Chairman, Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary National Convention Planning Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), H.E. Mai Mala Buni has approved the appointment of the Governor of Gombe State, H.E. Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya to chair the Party’s Reconciliation/Election Committee for the October 31 concurrent legislative by-elections for Bayelsa Central and West Senatorial Districts.
Committee Members
H.E. Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya – Chairman
Senator Ovie Omo-Agege – Vice Chairman
Senator Abdullahi Sahabi – Member
Senator Ali Ndume – Member
Senator Uba Sani – Member
Ambassador Fatima Goni – Member
Senator Chris Adegije – Member
Alh Yusuf O. Ocholi – Member
Chief Enyi o. Enyi – Member
Pearl Ekebong Inwang – Member
Bar. Ekemini Cletus Udoh – Secretary
The committee will be inaugurated by the APC Caretaker Chairman on Tuesday October 6, by 2pm at the Party’s National Secretariat.
…says his administration will continue to prioritise teachers’ welfare, development
Gombe state Governor, Alhaji Yahaya has paid tribute to teachers in Gombe state and Nigeria at large for their immeasurable contributions and sacrifices to societal development through imparting knowledge and shaping the future of the pupils and students despite obvious challenges.
In a goodwill message to mark the 2020 teachers’ day, Governor Yahaya described teachers as tink tanks upon which children, as future leaders draw their inspiration while growing up.
He reiterated that his administration will continue to take all measures that will promote the wellbeing, development and empowerment of the teachers in the state.
The Governor described the theme of the 2020 World Teachers Day, “Teachers: Leading in Crisis, Reimagining the Future” as apt and timely, saying “the job of educating, nurturing and moulding lives may be challenging but it is still one of the most honourable jobs on earth “.
“Our administration recognizes the pivotal role of teachers and teaching profession in societal development, we shall therefore ensure their proper training, welfare and provision of requisite infrastructure and facilities, including modern materials in order to encourage performance and productivity at all levels “.
He said his administration has strenthened partnership with relevant agencies and organisations, including, UBEC, USAID and other local and international bodies to reposition the education sector and enhance teachers capacity for optimum performance.
Governor Yahaya indicated that the state of emergency he earlier declared on the education was aimed at taking a holistic approach in providing both human and material resources to reinvigorate the sector and make it more result oriented.
Gombe state Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has again reiterates his administration’s commitment to provide a Health system that will be responsible to the health of the citizens of the state.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya was speaking through the Secretary to the State Government Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi when members of the Civil Society For HIV/AIDS CISHAN paid an Advocacy Visit at the Government House.
He said, Health is one of the focal point of the present administration which comprises issues relating to HIV/AIDS saying Government is doing everything necessary to contain the spread of the virus and to provide treatment to those already infected.
Njodi stated that one of the measures put in place by government was a compulsory test for HIV/AIDS before a marriage can be contracted saying the measure has help in containing the spread of the HIV Virus.
The SSG said the State Government under the leadership of Governor Inuwa Yahaya is committed to providing quality Health Services to the people as the sector remains one of its main focus.
“When we come into office, what the Governor keeps on telling me is that people always talk of Education forgetting the imperative Health which is the enabler for one to go to school and perform other social activities.
He said religious leaders in Gombe state have key into Government policy where couples must present HIV/AIDS test certificate before they can be join in marriage and assured of the state Government patronage of the new self testing kits.
Th team lead of Civil Society for HIV/AIDS CISHAN Walter Uguocha had informed the SSG that they were in Gombe state, to Flagg off the campaign for the use of the HIV self testing kit in the Northeast region and to seek for the support of the state government, to reach out to the people.
The team lead who gave free samples of the HIV self testing kit to the SSG, also administered to himself the rapid test to demonstrate how safe, easy and confidential it is.
He said the self test kit has reduced the number of people going to the hospital to seek for HIV testing, there by reducing the fear of stigmatization.
