Sahel Online News

Gombe Governor Receives Women Affairs Minister.

…Vows to Pave Way for More Women Participation in Politics

…As Women Affairs Minister declares Governor Yahaya Champion of Women

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State says his administration will collaborate with the federal government and relevant organizations to tackle gender- based violence and all vices affecting women and children.

The Governor was speaking while receiving in audience the Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen who was on advocacy visit to interface with government and other stakeholders in the state.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya described the minister’s visit as timely in view of the spike in cases of rape, gender based violence and child abuse which bedevilled the state and the country, especially during the covid-19 lockdown.

He said given these unfortunate happenings to children and the women folk, the Nigerian society appears to be tilting towards moral bankruptcy which is inimical to the cultural values and heritage of the people.

“As a mother you naturally have to be more concerned than all of us but we are equally concerned; we must therefore work assiduously in order to address these issues and cover these gaps so that our children and grandchildren grow up to live in a happier and better world”.

To this end, Governor Inuwa Yahaya pledged his administration’s commitment to work in consonance with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to checkmate incidences of violence against women in the State.

The Governor who described women as the backbone of political emancipation, assured that his administration will continue to expand the political space to accommodate more women in governance, especially as the state prepares for the December 19th local government election.

“Without the women, a great portion of our political train will be cut off, so we shall continue to engage and involve them in politics and governance”.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya said the measure his administration has taken in respect to girl-child, adult and non-formal education programmes was such that the interest of women are accommodated and protected.

The Governor said ” if Gombe State can produce vibrant and quintessential amazons in the likes of Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, Zainab Bulkachuwa, former President of the Court Court of Appeal and Aishatu Jibir Dukku, then you can understand that there is no limit to what our women can achieve given the necessary support and encouragement “.

He told the Minister that his administration is on course to providing a shelter that will serve as home to abused women and trafficked children which will be under the supervision of the State Ministry of Women affairs and social development.

On Violence Against Persons Prohibition and Child Rights Acts, Governor Inuwa Yahaya said discussions have reached advanced stage with the State House Assembly to fine tune both Acts for their passage and eventual assent.

Earlier speaking, the Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his people’s friendly policies which include opening up of the state through the Network Eleven-Hundred road project initiative, the approval of one billion for women and youth empowerment and the selling of fertiliser to women at subsidized price.

The Minister equally thanked the Governor for revamping the health sector, which she described as fundamental to the survival of women and children in the State.

She described as worrisome the increasing cases of Sexual and Gender Based Violence SGBV meted on women, particularly minors, saying such act is criminal which must be condemned by all especially the men’s fork.

Dame Pauline Tallen however appealed to the Gombe State Governor to raise the bar in women participation in politics in Gombe State, especially as the State prepares for the local government elections.

The Minister who described Governor Inuwa Yahaya as a women-friendly Governor and champion of women course, said this virtue came to play when he personally place a call to her expressing his concerns over the arrest of some individuals who specialize in trafficking children.

She appealed to the Governor to expedite action towards the passage of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition VAPP and Child Rights Acts which are pivotal to the survival of children in the State and the country at large.

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No price is too big to pay for peace, Governor Inuwa Yahaya says.

…As Governor receives GOC 3 Div

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has said that no price is too big for his administration to pay for the people to enjoy maximum peace and security in the state.

The Governor stated this when he granted audience to the Acting General Officer Commanding, 3 Division, Jos, Brigadier-General Musa Danmadami who is in the State on an operational tour.

Governor Yahaya told the GOC and members of his entourage that while in the state, they should equally interact with the people to appreciate their fears in respect to security challenges facing them and the state.

He said the GOC’s visit which came barely two weeks after the Chief of Army Staff came calling, indicates how concerned and determined the Nigerian Army is to protect the peace in the State and by extension to restore calm in troubled spots across the country.

The Governor described the visit as necessary to understanding the dynamics of security in the state without which the army may find it difficult to profer solution.

