundary issues and preventing boundary- related conflicts, the Federal Government established the National Boundary Commission which similar arrangements were made at the state and local government levels with the mandate to settling up boundary Committees to handle such challenges that may arise.
The Governor stressed that the occasion was designed to create a forum to discuss roles, expectations and contributions of individuals, organized groups and other stakeholders state, local Government Areas and community levels for the effectiveness.
The Governor therefore charged the Boundary managers to be determined, attentive and favorably disposed towards learning and contributing positively to the interactive session which drew the stakeholders from Bauchi, Yobe, Gombe, Borno Taraba and Adamawa states for the two-day programs.
“You are assembled here in pursuit of relevant knowledge that will position you to execute your mandates timely and appropriately as managers of our Boundaries, you must also not fail to recognize the fact that your duties are sacred trusts which must be faithfully discharged to the best of your abilities in order to engender peace and development along Boundary corridors in this subregional”.
“In order to promote development within and a long all our Boundaries, there must be not only peace, as defined by the absence of war, but also an atmosphere of tolerance and harmonious coexistence, we all have a role to play in establishing an atmosphere where people have a good understanding of our Socio-Cultural diversity, the strength that comes with it and thus are willing to live together in harmony with one another”.
Yahaya assured them that at the end of the engagement,they would be more acquainted with their expected roles individually and collectively towards managing their Boundaries and it was however sad to also note that the differences in the perception of Boundary limits as well as claims and counter claims have tended to cause disunity and animosity amongst the people should reduce drastically as the Governor was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau at the occasion.
The Governor who developmental- oriented therefore charged them with the task of coming up with strategies that would address the misconception of interstate Boundaries in the Zone, so that they can focus on other people- oriented developmental projects rather dissipating energies and resources to quell Boundary crisis.
Reiterating the need to be both proactive and strategic in to proffering solutions to Boundary disputes dispassionately with the sole aim of fostering peace and cordial relationship amongst the border dwellers assured the Director- General, National Boundary Commission that he would not hesitate to encourage his colleagues the Governors of the states of North East to support the work of the Commission if they articulate their recommendations properly to support the quick definition of the boundaries in the Zone.
The Governor added they may request the North East Development Commission to support them so that the Boundaries of the states of North East are quickly defined as Gombe State is well known for peaceful coexistence, ethno religious, tolerance, social cohesion and hospitality.

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Governor Inuwa Yahaya assures of synergy with NAHCON to make Hajj operations easier, affordable for Gombe pilgrims.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State says his administration will continue to work with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON to ensure that hajj operations are made easier and affordable for intending muslim pilgrims in the State.

The Governor stated this when he played host to the management staff of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria led by its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan.

He said since NAHCON is being managed by men of God it presupposes that transparency and proper management of resources will be the hallmark.

Governor Inuwa lauded the commission for upgrading a mosque, transit hostel and other facilities at the Gombe hajj camp, assuring NAHCON that the State will continue to partner with it to ensure that hajj operations are made affordable, easier and leisurely for all intending muslim pilgrims in the State.

He said the wise counsel proffered by the commission will be beneficial to both the State Government and the state p ilgrims welfare board in particular.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya explained that his administration has the intention to make the difference because of the new resolve permeating the current system which is tailored towards taking the people out of bondage.

“For me I feel leadership is the ability to take people from where there is nothing to where there is alot for every body to enjoy and if you are not able to deliver on that then you have failed”.

He said the intention of the Commission was quite noble especially in its products and services which come in the package of a saving scheme for easy hajj operations to the digitization of its operations.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan said they were in the State to review the commission’s plan of action with a view to amendments and further investment in the Gombe hajj camp.

He disclosed that NAHCON, in conjunction with Jaiz bank is floating a saving scheme which allows intending Muslim Pilgrims to gradually save for hajj without recourse to selling their property or over burdening themselves for the spiritual journey.

The NAHCON Chairman told his host that the commission had carried out renovation and rehabilitation work at the male and female transit halls and a mosque at the Gombe hajj camp.

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Governor Inuwa Yahaya assures of synergy with NAHCON to make Hajj operations easier, affordable for Gombe pilgrims.

