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Gombe Government advocates stiffer penalty for rape, kidnapping.

The Gombe State Government is considering a law that could prescribe death penalty for perpetrators of kidnapping and rape in the State.

The Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi stated this when he played host to the Coalition for the Eradication of Social Vices Among Youth, a non governmental organization established by youth of like minds to address delinquency among the younger generation in the country.

Professor Njodi said the present administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya is passionate on recreating a society where ethics, norms and values are upheld and obeyed, and therefore it will not shy away from bringing the full weight of the law to bear on any group or individual who engage in anti social behaviour.

He said the establishment of the Ministry of Internal Security and Ethical Orientation underscores the importance the present administration in Gombe State places on building a just and peaceful society.

The Gombe SSG who described as worrisome the continuous involvement of the under age in drug abuse and other social vices, called for concerted efforts from well meaning Nigerians to curtail the ugly trend.

“The issue is not just talking on the gallery, we must take the bull by the horn especially as it relates to rape and kidnapping and on this two topical issues of public concern, Governor Inuwa Yahaya is so serious that once the State House Assembly does the needful concerning the death penalty law the Governor will assent to it”.

He commended the Organisation for their foresight, assuring them of the State Government’s readiness to partner with it.

The Project Manager of the Coalition for the Eradication of Social Vices among Youths, Jacob Kelvin said the mission of the organisation is to have a society free from youths engagement in social vices through constant awareness.

He said in the three years of its existence, the organisation has consistently carried out awareness campaings and road marches on topical issues such rape, drugs abuse, Gender Based Violence and kidnapping in Plateau State.

Jacob Kelvin said their decision to come to Gombe was informed by the receptive posture of the Present administration in the State, which places premium on Security and Ethical Orientation as well as youths empowerment among other areas of interest.

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GOMBE STATE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS STIFFER PENALTY FOR KIDNAPPERS, RAPISTS.

The Gombe State Government is considering a law that could prescribe stiffer penalty on perpetrators of kidnapping and rape in the State.

The Secretary to the Gombe State Government Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi stated this when he played host to the Coalition for the Eradication of Social Vices Among Youth, a nongovernmental established by youth of like minds to address delinquency among the younger generation in the country.

Professor Njodi said while the present administration of Governor Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya is passionate on recreating a society where ethics, norms and values are upheld and obeyed it will not shy away on bringing the full weight of the law to bear on any group or individual who who engages in anti social behaviour.

He the establishment of the Ministry of Security and Ethical Orientation underscores the importance the present administration in Gombe State places on building a just and peaceful society.

The Secretary to the Gombe State Government who describes as worrisome the continuous involvement of the under age in drug abuse and other social vices called for concerted from well meaning Nigerian to curtail the ugly trend.

“The issue is not just talking on the gallery we must take the bull by the horn especially as it relate to rape and kidnapping and on this two topical issues of public concern, Governor Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya is so serious that once the State House Assembly does the needful concerning the dead penalty law the Governor will assent to it”.

He commended the Organisation for their foresight assuring them of the State Government readiness to partner with it.

The Project Manager of the Coalition for the Eradication of Social Vices among Youth Jacob Kelvin said the mission of the organisation is to have a society free from youth engagement in social vices through constant awareness.

He said in the three years of it existence, the organisation has consistently carried out awareness and road marches on topical issues such rape, drugs abuses, Gender Based Violence and kidnapping in Plateau State.

Jacob Kelvin said their decision to come to Gombe was informed by the receptive posture of the Present administration in State which places premium on Security and Ethical Orientation and youth empowerment among other areas of interest.

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Covid-19: Gombe seeks UN support to strengthen social safety net.

The United Nations Resident Coodinator (RC) and Humanatarian Coodinator(HC) In Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon has assured Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of UN’s support to Gombe state in its quest to strengthen its social safety net as part of its post covid-19 plans.

The UN representative in Nigeria gave the assurance when Governor Yahaya paid him a courtesy visit at the UN House in Abuja.