“While you go round your military formations it is equally important to visit those places that are very vulnerable to attacks and threats so that you can know how to tackle them”.

He thanked the Army for the support Gombe State has been receiving from it but however noted that the peace and the location of the state at the centre of the North East makes it a safe haven for fleeing IDPs which may pose threat to the continuous peace of the state.

The Governor informed the visiting GOC that the mountainous area between Shongom Local Government Area of Gombe State and Karim Lamido of Taraba State has been a home to criminal elements who are hell bent on disturbing the peace and means of livelihood of the people.

“As you rightly said that Gombe is a peaceful state in the region, so if you allow Gombe to slip up and fall into that category then God forbid, the whole region will be having a problem and you can imagine 22 million people falling into danger”.

He charged the Army to redouble its efforts in maintaining the peace, as according to the Governor “instead of trouble coming in here, let peace reach out to them so that the whole subregion will be peaceful”.

He said inspite of the economic depression being experienced across the world due to the covid-19 Pandemic, his administration will not shy away from doing everything necessary to support the constitutional mandate of the Nigerian Military in maintaining peace and order in the state.

“Our political will can never be shaken in fact this is the only State in the region that has an entire Ministry for Internal security and Ethical Orientation, it was not by accident but by design to have such a Ministry because of our love for peace”.

Earlier speaking the Acting General Officer Commanding 3rd Armour Division Brigadier General Musa Danmadami said he was in the State on a familiarization tour of commands under the sphere of influence of the Division.

He said as the chief security officer of the state, it is mandatory for him to come and interact with the Governor and members of his cabinet on the dynamics of security in the State.

“There is no doubt that the state under your leadership has provided enormous support to the Division through the 301 Artillery Regiment Gombe”.

He commended the Gombe State Governor for the continuous support and appealed for such to be maintained even as the 301 Artillery Regiment makes plans to relocate to its permanent site along Gombe-Kumo road.

Brigadier General Musa Danmadami said he is of the view that crisis of whatever sort can only be addressed through political solution, a trait he said is inherent in Governor Inuwa Yahaya because of his administration’s commitment in carrying every section of the state along.

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Gombe Committed to reclaiming environment, Gov. Yahaya.

Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has reiterated his administration’s commitment to reclaim the environment through policies and programmes that will slow down the adverse effects of land degradation, climate change and global warming on the State.

The Governor stated this when he granted audience to a delegation from the National Emergency Management Agency, led by the Director General, Air Vice Marshal Muhammadu Mohammed (rtd) represented by the Team B leader, Bashir Idris Garga.

The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi said the present administration of Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya is passionate on addressing issues affecting the environment moreso that the State is grappling with incessant flood and land degradation due to its geographical location.

“You may recall that on coming into office, one of the first things the Governor started was trying to reclaim the environment because by his own assessment the current challenges facing the environment are human induced and that was why the Governor came up with the Gombe Goes Green 3G project which seeks to plant four million trees in the first four years of his administration”.

He said already the target of the first one year of the 3G project has been surpassed.

According to him, “one of the importance of the Gombe Goes Green Project is that when the trees are fully matured, they can protect the environment from wind and water erosion while improving air quality and providing shade for both human and animals”.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya identified poor agricultural practices and mining activities as some of the factors militating against the environment, saying his administration will continue to engage local and international organisations on how best to prevent further damage to the environment.

He said the Gombe State Government has noted with keen interest the support of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA to the state through the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA for the continuous assistance to victims of natural disasters in the State.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya said the State is usually overwhelmed by incidences of flood disaster which has almost affected every local government area of the State especially in this year’s rainy season, describing the Management of flood as cumbersome and challenging.

While assuring the National Emergency Management Agency of his administration’s commitment to continually partner with it, the Gombe State Governor tasked NEMA to evolve from being a reactionary agency to a proactive one.

Earlier speaking, the representative of the Director General of NEMA, Bashir Idris Garga said the team was in Gombe State to interface with the Government on preventive measures to avert incidences of flood in particular and natural disasters in general.

