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…As Gombe Receives Accolades For Taking Lead In Implementation Of USAID’s State2State Activity

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya says his administration will continue to strengthen internal control mechanisms and sustain its progress reforms to improve governance outcomes and enhance accountability and efficiency in service delivery.

This is even as the Gombe Governor was warmly acknowledged and commended for keying in and leading the way in driving forward reforms in governance and in the implementation of the Nigeria State Accountability, Transparency and Effectiveness Activity ( State2State)of the United States Agency for International Development, USAID.

The State2State Activity supports strengthened governance structures in Gombe and five other states to improve their ability to plan and budget, raise revenues, increase civil society participation, and oversee service delivery in the health; education; and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sectors.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya, who was a special guest of honour and panelist at a high level discussion tagged Federal Policy Dialogue Series, with the theme “Post State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainably ( SFTAS) Incentivizing Reforms held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, said his administration is implementing major reforms in several key areas including those that have traction with State2State’s key sectors, especially education, health and governance.

He said ” implementing reforms may be quite tasking and daunting but we are doing our best in this regard. Thankfully we have the Development plan for Gombe State (DEVAGOM) 2021 – 2030 which is a blueprint guiding us in accelerating reforms with actionable implementation mechanisms for sustainable growth and development”.

“We worked through our state PFM institutions to ensure that we meet all the requirements of SFTAS- we are utilizing the training received by State2State to consolidate our reforms. Gombe has been among the 5 top states on SFTAS for 3 years running”.

He said ” because of State2State intervention, through capacity building of our staff, we expanded revenue base and raised more Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). We have also reinvigorated the Due Process Office in line with our procurement law and strengthened the Fiscal Responsibility Commission for effective governance”.

Speaking further, Governor Inuwa said his administration has also established the Bureau for Public Service Reforms (BPSR) in 2019 to ensure the successful implementation of its public service reform agenda.

“So far we have engaged in reforms, difficult as they may be, but we are trying to make sure that we change the situation for the better; we made promises to our people and that we cannot do without good governance, transparency and accountability”.

Noting that reforms are supposed to be sustainable, Governor Inuwa advised that the gains of SFTAS must not be left to fizzle out, suggesting that a follow up programme be initiated to entrench the successes recorded.

Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State and the representatives of Governors of Ebonyi, Adamawa, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom states also shared their views on the topic of discussion, opining that the State2State activity has impacted positively in their respective states.

There were goodwill messages from the USAID Country Director, the Chief of Party and other department partners.

The Gombe delegation at the event included the Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development, Muhammad Gambo Magaji, Special Adviser on Budget Planning and Development Partners Coordination, Dr. Ishiyaku Mohammed, State Auditor General, Muhammed Buba Gombe, Director-General ( Research and Documentation), Dr. Muazu Shehu and other officials.

Ismaila Uba Misilli
Director-General
( Press Affairs)
Government House
Gombe

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…Lifts Suspension On 7 out of 17 Private Health Institutions Of Learning

The Gombe State Executive Council chaired by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has approved the construction of 17 township roads valued at the cost of 8.8 billion naira.

The Commissioner of Works and Transportation, Engr. Abubakar Bappah disclosed this to newsmen shortly after the Council meeting.

Engr. Bappah said the 17 township road projects will traverse areas like Kagarawal, Pantami/Gabukka, old GRA and Civil Service Commission’s office to Science Secondary School Gombe to link up with Shongo among other locations in the State capital.

He disclosed that the State Executive Council also approved 1.2 billion naira for emergency repairs of washed out roads across the State .

In another development, the State Executive Council has lifted the ban on 7 out of the 17 private health institutions of learning earlier closed down for reasons bordering on accreditation, physical and instructional considerations.

The chairman of the committee on the review of the sustainability of private health institutions of learning in the State, Barrister Zubair Muhammad Umar said those given the nod to resume academic activities include Fountain College of Health Science and Technology Tunfure, Conformance College of Health Science and Technology Billiri, Garkuwa College of Health Science and Technology Gombe, Lamido College of Hygiene Liji, Ummah College of Health Science and Technology, Dukku, International College of Health Science and Technology, Haruna Rasheed College of Health Science and Technology Dukku.

According to him those still under suspension include Ilimi College of Health Science and Technology Gombe, Barunde College of Health Science Kumo, Legacy College of Health Science and Technology Gombe, College of Health Science Filiya, College of Health Science Deba and Bormi College of Health Science and Technology Bajoga.

Others are Bajoga College of Health Science and Technology, College of Health Science and Technology Bambam, Standard College of Health Science and Technology Kwami and College of Health Science Lailaipido

Barrister Zubairu Umar, who is also the State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice said the Government’s decision on the matter is to checkmate professional quackery and not aimed at a witch hunt.

