Sahel Online News

Gombe to Commence Modern Tsangaya Learning System.

…as NBAIS hails Governor Inuwa Yahaya for leading way in reforming almajiri system

Gombe State Government has concluded arrangements to commence the implementation if modern Tsangaya Programme to improve on the almajiri qur’anic education in the state.

According to a statement by the Governor’s media aide, Ismaila Uba Misilli, the State’s Commissioner of Education, Dr Habu Dahiru made this known, shortly after the leadership of the National Board of Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) visited Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya at the Government House Gombe.

Dr. Dahiru said due to the Governor’s commitment to improving the education sector, plans have gone far to start implementation of the modern Tsangaya learning system, which will carry the almajiris along qur’anic and western education, vocational trainings as well as issue them with certificates upon graduating.

He said, “Gombe State Government is ready to commence the full implementation of the modern Tsangaya Qur’anic Education in the State”, adding that “we have already gone far in developing a work plan that will strengthen the Tsangaya Centres at the state level that will coordinate other sub units at the community level”.

He said the Centres will be equipped with necessary facilities that will ensure proper and effective incorporation of the Tsangaya system of learning into the mainstream western education.

He said the new centres are going serve as comprehensive hub that will give the children both education and skills so that at the long run enrollees can be self reliant.

Dr. Dahiru said the State Government through the Ministry of Education will profile all Tsangaya Schools, their teachers and learners with a view to building their capacity for effective service delivery.

“That is why if you see the team, the Quality Assurance and Tsangaya System Directors were there. We will give the teachers upliftment courses and produce syllabus and the NBAIS will organize examination with certificates issued to the successful ones”.

Dr. Dahiru said his ministry has begun sensitizing the Tsangaya Teachers on the new innovation and thereafter a summit will be organised to compare notes and share ideas.

In his remarks, the registrar of the board, Professor Muhammad Shafi’u Abdullahi who led the NBAIS delegation, said the board is satisfied with the plans and preparations of Gombe State Government on the Tsangaya Programme, while commending Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for leading the way in reforming the almajiri learning system.

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Governor Inuwa Yahaya Inaugurates Reforms Council, Steering Committee.

Desirous to ensure efficiency in coordination, management and integration of all reforms programmes in Gombe state, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya today inaugurated the State Reforms Council and the Steering Committee to bolster activities of the civil service and place the state on the path of progressive development.

The State Reforms Council is to be headed by the Governor while the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi is to lead the Steering Committee.

Performing the inauguration ceremony at the new banquet hall of the Government House, Governor Inuwa Yahaya said the formation of both Committees was borne out of his administration’s concern on the welfare of the State work force and the decay in the system.

He described the civil service as the engine room of Government but regretted the neglect the service has suffered over time, leading to low capacity, lack of motivation, indiscipline and redundancy.

He added that his administration is determined to change the narrative.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya who went down memory lane said one of his actions upon becoming Governor of Gombe State was to set up a committee on Public Service Reforms which eventually gave birth to the State Bureau of Public Service Reforms to turn around the fortunes of the State workforce.

He said another area his administration beamed its search light was the pruning of the over bloated Government Ministries from 27 to 21 in order to drive efficiency, foster great synergy, reduce cost of governance and improve service delivery.

The Governor said in as much as the covid-19 Pandemic has slowed down the effectiveness of the Reforms, his administration is still committed to the targeted goal.

The Governor said while the Bureau of Public Service Reforms is tasked with initiating reform programmes bordering on civil service, economy, governance and land among other areas, such initiatives must have to be vetted by the steering committee and approved by the State Reform Council.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed confidence in the ability of the Bureau, the Steering Committee and the Reform Council to deliver on the much needed reforms to return the service to its former glory.

He thanked members of both committee for keeping fate with the current leadership calling on civil servants and public officials to cooperate and be productive as it is no longer business as usual.

Responding on behalf of both committees, the Secretary to the Gombe State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi said in as much as reforms are a bitter peals to swallow, it has to be undertaken if the state must make progress.

“To who much is given, much is expected” the chief scribe affirms, assuring the Governor that the Committees will justify the confidence repose in them.