“Being an agrarian state, Gombe needs to be protected from any form of disaster because if left without any precaution it may just have an adverse effect on the livelihood of the people”, he said.

Garga called on the Gombe State Government to embark on clearing of drainages and desilting of water channels to avoid flooding within the State.

He said NEMA will continue to support the State Government’s effort at assisting victims of flood disaster to enable them stand on their feet again.

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Gombe Governor receives D.G NEMA, pledges Government commitment to reclaiming the environment.

Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has again reiterated his administration’s commitment to reclaim the environment through policies and programmes that will slow down the adverse effects of land degradation, climate change and global warming on the State.

The Governor stated this when he granted audience to the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency NEMA Air Vice Marshal Muhammadu Mohammed (rtd) represented by the Team B leader Bashir Idris Garga.

The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the Gombe State Government Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi said the present administration of Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya is passionate on addressing issues affecting the environment moreso that the State is grappling with with incessant flood disaster and land degradation due to it Geographical location.

“You may recalled that on coming into office, one of the first thing the Governor started was how to reclaim the environment because by his own assessment the current challenges facing the environment are human induced and that was why the Governor came up with the Gombe Goes Green 3G project which seeks to plant four million trees in the first four years of his administration”.

He said the importance of the Gombe Goes Green Project was that when the trees are fully matured, they can protect the environment from wind and water erosion while improving air quality and providing shade for both plants and animals.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya identifies poor agricultural practices and Animal rearing as some of the factors militating against the environment saying his administration will continue to engage Local and international organisations on how best to prevent further damage to the environment.

He said the Gombe State Governor has noted with keen interest the support of the National Emergency Management Agency NEMA and the State Emergency Management Agency SEMA for the continuous support to victims of natural disasters in the State.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya said the State is usually overwhelmed by incidences of flood disaster which has almost affected every local government area of the State especially in this year’s rainy season describing the Management of flood disaster as cumbersome and challenging.

While assuring the National Emergency Management Agency of his administration’s commitment to continually partner with it, the Gombe State Governor task NEMA to evolve from been a reactionary Agency to Proactive one.

Earlier speaking the representative of the Director General of NEMA Bashir Idris Garga said the team where in Gombe State to interface with the State Government on preventive measures to avert incidences of flood disaster in particular and natural disasters in general.

“Been an agrarian state, Gombe needs to be protected from any form of disaster because if left without any precaution it may just have an adverse effect on the livelihood of the people”

Garga called on the Gombe State Government to embark on clearing of drainages and desilting of water channels to avoid flooding within the State.

He said NEMA will continue to support the State Government effort at assisting victims of flood disaster to enable them stand on their feet again.

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Governor Inuwa Yahaya pays condolence visit to Zazzau Emirate.

Gombe state Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has paid a condolence visit to the ancient city of Zaria where he commiserated with the royal family, the emirate as well as people of Kaduna state over the demise of the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris, CFR who died yesterday at the age of 84.

The Governor was accompanied by former Governor of Gombe state and senator representing Gombe Central, Distinguished Senator Muhammad Danjuma Goje and Senator representing Gombe North, Sen. Saidu Ahmed Alkali.

The Gombe delegation was received by the representative of Kaduna state Governor and secretary to the state government, Alhaji Balarabe Abbas, the Waziri of Zazzau, Alhaji Aminu Ibrahim among other council and royal family members.

Governor Yahaya had earlier in a condolence message released to the press, described the late Emir as an iconic figure, legendary monarch and embodiment of humility, known for championing the course of peace, unity and mutual understanding.

He said, “We have indeed lost one of our finest and highly revered royal fathers in Nigeria; a patriot, statesman and selfless royal father.

“Throughout his 45 years of reign as Emir of Zazzau, his royal highness was known for preaching peace and championing the course of unity and harmony, not only among the diverse people of his domain or Kaduna state but the nation at large”.