CISHAN together with GomSACA have commenced advocacy in Gombe, hoping to enlighten the puplic on the use of the HIV self testing kit, been the latest technology in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
…As SSG lauds role of media in entrenching, democratic values
The Secretary to the Gombe state Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi has described the media as a veritable tool in the sustainance of Nigeria’s democratic values and good ally of the present administration in the state.
Professor Njodi stated this while presiding over a Sectoral Media Parley, organized by the state Government to mark Nigeria’s 60th Independence Day Anniversary and Gombe state at 24 held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Gombe.
The Gombe SSG emphasized the need for mutual understanding between the government and members of the forth estate of the realm in the efforts to build a stronger nation.
He said as watchdogs of the society and voice of the people, the press play a pivotal role in agenda setting, and urged them to continue to remain neutral and objective while carrying out their assignments.
Professor Njodi said the media parley was aimed at highlighting the activities of the present administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and to entrench the culture of transparency and accountability in governance.
“Accountability is not only about the finances but how governance is conducted, while transparency means that which is open to public for scrutiny”.
He said it is only when the government engages the media that it would be able to sharpen the focus and direction of governance, saying that was what informed Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s directive for the interactive session to hold between the media practitioners and the members of the state executive council to serve as a medium between the people and the government.
The SSG disclosed plans to introduce a quarterly sectoral media parley to further strengthen synergy and collaboration with the press in government’s determination to engender openness in governance.
Commissioners present at the parley to give account of their stewardship included those of information and culture, works and housing, agriculture and animal husbandry, environment and forestry resources and education. Others were those of women affairs and social development, higher education as well as local government and chieftaincy affairs.
The Commissioner of information and culture, Hon. Alhassan Ibrahim Kwami said the parley was a session for reflection on Nigeria’s 60th independence anniversary as a nation and Gombe State at 24 as well as the journey so far.
He said the forum was organised to serve as a platform for members of the press to interface with the executive council members to get first hand information on the activities of the present administration since coming into office and to relay the successes and challenges to members of the public.
During the parley, Commissioners took turns to respond to questions relevant to their respective ministries.
The mood nationwide is genial as Nigerians celebrate 60 years of nationhood. To analysts and commentators alike, the situation is not different except the expected divergence of opinion on our level of success, depending on perceptions and may be convictions. While some would claim there is not much to celebrate, others are wont to believe that in spite of all the challenges facing the country right now, there is so much to celebrate particularly the fact that we are still together as an entity and hopeful that the lofty height of greatness we covet is still within our reach to accomplish. Perhaps, affirming this confidence, the Federal Government has actually sequenced the 60th anniversary as a year-long event, underscoring the importance attached to it.
For us in Gombe State, it’s a double celebration: we are marking our 60th independence as a nation and the 24th year anniversary of the creation of our drear state. It has been a long journey now, relatively, from the inception when the state was administered by the military running into the civilian administration and the new vistas being heralded and engineered by the current leadership in the state.
At both national and state levels, issues arise as to the extent of success we have achieved or should have attained in maximizing our potentials just as we take stock of the challenges we need to surmount in order to make our desired marks in the future. For Nigeria as a country, it is apt to say that it has been a mixed feeling. As juxtaposed earlier, many believe that we could have done better than the prevailing socio-economic and political situation we find ourselves today. But there are so many others, including yours sincerely hold the view that Nigeria has made real progress considering the circumstances of birth and challenges of nationhood compared with other nations of similar background and realities. Indeed that the future is quite great as we continue to work on our drawbacks and being realistic to cope with the issues of socio-economic and political development. Aside, it is unarguable that the current situation is not peculiar to Nigeria but exigent challenges nations around the world are trying to cope with in varying dimensions of success.