Members of the State Reform Council which is headed by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya include the State Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, the Speaker Gombe State House of Assembly, Hon. Abubakar Sadiq Kurba, the State Acting Chief Judge, Justice Muazu Pindiga, the SSG, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Inuwa Kari, Head of Service, Alhaji Babayo Yahaya and the immediate past Chairman of the committee on Review and Restructuring of of the civil service, Dr. Ibrahim Jalo Daudu while the Director-General, Gombe State Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Alhaji Daudu Kaltungo is to serve as secretary of the Council.

The State Steering Committee has the SSG as chairman while its membership includes the Head of civil service, the chairmen of Civil Service, Local Government, Teachers Service and Judicial Service Commissions.

Others include the Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget, Planning and Donor Agencies Coordination, Permanent Secretary Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and his counterpart in Finance, State Accountant and Auditor Generals, Auditor General for Local Government, D.G Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Chairman Board of Internal Revenue service, Chairman Gombe State Investment and Property Development and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity while the D.G. Bureau of Public Service Reforms is to serve as secretary of the committee.

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Governor Inuwa Yahaya hosts UN Resident Coordinator.

…assures symbiotic relationship with UN

…As global body pledges continued support to Gombe to address its challenges

Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya says his administration will continue to work in partnership with United Nations Agencies to address challenges bordering on education, health, agriculture, security and skills development in order to advance the course of humanity.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya stated this when he granted audience to a United Nations delegation led by the Resident Coordinator, Ambassador Edward Kallon at the Government House.

The Governor described the composition of the visiting UN team as the calibre of professionals the State is desperately in need of to address the teething challenges confronting it.

He said his administration understands and appreciates the fact that unless critical issues affecting humanity are addressed and placed on the path of human capital development, the state may not be able harness and utilize its human and natural resources for the benefit of all.

“In the past, efforts were made more on cosmetics than on the real issues that touch on the interest of the people and for that we missed the way”.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya said the country has no reason to be in the situation it currently finds itself giving the abundant human and natural resources at its disposal.

He said the country’s population and natural resources ought to be an advantage and not disadvantage, adding that if properly tapped and utilized, the agricultural resources God has endowed the country with is enough to make the nation a clearing house for food production.

The Governor pledged that with the framework of the State, his administration will continue to strengthen the relationship with the UN so that the aim of the partnership can be achieved for the benefit of the people.

He said in comparison with other states in the North East sub-region, Gombe State is relatively peaceful which makes it a hub for individuals fleeing crisis to seek refuge.

Governor Yahaya said in the spirit of brotherliness, the State provided spaces for IDPs to settle, noting that the action has put a strain on the State meager resources and infrastructure.

The Governor emphasized the need for the Gombe State Government and UN to continually work in synergy in order to address the ever growing human challenges both in the State and the country as a whole.

He said special consideration needs to be given to the State because of its strategic position in the North East, its relative peace and the traction for people fleeing crisis in the sub region and elsewhere.

The Governor appreciated the UN team for accepting to come to the State at a time when the world is still grappling with the covid-19 Pandemic.

Earlier speaking, the UN RC, Edward Kallon commended the State for its comforting role to those displaced by insurgency and general disasters in the neighbouring North Eastern states.

“Pressure of insurgency and natural disaster in ravaged sister states in north East is seriously telling on Gombe, my presence here is to assure you that you are not alone, UN shall share your pains and burdens”.

The team advised the State on how best to survive the post covid-19 era towards socio-economic emancipation of the state amidst assistance from International donor agencies.

The UN Chief lauded Governor Inuwa Yahaya for allocating a grazing reserve for the Federal Government Livestock Transformation Programme which is aimed at addressing the incessant farmers/herders clashes.

The RC and his team had earlier held separate interactive sessions with some key members of the state executive council and civil society organisations based on some thematic areas.

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NARD lauds Gombe Governor over unprecedented transformation in health sector.

The Gombe state chapter of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD has expressed solidarity with Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya over the ongoing large scale positive transformation in the health sector by his administration.

In a letter jointly signed by its president, Dr Sa’idu A.B Alhassan and secretary, Dr Sadiq Usman Nasir and personally delivered to the Governor by the leadership of the association, NARD noted that despite the meagre resources available to the state Government, the good intentions and positive actions of Governor Inuwa Yahaya towards healthcare related issues are glaring for all to see.