Governor Yahaya said the late 18th Emir of Zazzau left behind huge vacuum and indelible footprints, calling on the members of the royal family to sustain the legacies of honour, dignity and selfless service left by the respected monarch.

The Governor, on behalf of the Government and people of Gombe State, extended his heartfelt condolences to his Kaduna state counterpart, Malam Nasir Ahmed Ahmed El-rufai and through him, the Zazzau emirate as well as the government and people of the state over the monumental loss, praying Almighty Allah to grant the deceased monarch Aljannat Firdaus.

The Waziri of Zazzau, Alhaji Aminu Ibrahim who responded on behalf of the Emirate, thanked the Government and people of Gombe state for identifying with them at their moment of grief, describing the historical ties between Gombe and Zazzau as a long standing ones.

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Gombe Governor mourns Emir of Zazzau, HRH Dr. Shehu Idris.

Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has expressed sadness over the demise of the Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness, Alhaji ( Dr) Shehu Idris, CFR who passed on today at the age of 84 years.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya, in a condolence message, described the death of the traditional ruler as a huge national loss.

He said the late Emir was an iconic figure, legendary monarch and embodiment of humility, known for championing the course of peace, unity and mutual understanding.

“We have indeed lost one of our finest and highly revered royal fathers in Nigeria; a patriot, statesman and selfless royal father.

He said the late 18th Emir of Zazzau left behind huge vacuum and indelible footprints, calling on the members of the royal family to sustain the legacies of honour, dignity and selfless service left by the respected monarch.

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Gombe Partners Energy Commission of Nigeria to Make State Energy Hub.

Gombe state Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has met with the Director General of Energy Commission of Nigeria, ECN, Professor Eli Jidere Bala at the Gombe state Governor’s lodge in Abuja.

The meeting was aimed at fostering a robust partnership between Gombe state Government and the Energy Commission of Nigeria in order to actualize the Governor’s initiative of making the state the energy hub of the north east both in terms of conventional energy source and maximizing the use of the Dadin kowa Hydropower plant as well as deployment of other variable renewable energy sources that will assist the development of the State.

The ECN Director General told newsnen after the meeting that Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has demonstrated uncommon desire and commitment to making Gombe State the energy hub of the north east.

He said “having realised the importance of energy to the socio-economic development of any society, the Gombe State Governor has reiterated the need for a sound partnership between the Energy Commission of Nigeria and the Gombe State Government”.

To this end, Professor Bala said his Commission will collaborate with the state and also make available any opening in the national and international energy organisations in order to ensure that the Governor achieves his policy initiatives on energy.

“The disposition of the Governor towards making Gombe the energy hub of the north east was very positive. He wants the best for Gombe and he needs external support and collaboration with other agencies both at the federal and International levels, and we are ready to provide such “.

He said the visit to the Gombe State Governor has encouraged him to play his role as the Chief executive officer of the energy commission and to continue to support in the growth and development of Gombe State.

Professor Bala said before now the commission had intervened to address the energy needs of some institutions, including the Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State University and the Federal Polytechnic Bajoga where solar street lights were installed to improve security on the campuses.

He said ECN has equally drilled some solar powered boreholes in Balanga Local Government Area and installed a solar mini grid to provide electricity to the Tallasse General hospital and a community clinic in Gelengu.

The ECN Director General said with the encouragement he received from Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, his Commission will stop at nothing to ensure that Gombe State continues to benefit from its projects.

” We need to support His Excellency in his laudable programmes. In my discussion with him, I have seen a man who has a lot to give to Gombe state and with a burning desire to make the state great”.

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Governor Inuwa Yahaya commiserates with Musa Danbayo, Usman Sokoto families.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has commiserated with members of the Musa Danbayo family over the demise of Hajiya Maryam Musa Danbayo who died yesterday in Gombe at the age of 76.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya, in a condolence message, described the death of Hajiya Maryam as deeply painful and a great loss, not only to her immediate family but to the entire people of the state.