Somehow, the situation in Gombe State is one of exhilarating joy of triumphs, not only on the import of the creation of the state out of the old Bauchi State as a necessity to bring development closer to the people but also on the fundamental issue of real growth and development over time especially by some distinct leaders at the helms at different times. In critical evaluation, the military eras were mainly devoted to laying the foundation for proper building of the state as we have it today. The respective military administrators made some noticeable impact upon which the successive leaders, mainly civilians, built and amplified the vision of the founding fathers. Accordingly, it is imperative to salute the pioneering roles of military leaders like the then Group Captain Joseph Orji and Mohammed Bawa both of whom had some short stay in office.
And from 1999 when the 4th Republic took off, one is bound to reckon with the modest stewardship of Governor Abubakar Habu Hashidu, relayed and bolstered when Governor Mohammed Danjuma Goje took over amid tremendous efforts made to really move quicker to the mission and vision of why Gombe was created. Admittedly, Goje realized early the challenges faced by the relatively new state especially in terms of development, and worked hard with his team, which Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya was a key member as commissioner of finance and economic planning, make it possible to have a modern state where critical infrastructure and development initiatives hallmarked his administration. Goje remains an illuminating leader of modern Gombe, one who showed the way for a competitive stewardship and possibilities after his illustrious tenure. From him to the Ibrahim Hassan Dankwanbo administration, we also saw some gleam of contributions to the development of the state even in varying dimensions.
But many discerning minds are wont to believe that the coming in of the current governor of the state, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, is a turning point in some distinctive leadership, a situation which actually makes the celebration of Gombe State at 24 the more enthusiastic because of the innovations and extent of reforms that are reshaping the essence of development as basis for the creation of the state on October 1, 1996.
Governor Yahaya has in a revolutionary manner created a template that has modernized administration with major in-built mechanisms to foster effective, efficient and inclusive administration. We now have a formidable governance structure that is so institutionalized and working to deliver the goods.
We can see the critical concern to make governance work for the people as envisioned by the founding fathers of the state and in consonance with the dictates of democracy as a form of government.
In this regard, we are most certain on the landmark achievements of the government in the areas of education, health, environment and infrastructure, ensuring that government fulfills its promises to the people as a basic responsibility.
Other major indices of good governance as indicated in the quest to industrialize the state and serious citizen engagement and empowerment are particularly exciting and futuristic. So much is happening now with specific implications for the future greatness of the state.
But beyond the various admirable outlooks as we now see in the state, there is the greater accolade that Gombe is steadying towards a major revival in outstanding relevance in the comity of states in the country in no distant time with the vision of the current leadership being carried to a logical end. Besides being the economic cum political epicenter of the North East, the critical issue here is the question of leadership which Governor Inuwa Yahaya has so far imbued in the entire echelon of the administration, which he leads with distinction.
It is arguable that the foundation of Gombe State is now cresting to the founding vision which, in most calculations, rest on the extent of leadership commitment and actual delivery on the wellbeing of the people, to live a better life within the basic index of development. Governor Inuwa Yahaya is moderating a new clime of conscious idealism placed side-by-side with realism on the journey so far and the way forward on how best Gombe could be a model state.
The key pillars of this reality would inevitably be in the realm of economic prosperity and political stability, raising hope that the essence of good governance as defined by Plato is being actualized in the context of his valid argument that “politics needs expert rulers, and they cannot come to it merely by accident…that political decisions require good judgment”.
Tungo Community in Kaltungo Local Government Area has appreciated the state Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for the re-construction of Lakidir Martanity Health Centre and the rehabilitation of Billiri- Tungo- Dogon Ruwa road.
The Community’s appreciation was made known during a courtesy call on the Secretary to the State Government Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi where they thank Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s commitment to the peaceful coexistance in the state.
Spokesman of the delegation Mr. Lewi Micah said they were at the Government house to identify with the Secretary to the state on his well deserved appointment by Governor Mohammedu Inuwa Yahaya.
Mr. Lewi Micah explained that the community has benefited from the state Government Health Sector reforms as additional Maternity in Kwah was recently renovated and equipped through the State Community and Social Development Agency.