It said health sector in Gombe state has received one of the highest and best ever transformation so far within a short stay of Governor Inuwa Yahaya in office.

” We wish to thank you for bringing to light the Hospital Management Board ( HMB) which we have been battling to have for over a decade now, and building to completion House Officers’ accommodation to enable us to commence house job at the Specialist Hospital Gombe.

” We are also not unaware of the massively ongoing revitalization of Primary Health Care Centres across the 114 wards if the state by your administration, equipping them with operational facilities through a robust partnership with a US-based Organization (project cure) to donate lightly used medical equipment to hospitals in Gombe”.

The association further hailed the Governor for collaborating with UNICEF to revitalize one PHC in all the wards of Kwami LGA as well as facilitating the state’s enrolment into the basic health care provision fund programme by fulfilling all the criteria for participation and settling all the outstanding liabilities of the village health workers.

While regretting their past actions, the association assured of continuous industrial harmony.

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Gombe Governor mourns AA Haruna.

…attends funeral prayers for late businessman

Gombe state Governor Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has expressed grief over the demise of prominent businessmen and philanthropist, Alhaji Ahmadu Haruna who died in the early hours of today in Gombe at the age of 84.

Governor Yahaya, who attended the funeral prayer for the late AA Haruna held at the Emir’s palace, described the deceased as a devout muslim, community leader and strong pillar whose legacy of charity and humanitarian service to the people endeared him to everyone.

He noted that, “Death is inevitable and necessary end that must come when it shall. We are, however, consoled that Late Alhaji Ahmadu Haruna contributed positively to the development of the society during his life time and left an indelible footprint on the sands of time and a legacy of philanthropy, service to Islam and community development”.

He urged those he left behind to emulate the virtues of honesty, humility and selflessness which the deceased represented.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Gombe state, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire members of the AA Haruna family and the Muslim Ummah over this monumental loss. May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and reward his good deeds with Aljannat Firdaus”.

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UN Chief Kallon visit Gombe hails de-radicalisation programme of the Federal Government.

The United Nations resident Coordinator for Humanitarian Operation Edward Kallon has arrived Gombe State on a two day working visit.

The UN Chief was receive at the Gombe International Airport by top Government officials led by the Secretary to the State Government Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi.

On arrival, the UN team proceeded to the Malam Sidi Deradicalisation Rehabilitation and Reintegration Camp Operation Safe Coridor where they were briefed by the Operation Safe Coridor Commander Major General B.M.Shafa and the Camp Commandant Brig.General Musa Ibrahim about the Program which is basically aimed at reorientating repentant Boko Haram insurgents with a view to reintegrating them back to the society.

While commending the effort of the state for the foresight, he said the programme is an element of reconciliation and peace building process.

He said the North East have for the passed 11years suffered from the insugency which has so far claim over 37 thausand lives with a total of 2 million people displaced.

He said the UN have been providing humanitarian assistance to the region and will continue to do so for the benefit of humanity.

Mr. Kallon call for a collective effort in bringing a lasting solution to the security challenges in the North East.

Mr. Edward Kallon and his team were accompanied to Malam sidi Deradicalisation and Rehabilitation camp by the Special Adviser to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya on Budget, Planning and Development Partners Coordination Dr. Ishiyaka Mohammed.

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Governor Inuwa Yahaya lauds NAF for Speedy Actualization of Forward Operational Base in Gombe.

…Performs Ground Breaking Ceremony of 203 Combat Reconnaissance Group

…As Chief of Air Staff hails Gombe Governor for Allocating 230 Hectares of Land to NAF

Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has performed the official ground breaking ceremony of 203 combat Reconnaissance Group of the Nigerian Airforce at the Gombe International Airport.

Performing the ceremony alongside the Chief of Air staff, Governor Inuwa Yahaya said the speed at which the 203 Reconnaissance group is being established in Gombe is a reflection of the quality of leadership of the Nigerian Airforce under the watchful eyes of Air Marshal Sadiq Baba Abubakar.