He noted that the imposed restrictions, temporary closure of schools, markets and other establishments have impacted on the markets and left those in the informal sector as well as many households in immediate economic setbacks, hence the need to come up with strategies to utilize the social protection system that will be adaptive and resilient to shocks as a measure to respond to socio-economic implications at the household level and stabilize the economy.

Mr. Kallon said “, these are difficult times for the leaders. And Until we find a convergence between fiscal and monetary policy, we are in a fix”.

” On our part however, we are trying to do our best to help. We have established a COVID-19 Basket Fund to complement ongoing efforts to mobilise resources in support of Government’s Multi-Sectoral Pandemic Response Plan. We have so far mobilized about 61 million US Dollars. And we have been so open about it. The budget proposals were thoroughly debated by a technical committee. We are now putting a procurement of essential medicines and drugs to the tune of about 33 million US Dollars which will be distributed to cover not only the federal authority but also states, including Gombe”.

The UN Resident Coordinator said the distribution list will be made available to the Governors so that they will hold those responsible for the distribution accountable.

He said, Gombe is one of UN’s priority states, as such will benefit from the intervention and many other programmes being reeled out by the global body.

Earlier, Governor Yahaya sought the UN’s support in his administration’s efforts to mitigate the socio-economic impact of the global pandemic of covid-19.

He said although the pandemic exposed the weakness of the country’s health system, in Gombe state it served as a challenge to rejig the public health sector for effective service delivery.

The Governor said, being an area of priority, the health sector has received a remarkable attention in Gombe state with about 80 percent of the primary healthcare centres revitalized while Gombe Specialist Hospital upgraded.

Governor Yahaya said even before recording any case of coronavirus, Gombe state Government took proactive measures by constituting a Task force made up of highly experienced public health experts, establishing isolation and fully equipped treatment centres, adding that the state has also procured a PCR machine for its soon to be inaugurated testing centre among other strategies to curtail the spread of disease.

He said with the obvious socio-economic impact occasioned by the consequential restrictions and measures put in place, his administration is seeking closer collaboration and support from the UN and other development partners and agencies in its social protection agenda and other post covid-19 policy plans to stabilise the economy and protect the people.

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GOV. YAHAYA PAYS CONDOLENCE VISIT TO: MAISIMINTI, BABADIDI AND BUKAR FAMILIES OVER LOSS OF LOVED ONES.

The Secretary to the Gombe State Government Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi had at the instance of the state Governor, Mohammadu Inuwa Yahaya led Government delegation to condole with the Families of Yakubu Maisiminti and Malam Bukar Dahiru all of jekadafari quarters and that of Hamisu Babadidi of Dawaki quarters in Gombe metropolis over the loss of their loved ones, describing the losses as not only to members of their immediate families, but also Gombe State and the Nation in General.

Governor Yahaya urged the families to take solace in God and prayed Allah to grant the families of the deceased the futitude to bear the irreparable loss.

He said the contributions of the deceased to the development of the state will be greatly missed, especially humanitarian services of his child hood friend Dr.Lawan Hamisu Babadidi whom have devowed himself in rendering medical services especially to the less prevelege ones in the the society.

The Governor Prayed Allah to grant Aljannatul Fidausi as their final abode.

Responding on behalf of bereaved families, Alhaji Ibrahim Maiwake, Abubakar Lawan Ubale and Rabiu Ishaku thanked the Governor for identifying with them in their moment sorrow.

The Secretary to the Gombe State Government Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi was accompanied on the visit by Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Commissioners, Directors, Special Advisers and Assistants.

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Gombe Inaugurates 10-man Committee for re-opening of School.

The Gombe State Government has inaugurated a 10-man committee for the re-opening of Schools for graduating pupils and students across the State.

This follows recommendation by the Presidential Task force on convid-19 that Schools across the country be opened for graduating students in primary and post primary tiers of education.