While placing emphasis on the position of the chairman to ascertain the sustainability of private health institutions in the State, the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru said the decision forms part of Government’s decision to ensure health safety and efficiency in the State.

Earlier speaking, the overseeing Commissioner for Information and Culture Mr. Meshack Audu Lauco who coordinated the post SEC press conference said, all decisions taken by the State Executive Council were done in the best interest of the people of the State.

Ismaila Uba Misilli
Director-General
( Press Affairs)
Government House
Gombe

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Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State was among the distinguished guests who attended a special convocation ceremony for the conferment of honorary doctorate degree on Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, OFR by the University of Maiduguri.

The conferment of the Doctor of Letters ( Honoris Causa) on the business magnet and Chairman of Oriental Energy Resources Limited, according to the university authority, was in recognition of his commendable efforts in the development of education, humanitarian services and in particular, his landmark contribution to the progress of the institution.

The ceremony coincided with the 75th birthday anniversary of Indimi.

The event had in attendance, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and visitor to the University, President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by his Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, First Lady, Aisha Buhari, Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, APC Vice Presidential Candidate, Sen. Kashim Shettima, Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Baba Alkali among other dignitaries.

The Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar lll and the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi were among prominent traditional rulers in attendance.

President Muhammadu Buhari, in a message delivered by Prof. Gambari, noted that Indimi has contributed hugely to the advancement of education both at home and abroad, and therefore deserves the honour by the University. He also described him as a proud son of Borno and a distinguished Nigerian who has made an enviable mark and earned global accolades and recognition.

Also, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, rejoiced with the business mogul in congratulatory message, describing him as an iconic figure, an example of doggedness and a phenomenon in all spheres of human endeavours who has impacted on the lives of many.

While wishing Indimi long life in good health, the Gombe State Governor said the honour done to the philanthropist by the University of Maiduguri on the occasion of his 75th birthday anniversary was well-deserved and a reward for goodness.

There were goodwill messages from other guests, including former president Obasanjo.

Earlier, the Pro- Chancellor and Chairman of the governing council of the University of Maiduguri, Ballama Manu said Alhaji Indimi has committed immense resources and built a state-of-the- art learning centre and conference facility in the University in addition to many contributions to the institution.

He urged other people of means and goodwill to emulate his humanitarian and philanthropic disposition.

Governor Inuwa was accompanied to the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi who is a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri.

Ismaila Uba Misilli
Director-General
( Press Affairs)
Government House
Gombe

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Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State says the staggering population of the Nigerian youth is one that cannot be ignored by any administration wishing to promote social economic infrastructural and technological advancements.

The Governor stated while delivering a speech at an occasion of a public lecture to commemorate the 2022 International Youth Day Celebration held at the conference hall of the International Hotel Gombe.

Represented by the Secretary to the Gombe State Government Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi the Gombe State Governor remarked that if properly harness, the youthful population in the country can trigger a revolution in diverse spheres and volumes.

“It is in a bid to support this vital part of the population that my administration design and implemented programmes that have provided vocational and entrepreneurial skills with empowerment materials to fill the capacity gapof the youth in Gombe State”.

The Governor revealed that since the inception of his administration the youths in the State have been engage in productive ventures to enable them earn some income for a meaningful living.

He assured the youth that his administration will continue to churn out policies and programmes that will not only give them sense of belonging but change their social and economic status.

The Commissioner of youth development in the State Abubakar Aminu Musa said after undergoing transformational changes in the past years, the Ministry is now position by the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya to aggregate the yearnings and aspirations of the youth for proper implementation.

He thanked Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for approving series of activities to commemorate the 2022 International Youth Day Celebration.

The Gombe State Commissioner of youth development encouraged Nigerian youths not to despair with current social economic upheavals in the country but to remain steadfast believing that things will get better.

In a goodwill message the Special Assistant to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya on Youths Affairs Abdulmalik Suleiman express gratitude to the State Governor for executing projects like the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park which will continually engage youths in State in productive ventures.

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…Underscores Importance Of Traditional Authorities In Maintaining Law, Order

…As Governor Inuwa Assures Of Continued Support To Security Agencies

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Baba Alkali has underscored the relevance of traditional rulers as critical
stakeholders in crime prevention and control.

The Police Chief stated this when he paid homage on the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar at his palace in Gombe in company of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya .

The IGP said the traditional institution remains key in the achievement of community policing initiative of the Nigeria Police Force where all citizens are expected to participate effectively.

