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Author: Hajara Leman

  • NSGF condemns Gwoza suicide attack

    Condemnation

    Attack by Hajara Leman

    Gombe,June 30, 2024(NAN) Gov. Inuwa Yahaya, Chairman, Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF),  has expressed deep condolences to the victims, government and people of Borno,  following the recent tragic suicide attacks in Gwoza Local Government Area of the state.

    He stated this in a statement signed by Alhaji Ismaila Misili,  Director-General,  Press Affairs, Government House, Gombe  on Sunday.

    Yahaya, who is also the Governor of Gombe,  strongly condemned the heinous act, which resulted in the loss of innocent lives and left many injured.

    He described the attack as cowardly, and emphasised that such acts of terror have no place in a peaceful and progressive society.

    “These cowardly attacks by bloodthirsty terrorists will never break the spirit of the peace-loving people of Northern Nigeria and our great nation,” he said.

    The governor acknowledged the relentless efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in combating terrorism and the pressure being mounted against the criminal elements.

    He expressed a firm belief that with sustained efforts and cooperation among security agencies, the menace of terrorism would be effectively curtailed.

    “We must ensure that our security apparatus is always a step ahead of these terrorists. Enhanced intelligence and proactive measures are vital in preventing such tragic incidents,” the urged.

    Yahaya also commended the Borno Government for its swift response and measures taken to stabilise the situation and reassure the affected communities

    “Gov.  Babagana Zulum and his administration have shown exemplary leadership in the face of this tragedy.

    “Their prompt actions have helped in calming the situation and providing immediate relief to the victims,” he said.

    Yahaya further called for collective resilience and unity among the people of Northern Nigeria, saying: “We must stand together, undeterred by these acts of terror.

    “Our unity and resolve will ultimately defeat the forces of darkness and ensure lasting peace and security in our region.”

    The NSGF chairman reassured the victims and their families of support and solidarity of the Northern States’ Governors.

    “Our hearts go out to the victims and their families.

    “The NSGF stands united in solidarity with you and remains committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure peace and stability prevail across the region and  nation in general,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    HUL/CHOM/BRM

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Bashir Rabe Mani

     

     

     

     

  • Transformer theft: Gombe Govt. suspends Village Head, Councillor

    Transformer theft: Gombe Govt. suspends Village Head, Councillor

    Theft
    By Hajara Leman
    Gombe, June 28, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has approved the immediate suspension of the Village Head of Garin Majidadi in Akko Local Government Area (LGA), Mohammed Majidadi, over his alleged involvement in a transformer theft.

    Also, the LGA announced the suspension of the Councillor representing Kumo East Ward, Abdullahi Panda.

    The two suspensions are contained in a statement issued by the Director General, Press Affairs, Government House, Gombe, Alhaji Ismaila Misili, and made available to newsmen on Friday.

    The suspensions came in the wake of their arrest and subsequent parade by the state Police Command as well as their arraignment over allegations of conspiracy in the theft and sale of a community electricity transformer at Garin Majidadi.

    Misili stated that the suspension of both officials was a preventive measure to ensure that there was no interference in the legal process.

    He quoted the governor to have expressed his administration’s commitment to always uphold the rule of law.

    According to him, the governor further expressed confidence that justice would prevail and that the law would take its course, not only against Majidadi and Panda but also against any other individuals found to be complicit in the theft. (NAN)(wwwnannews.ng)

    HUL/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

     

  • DSS directors meet in Gombe to discuss security challenges

    Security

    By Hajara Leman

    Gombe,June 26, 2024 (NAN) Directors of the Department of State Security Service (DSS) on Wednesday converged in Gombe, to delibrate on security challenges bedevilling the North-East region.

    Mr Habu Sambo, the DSS Director in charge of Gombe State, said this during the inauguration of a three-day retreat in Gombe.

    He said the meeting was a significant step towards addressing the security challenges facing the region.

    Sambo, who is also the Chairman of the State Directors of Security, North-East zone, said the meeting would also provide a platform to cross fertilise ideas and experiences of best practices as well as forge partnerships on collective efforts to ensure the safety and security of the people.

    He commended the Gombe government, residents of the state, religious and community leaders for their cooperation.

    The deputy governor of the state, Manassah Jatau tasked the participants to proffer solutions that would identify and tackle emerging challenges like cyber crimes, of kidnapping, terrorism, farmers/herders’ clashes, cattle rustling among others.

    “As you spend three days discussing your mandate, I urge you to protect and defend the
    Federal Republic of Nigeria, from threats of enemies and those who do not want the prosperity of our nation,”  he said

    While commending all the security agencies in the state, Manassah pledged continued government support to the Service.

    Also, Mr Hayatu Usman, the Commissioner of Police in Gombe, urged the participants to proffer lasting solution to security challenges in the country’.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highlights of the event included presentation of plaques to Gov. Inuwa Yahaya, Emir of Gombe,  Abubakar Shehu III and heads of security agencies in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    HUL/EBI/RSA

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    Edited by Benson Iziama

  • GBV: WRAPA trains volunteers in Northeast

    GBV: WRAPA trains volunteers in Northeast

    Training

    By Hajara Leman

    Gombe, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Women Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), has held three days training, aimed at building the capacity of its newly recruited volunteers for effective documentation of Gender Based Violence (GBV) Cases.