“I notice with keen interest the effort put in place to actualise the establishment of the combat Reconnaissance group as fast as possible, the land was allocated in August 2020 and today we are all here to witness the ground breaking ceremony”.

He commended the steadfastness of the Chief of Air staff towards the establishment of the Reconnaissance group in Gombe calling on officers and men of the Nigerian Airforce to maintain team spirit as they battle insurgency and other forms of criminality.

The Governor thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the establishment of the 203 combat Reconnaissance group despite the economic meltdown prompted by the covid-19 pandemic.

” Let me seize this opportunity to commend and thank our dear President, who despite the economic challenges occasioned by the covid-19 pandemic has continued to provide the required support in the fight against Boko Haram, banditry and other forms of criminality.

” I equally commend members of the National Assembly for appropriating and approving the funds for the construction of this base”.

The Governor said the Geographical position of Gombe State in the North East places it at a strategic position for the citing of the Reconnaissance group of the the Nigerian Airforce in the State.

He said the operational base will further boost the management of security in Gombe, the North-East and the country as a whole, adding that without security nothing can fundamentally be achieved.

Governor Yahaya said his determination to partner with the Nigerian Airforce towards the establishment of the 203 Combat Reconnaissance group in the State was demonstrated in the prompt allocation of 230 hectares of land for the project, reiterating that Gombe is ready to host officers and men of the force.

The Governor assured the Nigerian Airforce of his administration’s unflinching support as well as the cooperation and understanding of the people of the State towards the full operation and continuous stay of the group.

Earlier speaking, the Chief of Air staff, Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar said the ground breaking ceremony marks the commencement of operations of the 203 Combat Reconnaissance Group of the Nigerian Airforce.

He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his pragmatic leadership in supporting the expansion of the Nigerian Airforce and Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his zeal and determination towards the establishment of the base in Gombe.

Air Marshal Abubakar disclosed that prior to the coming of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, the force had only two units in Yola and Maiduguri but that at present NAF has established units in virtually all the states within the North-East sub-region.

He informed the Governor that men and platforms have already been deployed to the forward operational base in Gombe and will begin engagements with the State Government for a successful commencement of operations.

” Let me also note that the establishment of this Base in Gombe is yet another clear testimony of the Federal Government’s commitment to overcoming the security challenges in the North East and indeed the entire country.

” The Unmanned Aerial Vehicles that would be deployed here at the 203 Combat Reconnaissance Group, along with Force Protection component and other support elements, will undoubtedly bring new capabilities to the spectrum of operations of the Service thereby further enhancing our ability to contain the threats to our communities and citizens. The Commander, as well as the first set of personnel to man the Unit, are already posted to Gombe and, in the days and weeks ahead, they will work with the State Government to ensure that the Group is ready to commence active operations in the shortest possible time”.

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Gombe Moves to Reposition State-owned Bubayero Microfinance Bank.

…as Governor Inuwa Yahaya Sets Up Interim Board

In a bid to restructure and reposition the state-owned Bubayero Microfinance Bank, the Governor of Gombe state, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has approved the constitution of an 11- member interim board.

The board is headed by the Hon. Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development.

Members of the board are;
2.Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice

Hon. Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy affairs
Hon. Commissioner for Trade, industry and tourism.
Accountant-General
Auditor- General for State
Auditor-General for Local Governments
1 representative from each of the 3 senatorial districts and
Alhassan Muazu is to serve as Secretary of the board

At its inaugural meeting, the interim board considered the report of the government appointed external auditors which revealed the actual position of the bank.

The board also suspended the management of the bank and appointed an acting management during its second meeting. The suspended management are to proceed on recovery leave to enable them recover loans granted by them.

The board assures all customers of the bank that the decision taken is in their interest and that of shareholders and will not in any way affect its services but only further improve and reposition the bank to perform its function.

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Gombe Governor receives Chief of Army Staff.

… promises continuous support to nation’s ground forces

Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has praised the Nigerian Army for its relentless war on terror as well as other forms of criminality bedevilling the nation.

The Governor gave the commendation when he received the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Yusuf Tukur Buratai who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Gombe.

He noted that the Nigerian Army has contributed immensely in restoring peace in the North East and the country as a whole, saying prior to the appointment of Lieutenant General Buratai as the Chief of Army Staff, the security situation in the region was precarious.