He however appealed for the construction of Kalorgu- Pokwangli road to link up the ward to the Local Government Head quarters and that of Kampandi – Kolwa to open up the area for more socio-economic development with adjourning communities.
The community through its spokesman pledges their support to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s led administration.
In their contribution Youth and Women representative Mr. Joida Bawa and Aishetu Hassan Lauded Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his development initiatives appealing for more opportunities to Young people and women empowerment.
They described the choice of Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi as Secretary to the State Government as the best thing that has ever happen in Kaltungo chiefdom considering his track record as a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri.
Also speaking during the visit, the Member representing Kaltungo West in the states House of Assembly Bashir Barau and the Special Adviser on Political Affairs Dr. Mohammed A. Bello lauded Tungo Community for coming to make a case for the development of the people.
Responding the Secretary to the State Government Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi acknowledge their solidarity, prayers and demands that will benefit the entire community.
While assuring the community of that their request will be forwarded to Governor Inuwa Yahaya, the SSG pledged to look into the issues of representation in the civil service and consideration for political appointments.
He stated that their request for road construction in the area will be considered under the State Government Network eleven hundred which is aimed at constructing at least one hundred kilometer of road in each Local Government Area of the State.
An apolitical group which goes by name Gombe South and Friends frontier has pay a glowing tribute to the Secretary to the Gombe State Government Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi over what it describe as the Professor’s outstanding contribution to the development of both the academic and the political environment.
The leader of the Frontier Timothy Fashim stated this when he led members of the group to a courtesy visit on Gombe SSG.
He said the group was in the SSG’s office to encourage and eulogies his steadfastness in the service to humanity as exemplify in his meritorious service during his days as the Vice chancellor University of Maiduguri.
Fashim described Professor Njodi as a man full of energy and unquestionable character whose tenure as the Vice Chancellor of University of Maiduguri witnessed an unprecedented development of the institution even in the midst of incessant Boko Haram.
He said the group will continue to look up to Professor Njodi for inspiration and guidance in view of his experience in both public and private life.
Earlier speaking the Secretary to the Gombe State Government Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi express happiness with the mandate of the group which seeks to unite the people of Gombe South and other zones of the State.
He thanked the group for identifying with his achievements especially when he was the Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri saying the successes recorded under his leadership would not have been possible without the support of his contemporaries.
Professor Njodi said as an individual his principles of life has always remain projecting the ideals of humanity against trivial considerations base on religion or ethnic lines.
The SSG Commended the Gombe South and Friends frontiers for their foresight tasking them to remain steadfast in their quest to enthrone societal discipline and respect for one another.
The Gombe State Commissioner of women affairs Naomi Awak and the Permanent Secretary in the SSG’s office both describe Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi as a rare gem whose kind is hard to find.
Earlier today, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe state paid a visit to Biu in the neighbouring Borno state where he condoled with the people of the Emirate over the demise of the late Emir, Alhaji Umar mustapha Aliyu who died recently.
The Governor also congratulated the new Emir, Alhaji Mustapha Umar Mustapha Aliyu on his ascension of the throne of his forefathers.
Governor Yahaya described the relationship between Gombe and Biu Emirate as long standing, saying “what ever affects Biu, affects Gombe”.
The Governor who was away when the late Emir Umar Mustapha died, had in a condolence message delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the state Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, who led Gombe state delegation to the funeral prayer in Biu on 15th September, 2020, described the demise of the first class traditional ruler, especially at this time as a great loss not only to the Biu Emirate or Borno State, but the country as a whole.
The Governor described the late Alhaji Umar Mustapha Aliyu as an exemplary leader and a man of peace who, throughout his reign as Emir, was known for preaching and promoting unity and harmony among the diverse people of his domain, the state and the nation at large.
To the new Emir, Alhaji Mustapha Umar Aliyu Mustapha, Governor Yahaya congratulated him for ascending the throne of his forefathers, calling on him to uphold the legacies of honour, dignity and selfless service exemplified by the late Emir. He also prayed Almighty Allah to grant the new Emir a successful reign.