He reiterated commitment to carrying traditional rulers along in new strategies to combat crime and criminality in the country, saying the need for that is more imperative now that the security situation in the country is worrisome.

While appreciating the critical contribution of the traditional institution in trust and peace building in communities, IGP Baba Alkali encouraged the monarch to promote the incalcation of norms and values among the people to reduce vices in societies.

He further disclosed that with the successful training and deployment of ten thousand police officers, another ten thousand are being recruited, urging the the royal father to encourage interested young people in the state to participate in line with President Muhammadu Buhar’s directive that all the 774 local government areas in the country be represented in the exercise.

IGP Baba Alkali also noted that Gombe state is commercially endowed, stressing that the need to secure it remains paramount for businesses to continually strive.

The Inspector General of Police also commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his untiring support to the Gombe Police Command and other security agencies which he said has increased the efficiency of policing in the state.

He also lauded the Governor for convening the first Peace and Security Summit in the state as well as according him the opportunity to present the keynote address and the launch of the state security outfit ‘Operation Hattara’.

In his remark, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya appreciated the Inspector General of Police for honoring the state with his presence and assured continued support to the police force to enable it deliver on it’s mandate of ensuring law and order in the State and country at large.

Responding, the elated Emir of Gombe and Chairman of the State Council of Emirs and Chiefs, Dr Abubakar Shehu Abubakar lll described the IGP’s visit to the State as historic, noting that Usman Baba Alkali was the first IGP to spend a night in Gombe which underscores his long standing relationship with the state.

The Emir also commended the efforts of Governor Inuwa Yahaya in ensuring the state remains peaceful by continually engaging all relevant stakeholders as examplified by the ongoing peace and security summit in the state.

Highlight of the visit was a presentation of a gift of special specie of a bull to the IG by the Emir.

Ismaila Uba Misilli
Director-General
( Press Affairs)
Government House
Gombe

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Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has expressed grief over the death of the All Progressives Congress, APC Youths Leader for Gombe Local Government, Sani Sa’adu.

Sani, popularly known as Babban Gola died in the early hours of today in Gombe at the age of 32 after a brief illness.

Governor Inuwa, who led top government functionaries and party stalwarts to the funeral prayer ( Janazah) for the deceased party official held at Bubayero Juma’at Mosque, Gombe, described the late APC youths leader as a man of peace and highly responsible citizen as well as committed party man and promising youth known for his staunch support for the Inuwa project.

The Governor described his death as a huge loss, not only to the deceased’s immediate family, but the entire state.

He extended the condolences of the government and people of the state to the bereaved family, the leadership and entire supporters of the All Progressives Congress over the huge loss.

Governor Inuwa prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and reward his good deeds with Aljannat Firdaus.

Ismaila Uba Misilli
Director-General
( Press Affairs)
Government House
Gombe

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As Gombe SSG harps on inter Agency collaboration, public cooperation.

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA in collaboration with the Gombe State Emergency Management Agency GOSEMA has organised a one day sensitization workshop for security Agencies in the State.

The essence of the workshop is to provide a platform for men and women in uniform to discuss issues, challenges and recommend ways to achieving synergy with community leaders for greater effectiveness in tackling insecurity.

Speaking at the event the Secretary to the Gombe State Government Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi observe that there is no cut and drive method to achieving maximum security without inter security agency collaboration as well as the support and cooperation of the civil populace.

Represented by a Mohammed Usman the SSG says the sensitization Workshop would not have come at a better time when the country is grappling with existential security challenges.

Professor Njodi therefore commended NIMASA for collaborating with GOSEMA to bring security personnel up to speed with evolving realities in the security sector and how to effectively tackle without having to resort to kinetic approach.

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA Dr. Bashi Jamoh said as an agency charged with the responsibility of regulating maritime security and safety in Nigeria NIMASA is deeply concerned with the state of insecurity in the country.

Represented by Head of Maritime Labour Aliyu Lawan the NIMASA D.G observed that insecurity in the maritime domain begins on the land where the planning and recruitment takes place.

The Executive Secretary Gombe State State Emergency Management Agency GOSEMA explains that the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya is deeply committed towards the protection of lives and properties in the State.

The Executive Secretary who was represented by the head of search and rescue of Agency Mohammed Garba thanked NIMASA for collaborating with GOSEMA to sensitize security personnel in the State.

Joshua Danmalam information officer SSG’S Office
2/8/22

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By Yakubu Bayambe

Of all the parameters of development, perhaps, non is as cosmopolitan and far- reaching as that of human capital. This is because in expanding the spectrum of humanity through a deliberate and conscious effort, the social, economic, political and religious dimensions of human life are not only enhanced but improved upon to have a balanced and healthy society.