The Governor stated this when he played host to the management staff of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria led by its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan.

He said since NAHCON is being managed by men of God it presupposes that transparency and proper management of resources will be the hallmark.

He said the wise counsel proffered by the commission will be beneficial to both the State Government and the state p ilgrims welfare board in particular.

The NAHCON Chairman told his host that the commission had carried out renovation and rehabilitation work at the male and female transit halls and a mosque at the Gombe hajj camp.

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Gombe Government inaugurates Committee on Contributory Health Insurance Scheme.

As part of the State Government commitment to the health needs of the people, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya today inaugtated the Committee on Contributory Health Insurance Scheme.

Inagurating the Committee on behalf of the Governor, Secretary to the State Government Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi said the Committee is to study all documents related to the scheme for effective implementation.

Professor Ibrahim Njodi who is the Chairman of the Committee also said it is the mandate of the Committee to work out financial implications of the Scheme implimentation on the Government as well as make there recommendations incidental for the operation of the Scheme.

Responding on behalf of the Committee, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs Ibrahim Dasuki Jalo appreciated Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for finding them worthy for the assignment and assured doing everything possible to ensure successful implementation of the scheme in Gombe state.

Other members of the Committee include, the Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Bappayo Yahaya, Commissioners of Finance Mohammed Gambo Magaji and his Health counterpart Dr. Ahmed Gana.

Others are, the representative of GO-HEALH Dr. Abubakar Musa Yahaha, representative of the NLC Mohammed Adamu Musa and that of NULGE Mohammed Bappayo Abdulmini while, Abdu Usman is to serve as Secretary of the Committee.

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Gombe to Partner Bank of Agriculture on Modern Farming Techniques, Developing Agric Value Chain.

…as Governor Hosts Management of Bank of Agriculture

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State says his administration is open to discussions and partnership with the Bank of Agriculture, BOA on introduction of modern farming techniques in the State and creating Agricultural value Chain for farming communities at the grassroots.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya stated this when he received a delegation from the Bank of Agriculture, led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Alwan Ali Hassan at the Government House.

He described the history of the BOA as a robust one base on its trajectory of encouraging agricultural productivity as well as improving the lives of the people through the provision of incentives and inputs.

The Governor informed the visiting BOA team that about eighty percent of the people of the State are peasant farmers which makes it imperative for them to always require access to loan facility to improve productivity and livelihood.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya said he had on several occasions met with the Minister of Agriculture, Sabo Nanono and other key stakeholders as part of his administration’s commitment to foster symbiotic relationship and revamp the Agricultural sector.

The Governor urged the BOA to improve on its services, especially on sensitization aspect as majority of farmers in the State and the country at large are not well guided and supported, hence the over dependence on agricultural products from other climes.

He said leadership at all levels must be seen to guide, inspire and take the people to an enviable level of human capital development.

Governor Yahaya described the products of the Bank as well packaged and articulated, particularly the newly introduced ones, but however observed that farmers at the grassroots must be carried along in the services of the Bank.

The Governor said with the geometric progression of the population of the State alongside poor agricultural practices, it behoves on stakeholders in the sector to smoothen rough edges and tighten loose ends for the benefit of the farmers.

“Gombe State has the land for food production and animal husbandry, as a matter of fact, we have the largest grazing reserve in Africa measuring about one hundred and forty four thousand hectres”.

The Governor however regretted that ever since the reserve was established, nothing tangible was done to put the place into productive use. He however expressed happiness with the recent commitment of the federal government to activate it through the National Livestock Transformation Programme.

While making references to the Dadinkowa and Balanga Dams, the Governor regretted the under utilisation of both natural endowments which he noted have the potentials of producing power and revolutionizing dry season farming in the State and beyond.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya disclosed that his administration is looking at how to revive cooperative societies in the State and restore them to the good old days when they were considered indispensable to the growth and development of sectors such as Agriculture.

Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Agriculture, Alwan Ali Hassan said the delegation from the Bank were in the State to discuss business in Agriculture and its value chain and how the teeming farmers can have easy access to some of the facilities and products available in the bank.