Responding on behalf of the new Emir, Alhaji Kadafur Yamtala appreciated the Governor for being a good leader and also thanked the government and people of Gombe state for identifying with them throughout their bereavement.
The Governor was accompanied on the visit by the Secretary to the state Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, Chief of Staff, Alhaji Abubakar Inuwa Kari, Principal Private Secretary, Alhaji Usman kamara, member of the House of Assembly, Hon. Mustapha Hassan among other Government functionaries.
…As Gombe Government Trains 200 SMEs owners on Procurement Processes During Emergencies
Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya is to launch a 500 million Naira Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, SMEs intervention programme as part of measures to mitigate the negative impact of COVID-19 on small businesses.
This was disclosed by the state Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development, Malam Muhammad Gambo Magaji while declaring open a 2- Day training programme for SMEs owners and prospects on the new procurement law that has come into effect in the state as well as the amendments adopted to assist them partake in procurement activities during emergencies.
He said the training is aimed at keeping SMEs owners abreast of the new requirements and incentives available to them which includes exclusive rights to contracts below N50m.
The Commissioner urged the participants to take advantage of the training to learn about the new laws and the E-procurement procedures the state is adopting to aid procurement activities during the pandemic.
He said, ” I convey to you the best wishes of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and I also wish to disclose that the Governor will soon launch a 500m SMEs intervention programme to aid small businesses in the state to recover from the COVID-19 induced negative impact on their businesses”.
Present at the opening ceremony were the Accountant General of the State, Alh Umar Bello, Permanent Secretary Budget, Jalo Ali , Executive Chairman of the state Internal Revenue Service, Mal. Abubakar Inuwa Tata, the Director General, State Procurement Bureau, Alhaji Babayola Mohammed, Director Treasury, Aminu Yuguda and other top government officials.
The training which will be in two streams of 100 participants, is being facilitated by Microflex Limited.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State today attended the wedding fatiha of member of Gombe state House of Assembly and Chairman of the committee on Appropriations, Hon. Ali Baba Manu as he got married to Jamila Ahmed.
The wedding fatiha which took place at the Bubayero Central Mosque, Emir’s palace Gombe, witnessed the presence of high profile dignitaries, including the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Abubakar Sadiq Kurba, his Deputy, Hon. Siddi Buba, members of the state House of Assembly, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, chief of Staff, Alhaji Abubakar Inuwa Kari, Commissioners, Special Advisers and top Government functionaries as well as other guests from within and outside the state.
The Emir of Gombe and Chairman of Gombe state Council of Emirs and Chiefs, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III witnessed as the Chief Imam of Gombe central mosque, Alhaji Muhammadu Umar Pindiga presided over the wedding and contracted the marriage between Hon. Ali Baba Manu and Jamila Ahmed where Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya stood in for the groom and received the marriage on his behalf while Justice Saad Ahmed gave out the bride on behalf of the Ahmed family after the announcement of 100, 000 Naira dowry in line with Islamic injunctions.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya had in a message of felicitation, admonished the couple to put Almighty Allah first in their affairs, build their marriage on trust, patience and respect to one another as well as remain prayerful at all the time.
He congratulated Hon. Ali Baba Manu and his bride, Jamila Ahmed as well as their respective families for witnessing this auspicious occasion, praying Almighty Allah to bless the marriage.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya was also at the Masjiduttaqwa, GRA Gombe where he also served as the ‘Wali’ in the wedding fatiha between Sani Yakubu of Arch. Yunusa Yakubu family and Lauratu Ibrahim which was contracted upon payment of 50, 000 Naira dowry.
The wedding fatiha, presided over by the Chief Imam of the mosque, Sheikh Adamu Ardo, was witnessed by dignitaries, including former Governor of Borno state, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff.
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