To achieve this form of an idealistic society where all men and women are given equal opportunity irrespective of their social, economic or political status, the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, through the Gombe State 10-years development plan projected a wide range of initiatives aimed at institutionalising and placing the State on the path of sustainable economic development.

Among these initiatives is the human capital development which seeks to among other things accelerate more and better investment in people for greater equity and economic growth. I shall touch on some of these efforts so far implemented by the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya in the course of this interaction. However the recent launch of the Gombe State Covid-19 Action Recovery Economic Stimulus GO-CARES by Governor Inuwa Yahaya is perhaps one of the most ambitious empowerment programmes ever undertaken since the creation of the State. GO-CARES is the State’s version of the Federal Government’s NG- CARES aimed at expanding access to livelihood support, food security services and the provision of grants to poor and vulnerable households as well as firms following the devastating effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Under the programme, a total of 8.5 billion naira has been budgeted for the Gombe State Covid-19 Action Recovery Economic Stimulus which is expected to benefit no fewer than 288,700 households, farmers and small and medium scale enterprises across the State.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya had while speaking at the official unveiling of the GO-CARES at Kuri village in Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area, observed that the impact of COVID-19 on the economy and livelihood of the people cannot be over emphasised. “We saw global economies enter recessions, livelihoods disrupted and millions of jobs lost in an unprecedented manner with recovery just beginning, this makes the CARES programme not only timely but essential. The Challenges of Covid-19 and the global economic meltdown have certainly made us to be more strategic and focused in our development drive”.

The Gombe State Governor added “As a government, this intervention perfectly aligns with our human capital development initiative as encapsulated in our ten-year Development Agenda for Gombe State (DEVAGOM). As an emergency recovery programme, the initiative will support our governments’ budgeted programme of expenditures and interventions specifically designed to expand access to livelihood support, food security and provide succour to the poor and vulnerable persons in our communities whose lives, businesses, jobs and means of livelihood have been distorted by the pandemic” In order to ensure maximum benefit from the programme, existing state-level delivery platforms with a track record of generating positive human capital development and economic returns for beneficiaries shall be used for the implementation of the interventions. The platforms will further be reinforced with a state level Steering Committee, led by the Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development, Muhammad Gambo Magaji with membership that includes political and technical heads of key sectoral ministries and policy heads of agencies constituted by the Government to provide oversight and policy guidance for the programme in order to achieve greater results and the overall programme development objective.

GO-CARES has a budgeted sum of about N8.5 billion which is targeted towards supporting not less than 288,700 beneficiaries in the two-year duration of the programme. From this amount, N3.4 billion will be for supporting poor and vulnerable households with grants and basic services, another N3.4 billion shall be used to support our farmers with farm inputs in order to increase food production and enhance performance of the food supply value chain. The sum of N1.7 billion shall be disbursed as grants to MSME’s to support their operational activities and help them recover from the huge losses suffered during the pandemic.

These groups and individuals will receive livelihood grants, social transfers, soft loans as well as improved access to basic services in order to support economic recovery, boost food production and enhance livelihood of the people.

The launch of the Gombe Covid-19 Action Recovery Economic Stimulus GO-CARES, by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya adds to the long list of social and economic interventions already embarked upon by the Gombe State Government.

Some of these interventions so far implemented by the present administration in Gombe State include the State Contributory Healthcare Scheme, (GoHealth) the Gombe State Geographic Information System (GOGIS), the Gombe State Security, Traffic and Environmental Corps (GoSTEC) and the Gombe Goes Green 3G project ( 3G).

While GoHealth provides financial protection against catastrophic health expenditures, GOGIS on the other hand focuses on redefining land administration with a touch of modernity and digitization. The GOSTEC is a social service unit created by the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya to regulate the excesses associated with traffic and the environment. So far, the first batch of 500 able bodied youths in the State have since been recruited, trained and placed on the State Government payroll to maintain decorum in both the traffic control and the environment. As regards the 3G project, the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya is of the strong conviction that an ecosystem devoid of the threats of climate change and global warming is necessary for a healthy and a balanced society. This was why Gombe State Government initiated the 3G project which seeks to plant at least one million trees annually. So far a well over 3 million trees have been planted across the State, in keeping with the Governor’s policy statement on environmental regeneration. It is quite instructive to note that social intervention programmes any where in the world are means through which Government opens up social and economic spaces for individuals especially those at the rung of the ladder to attain some level of economic prosperity.

In Gombe State, the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya appears to have consistently placed premium on human capital development; Perhaps with a clear understanding that a people without a financial opportunity for economic growth may just be a catastrophic disaster waiting to happen.

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