He said Buratai has distinguished himself through professional conduct which has led him to the peak of his career as a military brass.

“As a matter of fact, the Chief of Army Staff has done alot and we must express our happiness and pride that our son has reached the zenith of his career and has done so very well to Nigeria and the whole world”.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya informed the visiting Army Chief that Gombe has been a home for individuals fleeing crisis from neighbouring states of Borno, Adamawa, Yobe and Taraba, adding that the State Government has been providing succour to everyone who seeks refuge in the state.

He said in the spirit of support to the Nigerian Army and Nigerians, the Gombe State Government sacrificed its NYSC permanent Orientation Camp for use as a rehabilitation centre for repentant Boko Haram insurgents.

The Gombe State Governor said his administration will continue to support the Nigerian Army in carrying out its constitutional mandate of maintaining peace and protecting the nation’s territorial integrity.

On the Nigerian Army University Biu, Governor Inuwa Yahaya assured the Chief of Army Staff that his administration will partner the institution for the benefit of the people of the state.

Earlier speaking, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Yusuf Tukur Buratai said he was in the state in furtherance of his operational tour of Army Units and formations, particularly those within the theatre of operation lafiya dole in the North East sahel and in the North West.

He commended the Government and people of Gombe State for their proactiveness in maintaining the peace in a zone that is bedevilled by security challenges.

Lieutenant General Buratai thanked the Governor of Gombe State for appropriating a large portion of land for the construction of the permanent site of the 301 Artillery Brigade Barracks.

He said the Nigerian Army is determined to end all forms of criminality in the country, calling on the people to partner the Army towards achieving the goal.

The Chief of Army Staff appealed to the Governor not to relent in supporting the Nigerian Army particularly the Nigerian Army University Biu which he said was established to address the educational needs of the people in the North East and the country as a whole.

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Gombe Agency for Community and Social Development reels out 10 years achievements.

..As project comes to a close.

Gombe State Agency for Community and Social Development says it has expended over 2.9 billion naira on Community Driven Initiatives CDI in the last ten years in the State.

The General Manager of the Agency Abubakar Ardo Kumo stated this while delivering account of stewardship to Community Project Management Committee CPMC drawn from communities who have so far benefited from the Agency’s intervention.

Ardo Kumo said the Agency deemed it necessary to invite signatories from Community Project Management Committee CPMC in communities that have so far benefited from the Agency’s intervention in order to intimate them on the overall performance of the social development organisation.

He said it was only normal for the Agency to display it accounting books for everyone to see its income and expenditures in the interest of transparency and accountability adding that the Agency which is largely sponsored by the World Bank is build on the principles of accountable and responsive leadership.

Ardo Kumo said in the last 10 year the Agency has constructed numerous classrooms and examination halls, health care centres, VIP toilets, electrification of communities across the State and construction of orphanages among other projects that have direct bearing on the needs of the people.

He commended Governor Mohammadu Inuwa Yahaya for accelerating the activities of the Agency through prompt payment of counterpart funding saying the Governor has equally Commissioned some projects of the Agency, the first of its kind in the history of the Agency.

He said communities across the State have shown greater interest in the activities of the Agency giving the number of applications the Agency has received requesting for intervention.

The General Manager of the Gombe State Agency for Community and Social Development said following the expiration of the current project, Governor Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya has made a case for the State to be included in next phase of the project which will now be known as Nigeria Covid-19 Action Response and Economic Stimulus.

On their part the Managers Administration and Finance Haruna Imam as well as that of operations Labilwa Ismaila charge communities that have so far benefited from the Agency’s intervention to take full ownership of projects at their domain so as to guarantee its its longevity.

They said community ownership of project have been proven to the best way to sustain intervention for a very long time.

Some members of the Community Project Management Committee said the Gombe State Agency for Community and Social Development has displayed a rare attitude to project Management and execution.

While recalling with nostalgia the ease at which the Agency intervene in their various communities through the execution of community driven projects, the members of the Community project Management committee CPMC praise the Gombe State Government for making a case for the State to be included in the new project code named Nigeria Covid-19 Action Response and Economic Stimulus CARES.

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