He said the bank will transmit all its products through its four branches in Gombe, Billiri, Bajoga and Kumo so that farmers in the state need not travel to access the services they so desire.

The Managing Director commended the cordial relationship existing between the Bank and the Gombe State Government, saying the ties were further strengthened when the State paid in full the 209 million naira loan facility it earlier accessed.

He particular applauded Governor Inuwa Yahaya for prioritising Agriculture in his drive to take Gombe to greater heights.

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Gombe State Governor inuagurates the engineering profession in the state. By Ben Ngwakwe,Gombe.

The Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya who is desirous of the development and proper planning of the state in line with international best practices had decided to inaugurate the Gombe State Technical Committee (GSTC) and the Gombe State Expatriate Monitoring Committee (GSEMC) of the Engineering Regulations Monitoring by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, (COREN).

The Governor who have done tremendously well within the shortest space of governance had commended the leadership of the Council and Management Team of COREN on the tremendous work they have doing in ensuring that engineering practice in Nigeria is executed with strict compliance to relevance codes and regulations and in a way that promotes Nigeria’s economic and strategic interests as against unprofessional practices that could noticed in some parts of the country through the high rate of collapsed buildings in the country.

According to a “silent operator” Governor, Engineering is the bedrock of infrastructural development and has played crucial role in the development of great countries. For Nigeria to achieve its developmental objectives, strong emphasis must be placed on the role of engineering and other related professions.
” From bridges to highways, water treatment plants to electricity plants, drainages to dams, housing and office infrastructure, the role of engineering in infrastructural development cannot be over-emphasized”, adding that
the inauguration of the State Technical Committee of the Engineering Regulations Monitoring by COREN is geared towards revolutionizing engineering practice in Nigeria and domesticating those best practices in Gombe State hence his belief was that with this development, there would be better regulation of engineering practice in Gombe State.

The Governor noted that his administration has taken concrete steps towards addressing the infrastructural challenges facing the State.

“From the construction of township roads to our land administration reforms and the enforcement of building codes and regulations, Our administration will continue to enforce those regulations and ensure that engineering practices conform to the highest standards”,
noting that the committee draw its membership from reputable engineering professionals and organizations.
The Governor who acknowledged the role of engineering profession, stressed hope that the committee shall be guided by the following terms of reference:
i. To locate and document organizations and practitioners and report to the Registrar;
ii. To verify and monitor professional competence of works approving Officers;
iii. To act as COREN watchdogs on maintenance, upholding engineering codes and ensure that all such works are in accordance with engineering design and specifications by Registered Engineers;
iv. To verify that all organizations working in the area of engineering contracting have at least an active Registered Engineer on their Board of Directors;
v. To observe and report cases of non-adherence to approved engineering codes of practice in respect of public and private works to the Registrar;
vi. To report all defaulters and contravention of COREN Act to the Registrar;
vii. To verify that all engineering practitioners (local and foreign) in the engineering organizations have valid COREN practicing license.

While congratulating the members of the committee for being found worthy of the honor and hoped that they would do everything to justify the confidence reposed in them and also used the opportunity to reiterate that Gombe State has zero tolerance for illegality and abuse of engineering regulations, adding ” any engineer supervising any project must be fully registered by COREN and the possession of a practicing license shall be a condition for pre-qualification in all engineering projects in the State”.

According to him, the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic has added another risk factor to the practice of engineering while the government is doing its part to ensure that communities are safe and therefore urged them to come up with and implement appropriate guidelines to regulate the practice of Engineering during Covid-19, in line with best practices.

He commended the COREN for the choice of Gombe among the first States to inaugurate the program and assured them of their continued support and cooperation in their efforts to promote best practices in the engineering profession in Gombe State and Nigeria at large.

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Gombe to enact law prescribing perpetrators of rape.

Gombe State Government will soon enact law proscribing perpetrators of Rape in the State.

Governor Mohammadu Inuwa Yahaya made the disclosure when he received coalition of non governmental organisation at the Government House.

The group who are on a peaceful rally to protest the increasing cases of rape in the State were received on by the Secretary to the Gombe State Government Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi on behalf of the State Governor.