He said the deceased will be remembered as a great mother and family pillar, who nurtured and supported her children to become responsible members of the society.

Governor Yahaya prayed Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased’s shortcomings and reward her good deeds with Aljannat Firdaus.

In the same vein, Governor Inuwa Yahaya has extended his heartfelt condolences to Hon. Sabo Usman over the demise of his father, Alhaji Usman Sokoto of Dawaki Quarters, Gombe.

The Governor described the late Alhaji Sokoto as a humble and respected elder in the community who impacted positively on the lives of many.

He prayed Almighty Allah to grant him Aljannat Firdaus and comfort those he left behind with fortitude to bear the great loss.

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Health Sector Reform: Gombe Joint Health Sector Union applauds Governor Inuwa Yahaya.

The Chairman, Gombe State Joint Health Sector Union, JOHESU, Comrade Abdulsalam Yakubu says the health sector reform currently going on in Gombe is a clear indication that the present administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya is passionate in addressing the rots that had existed in the system.

Comrade Yakubu stated this when he led executive members of the union on a courtesy visit to the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi at the Government House, Gombe.

The Chairman of the Union told his host that they were at the Government House to acknowledge Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s unprecedented achievements in the health sector within touching distance and to encourage his government not to be distracted but to remain focused on delivering the goods for the benefit of the people of the State.

He said the Gombe State Joint Health Sector Union is impressed with the infrastructural development so far undertaken by the present administration in the State, particularly the renovation and expansion of the State Specialist Hospital which now places the health facility at par with some major hospitals across the country.

“I was at a conference recently when people were asking me how does the Gombe state Government get the money to do the kind of renovation and expansion of health facilities in the State and I told them how passionate the Governor is to the physical fitness and wellness of the people of the State”.

Comrade Yakubu equally commended the State Government’s swift response to the covid-19 Pandemic, describing the approach adopted by the Inuwa Yahaya led administration as unique and result-oriented.

He said the establishment of the hospital management board and the introduction of the health insurance scheme for civil servants in the state are some of the proactive steps taken by the Gombe state Government to guarantee the longevity of health facilities and to give an insurance cover to workers and their families.

He noted that universal health coverage cannot be actualized without health insurance.

The JOHESU Chairman however appealed to the Gombe State Government to implement previledges due to all health workers in the state without recourse to placing the interest of some above the others as no one health professional can make a sick person well.

Responding, the Secretary to the Gombe State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi thanked the Gombe State Joint Health Sector Union for recognising the achievements of the present administration in the state particularly in the health sector.

He said Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya is committed to repositioning the health sector for the overall benefit of the people, describing the ongoing renovation and expansion of health facilities in the State as a step towards addressing the rots and righting the wrongs in the system.

“Gombe State Government under the leadership of Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has already paid for the supplies of equipment to all renovated and expanded hospitals in the State but for the covid-19 Pandemic the equipment are still pending due to restrictions in international travels”.

He said until such a time when Nigerian hospitals are fully revamped, Governments at all levels will find it difficult to discourage health workers from going into private practice.

Professor Njodi assured JOHESU of the state Government’s commitment to systematically address issues relating their welfare and promotion.

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Governor Inuwa Yahaya commiserates with Vision FM General Manager, Yusuf Baji over mother’s death.

Gombe state Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has commiserated with the General Manager of Vision FM Gombe, Malam Yusuf Ishaq Baji over the demise of his mother, Fatimah Isa who died today in Ganjuwa Local Government, Bauchi state at the age of 70 years after a protracted illness.

In a condolence message, Governor Yahaya described the deceased as a disciplined and forthright mother as well as family pillar who lived an exemplary life and remained a source of inspiration for her children until her death.

He said Hajiya Fatima’s death is a great loss, not only to her immediate family but to the state as well, consoling Malam Yusuf Baji and other children she left behind to take solace in the fact that their mother lived a life of service to Almighty Allah.

Governor Yahaya prayed Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased’s shortcomings and reward her good deeds with Aljannat Firdaus.

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