The Gombe State Commissioner of Education, Dr. Habu Dahiru who inaugurated the committee said it marks another milestone in the improvement of the education sector in Gombe State.

“You may recalled that the Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya had on the 24th of March 2020 directed the closure of all primary and Secondary schools in the State as a proactive measure to curtail the spread of the covid-19 virus”.

Dr. Habu Dahiru said Governor Inuwa Yahaya showed passionate concern as soon as the Presidential Task force on Convid-19 recommended the re-opening of Schools for graduating pupils and students for the continuation of academic activities.

Also speaking at the ceremony the Executive chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Hon. Babaji Babadidi said the Board will work in partnership with the State Ministry of Education to ensure that students are protected from the covid-19 virus.

He sought for parents’ support to the State government by ensuring that their children imbibe safety protocols for the prevention of the Coronavirus.

Responding, the chairman of the committee Mr Dilah Magaji said they will work to satisfy the demands of the terms of reference given to them.

The terms of reference for the Committee include; to assess and analyse the impact of Covid-19 lockdown on the academic activities of Primary and Secondary Schools in the state.

Others the commissioner said are, to suggest a diligent and well-thought-out method for gradual reopening of Primary and Secondary Schools in the state in consonance with Covid-19 protocols as well as recommend appropriate methods and best practices to be put in place in the Primary and Secondary Schools as safety nets and precaution for the reopening of all schools in the state.
The rest he said are to make recommendations on how to address and bridge the gaps in teaching/ learning process brought about by the sudden closure of all schools during the lockdown with a view to indentify the lost of academic period and to develop deliberate strategic steps for the sensitization of all stakeholders in the education such as PTA’s SBMC’s Head Teachers/ Principal, among others for the smooth and hitch free reopening of all the schools in the state.

According to him, the committee is to also propose a well planned academic calendar for the requiring period of the 2019/2020 academic session for Primary and Secondary Schools in consonance with the prevailing trends in the country, to develop effective monitoring strategy for ensuring that all schools comply with approved recommendations before, during and after reopening of schools and to advise Government on the financial burden and cost implications of the adopted procedure, amongst others.
The Committee has one week to summit it’s report to the Commissioner of Education, Dr Habu Dahiru.

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Governor Inuwa Yahaya visits UBEC.

…seeks closer collaboration to address Almajiri issues, basic education challenges

In continuation of his engagements in Abuja, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya today visited the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC to forge stronger synergy and collaboration with the commission in improving access to safe quality education for all children in Gombe state.

Governor Yahaya met with the Executive Secretary, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi where he was assured of the commission’s readiness to continue to support the state’s policies and programmes aimed at improving basic education.

Governor Yahaya had told his host that his administration is introducing more effective and sustainable strategies to address the challenges of Almajiris and the out -of-school children in general through its flagship programme, Better Education Service Delivery for All, BESDA.

He said Gombe had a home grown policy initiative for the Almajiri which has proven successful, adding that the new concept it intends to implement will further improve the tsangaya system and create better atmosphere for the almajiris and their teachers through the establishment of learning centres fully equipped with skills acquisition facilities and other infrastructures to give them opportunity to be productive children with a promising future.

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Gombe explores areas of partnership with Taj Bank to boost financial Inclusion, unlock opportunities.

…As non-interest financial institution sets to open branch in Gombe

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has said that Gombe state is ready to take advantage of innovative products and services offered by the newly established Taj Bank for the benefit of the people of the especially in the area of agriculture as well as small and medium scale businesses.

The Governor stated this when he visted the corporate headquarters of the bank in Abuja.

Taj Bank, is a non-interest financial institution recently licenced by the central bank of Nigeria.

During the visit, Governor Yahaya was briefed by the Chairman of the bank, Alhaji Tanko Ishiyaku Gwamna and the Managing Director, Mr. Norfadelizan Abdulrahman on the activities, operations and products of the bank.