Njodi told the peaceful Protesters that Government is concerned about the situation and have since sent a bill to the State House of Assembly which will prescribed stiffer punishment for pepertrators of rape.

He said Gombe State Government is considering tree options which are, death sentence castrations, or life imprisonment assuring members of the group that as soon as the bill is passed they will be invited for the signing ceremony.

He call on parents to be more vigilant about the movement of their children as measure to curtail the ugly act which he described as inhuman.

The spokesman of the group and Chairman of None Governmental organization in the State Kabiru Yusuf said the coalition of nongovernmental organisations in Gombe State is worried with the raising cases of rape which ranks the State as having the highest prevelance SGBV in the country.

He said,a total of 44 cases of rape have been prosecuted from January to July 2020.

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Governor Inuwa Yahaya tasks boundary managers to address crisis arising from border definition, delineation.

…as National Boundary Commission Opens Interactive Session in Gombe

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has tasked boundary managers to provide a permanent framework for managing border issues which often degenerates into intra and inter state conflicts.

The Governor gave the challenge while declaring open a two day interactive session of the National Boundary Commission and boundary committees of States in the North East sub-region.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau said boundary matters play a key role in the economy and security of north east sub-region and the nation as a whole.

He said disputes over farmlands and limits to territories often lead to loss of lives and destruction of property if not properly managed, saying when such occur, the source of livelihood of the people in the North East and by extension the country is affected thereby contributing to poverty, food insecurity and a rise in violent crimes.

The Governor commended the National Boundary Commission for organizing the interactive session, expressing confidence that the forum will come up with strategies on ways to encourage the promotion of trans-border cooperation among states in the region.

He assured the Director General of the National Boundary Commission that he will continue to encourage his colleagues to support the work of the Commission especially as they articulate recommendations to support the quick definition of boundaries in the zone.

The Director General of the National Boundary Commission, Surveyor Adamu Adaji said this is the first time managers of boundary affairs at the federal and states level are interfacing to strategise on ways to fast track the issues of the definition of the interstate boundaries of the north east states of the country.

He commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for providing the enabling environment for the National Boundary Commission to host the interactive session which is aimed at creating mutual understanding among contiguous states within the zone.

The interactive meeting is being attended by relevant officials from the 6 states of the north east.

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Gombe Governor swears-in Igbo man, one other as Special Advisers.

Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has sworn-in two Special Advisers to compliment efforts of his administration in ensuring effective and efficient service delivery to the people.

Those sworn-in by the Governor included Prince Chidebelu Cornelius Ewuzie, popularly known as Chimack and Group Captain Peter Bitrus Bilal ( Rtd).

While Prince Ewuzie serves as Special Adviser on inter-community relations, Group Captain Bilal takes charge as Special Adviser on Development Control and Enforcement.

Speaking at the event, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya congratulated the appointees for distinguishing themselves and charged them to bring to bear their wealth of experience and expertise, saying their coming into the his administration will impact positively on the execution of Government policies and programmes.

To the Special Adviser on Development Control and Enforcement, the Governor said “We all know there has to be code of conduct in putting up structures and ensuring compliance to codes and regulations. For us to have cities throughout the state and put up development structures that we can leave as a legacy to our people,we need to have people that are up and doing, hence the appointment of Group Captain Peter Bilal as Special Adviser on Development Control and Enforcement”.

He said the development control and compliance unit was established as part of his administration’s determination to transform Gombe State into a model.

Turning to the Special Adviser on Community Relations, Governor Inuwa Yahaya described Inter Community Relations as one area that need to be pursued with all vigour, noting that the the Special Adviser on Inter Community Relations who is well known to many would use his office to unite not only the Igbo speaking community, but other ethnic nationalities resident in the state.

In his response, Prince Ewuzie thanked the Governor for finding them worthy to serve the state, assuring the Governor of their loyalty and support in efforts to take the state to an enviable heights.

Members of the State Executive Council had earlier held a brief surprise session to rejoice with Governor Muhammadu Inuwa on the occasion of his 59th birthday anniversary marked on 9th October.

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