The Governor noted that the products and services of the bank are favourable to small holder business men and women , especially those in the rural communities who may not have the capacity to access loan facilities from coventional banks.

He said Gombe state will leverage on several packages introduced by the bank to boost financial inclusion and empower the people economically.

Governor Yahaya noted that there are a lot of opportunities to unlock through the bank, especially with various Central Bank of Nigeria’s agricultural facilities and intervention funds which will benefit the people of the State.

The Governor said inspite of misconceptions concerning non-interest banking, statistics have shown that people of all faiths access its services.

“Am sure all of you know very well that Gombe is the centre of commerce in the North East, because we share boundaries with all the states of the region; so our centrality makes it convinient for all the neighbouring states to have commercial relationships and activities with Gombe. This will definitely help alot in making you reach out to large chunk of the people”.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed optimism that with the current covid-19 pandemic, CBN has a wide window to accommodate all the products of the bank especially as it affects anchor borrower and financial support to small and medium scale enterprises.

He congratulated the bank for its achievements so far and assured the financial institution of the support of the government and people of Gombe State.

Earlier, the Chairman of the bank , Alhaji Tanko Ishiaku Gwamna said Taj Bank was established about a year ago after obtaining its license from the central bank of Nigeria to explore the non- interest financial sector which he said comes with alot of opportunities.

He said due to its ease of doing business, developed countries are now taking advantage of non-interest financial instrument to expand the frontiers of their businesses

While thanking Governor Inuwa Yahaya for being the first state chief executive to visit, Alhaji Gwamna assured the government and people of Gombe State that the Bank will partner with the state to boost its financial inclusion and the economy in general.

“Very soon we are going to open our branch in Gombe, which will serve as a regional hub because of its strategic location and business opportunities as well as the disposition of Your Excellency and the foundation you laid for business to thrive”.

The Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Norfadelizan in his remarks said Gombe state will soon feel the presence of the non-interest financial institution through its services and technology which will eventually ink the state to other parts of the world and help unlock a lot of opportunities, including leveraging on the Nigeria- Malaysia business relationship.

The Executive Director of the bank, Ahmed A. Joda said the presence of the new financial institution in Gombe will help expand the economic frontiers of the state, especially in the area of Agriculture.

He said, ” We are looking at the CBN intervention funds, including the anchor borrower, commercial agricultural credit scheme and so many other agric related funds which we want to unlock for the people of Gombe state and which we believe the agric entrepreneurs in the state will benefit immensely from”.

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Gombe Government mourns Adamawa Monarch, Hama Bachama.

Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has sent a high powered delegation led by the state Deputy Governor, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau to condole with the government and people of Adamawa State over the death of Hama Bachama, Homun Honest Irmiya, Paramount Ruler of Numan.

The delegation comprised the Deputy Chairman of Gombe State Council of Emirs and Chiefs and Mai Kaltungo, Engineer Saleh Mohammed, the Bala Waja, Alhaji Muhammad Danjuma Mohammed and the Nidu Grah Cham, Dr. James D. Chachis, among other government functionaries.

The Gombe team was received at cradle and source of Bachama civilisation, Lamurde by the Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Chief Crowther Seth in company of the custodians of Kingdom.

Delivering the condolence message, Dr. Manassah Jatau described the deceased as a man of peace who contributed immensely in nation building and left behind enduring legacies.

He lamented that the late Hama Bachama died at a time his wise counsel and royal guidance would have been very useful in navigating the country out of the challenging storms.

The Deputy Governor extended the condolences of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and the good people of Gombe State, stressing that the two states have for long shared many things in common, hence the visit to share in their pains.

Speaking on behalf of the Emirs and Chiefs of Gombe State, the Mai Kaltungo Engineer Saleh Muhammad said the deceased Hama Bachama had contributed in solidifying the relationship between the two states, praying the next Monarch would sustain the existing fraternity.

Responding on behalf of the Kingdom, Chief Mikaro Dominic, District Head of Lafiya- Lamurde thanked the government and people of Gombe state for identifying with them in their moment of sorrow.

He said they have had course to attend numerous events in Gombe state with the late Hama Bachama and assured that the relationship will be sustained.

Special prayers were offered for the repose of the soul of the deceased traditional ruler.

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Governor Inuwa Yahaya visits North East Development Commission.

…says interventionist agency on right track

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has expressed confidence in the ability of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to deliver on its mandate of rebuilding the region which has suffered colossal losses due to insurgency.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya stated this when he visited the corporate headquarters of the Commission in Abuja in a bid to foster synergy and strengthen collaboration between Gombe State Government and the

NEDC.

Governor Yahaya was received by the commission’s Managing Director, Mohammed Goni Alkali and other top management staff.

In a chat with the press after a closed door meeting, the Governor lauded president Muhammadu Buhari for establishing the NEDC to address some of the challenges bedevilling the devastated north east region.

He said as an interventionist organisation, it behooves the commission to work with the Governors of the states that comprise the North East in order to achieve its objectives.

“And because of the situation we found ourselves, all the States have keyed in and aligned with the aspirations of the NEDC as envisaged by Mr. President”.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya said the primary responsibility of government is to provide security and protect the lives and property of the people as well as to work towards adding value the human live.

He said Gombe and indeed all the states in the North East are working in close collaboration with the NEDC to have development placed on the right trajectory for the general good of the people of the region.

He commended NEDC for its humanitarian services and effort so far in rebuilding critical infrastructure across the region, expressing the hope that the commission will achieve the purpose upon which it was established.

The Gombe State Governor said the State will work assiduously to provide the needed support and cooperation for the commission to implement its programmes for the benefit of the people in the State and the region in general.

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Gombe Governor parleys NIGCOMSAT Management.

…as agency set to open north east regional office in Gombe

Gombe state Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has said that his administration will leverage on the high tech innovation and services offered by the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, NIGCOMSAT to advance its e-governance and other digital inclusion strategies.

Governor Yahaya stated this when he played host to the Management of NIGCOMMSAT, led by its Managing Director, Mrs Abimbola Alale who paid him a courtesy visit at the Governor’s lodge in Abuja.

Governor Yahaya who underscored the importance of Information communications technology in the sustainability of development, said his administration right from onset had developed an ICT blueprint and keyed into the federal government’s digitization agenda, adding that plans have already reached advanced stage for the establishment of Gombe State Information Technology Development Agency.

He said with NIGCOMMSAT’S setting up of its north east regional office in Gombe, the satellite operator will have in the state government a partner in its broadband and other broadcast services.

” For us, the order of the day is for everyone to go digital. That is why during the transition period prior to my inauguration as the state Governor, I set up a committee on Information Communications Technology under the chairmanship of Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, when he was then the DG of NITDA to help us fashion out a digital technology plan and strategy that will engender efficiency and effectiveness in our governance and support our teeming youth to take advantage of the ICT to advance their knowledge and socio-economic activities”.

“We appreciate the efforts of NIGCOMSAT in trying to change our fortunes for the better through your services. Let me assure you of our support to facilitate your setting up of the regional office in Gombe and patronage as you do your business here which I believe will come with a lot of opportunities for our people, especially with covid-19 and its consequential restrictions and protocols”.

Earlier, the Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, Mrs Abimbola Alale, commended the efforts of Governor Inuwa Yahaya in bringing Innovation to the governance of Gombe state, saying their broadband and satellite services will further support the Governor’s digitization and e-governance drive.

She disclosed that NIGCOMSAT Limited, which owns and operates the Nigerian Communications Satellite systems is opening its North east regional office in Gombe.

She said the establishment of the office will create a lot of opportunities for the people of the state in terms of manpower development, business, e-learning, tele medicine services and e-governance among others.

The Managing Director said the company will partner with the state ministry of science and technology and other companies that may spring up on account of the presence of NIGCOMSAT in Gombe on all ICT related businesses and activities.

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