    Mr Mohammed Maifada, Community Mobilisation Officer of WRAPA, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Gombe on Wednesday.

    Maifada said WRAPA, as a non-profit organisation, was committed to increasing women’s access to justice through legal means.

    He said the organisation recruited 60 volunteers across the six states in the North East.

    “In this region, Borno, Yobe and Taraba states were not as effective as Bauchi Gombe and Adamawa, hence the need for us to strengthen their capacity for effective coverage.

    ” This is because the volunteers are the ones to identify problems at the community level to support survivors and victims of Gender-Based Violence to secure justice.

    “ Also to ensure that women and girls are not left behind in decision-making, peace building, Social and gender inclusion,” he said.

    Hajiya Lami Buba, the Zonal coordinator of WRAPA, said the meeting was made possible by the grant given to the organisation by the Ford Foundation, to assess its progress and challenges.

    Buba said even youth volunteers had joined the meeting.

    ” This is because we want them to mobilise the public to create awareness and ensure acceptance of WRAPA activities in their communities.

    “ From the beginning, the organisation had hurdles from mainly males because of their domination of women.

    “We want the participants to understand WRAPA very well so that they will mobilise support from the communities;” she said.

    According to her, discrimination against women and girls starts from birth, because most families choose to send only male children to school, while on the other hand, some men also prevent their wives from working to earn a living.

    She said some of the achievements recorded were the establishment of women centres in various places to take care of women who were being discriminated against by their husbands or in-laws.

    Buba said WRAPA also took legal measures to ensure that no girl was prevented from going to school.

    Mrs. Anita Dogo, Gombe State coordinator of WRAPA, said the organisation was doing well and making impact in Gombe.

    ” We have fought Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP), and now working on Violence Against Women and Girls,” Dogo said.

    The coordinator said WRAPA had sponsored and won legal cases for victims of rape in the state. (NAN)

    HUL/DOR
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    Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

  • NDLEA leads stakeholders in a walk against drug abuse

    Sensitisation

    By Hajara Leman

    Gombe, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Tuesday led other stakeholders in a sensitisation road walk against drug abuse and trafficking.

    The event is part of activities to commemorate the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

    The International Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is being celebrated on June 26, and the theme for this year is: “The evidence is clear, invest in prevention”.

    The NDLEA Commander in the state, Mr Okechukwu Nkere, said the campaign was aimed at creating awareness on the dangers of substance abuse.

    “The NDLEA wants to help the public to live a healthy drug free life through the sensitisation campaign.

    “There is no gain in drug abuse, N100 drug can ruin a life, many are dying while others are in psychiatric hospitals as a result of drug abuse,” he said.

    According to Nkere, religious leaders are the major stakeholders in terms of creating awareness of the danger of drug abuse.

    “This is because we cannot be everywhere in Gombe, but once we enlighten them, they can take the message to the people,” Nkere said.

    He urged the Gombe residents to key into the state government’s project on drug abuse, to save the lives of the younger generations.

    He recommended for proper medical treatment of drug victims to effectively control the menace.

    “The problem is, instead of taking the victims to rehabilitation centre, they try to manage the case at home.

    “We have a functional rehab centre which is the cheapest in Nigeria, you can sponsor one person, he doesn’t have to be your relations,” he said, adding that the Agency conducted 79 sensitisation exercises with different groups.

    Nkere further said the Agency had seized 2,112.295 kilogramme of drugs including 2,020.473 kg of Marijuana and 91.822kg Psychotropic substance.

    He said the Agency also arrested 152 suspects, secured 51 conviction, 117 pending cases and counselled 124 clients.

    The road walk which commenced from Tashan-Dukku terminated at the Gombe Emir’s Palace, was attended by various groups comprising NYSSC members and Civil Society Organisations among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    HUL/RSA

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    Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

  • GO-CARES distributes inputs to 125,729  farmers in Gombe

    Inputs

    By Hajara Leman

    Kwami (Gombe State), June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Gombe State Fadama GO-CARES has begun distribution of farm inputs and assets to 125,729 farmers, to encourage agricultural productivity.

    The farmers are being supported under the fourth phase of the Fadama GO-CARES programme of the state Ministry of Agriculture.

    The Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Salihu Baba-Alkali said this during the inauguration of the distribution exercise on Tuesday at Kwami town in Kwami Local Government Area of the state.

    He said the gesture would support poor and vulnerable farmers in line with the agenda of Gov Inuwa Yahaya led administration, to alleviate poverty and enhance create wealth creation.

    Baba-Alkali said the Fadama GO-CARES had impacted the lives of 47,482 persons and executed 32 viable projects since inception in the state.

    He listed the projects to include farmer support services, construction of earth dams, access roads, culverts and drainages as well as upgrade of water and sanitary facilities,

    According to him, the focus is to leverage on agriculture to create employment opportunities and enhance food security.

    “Today, we are here to inaugurate the fourth phase that targets a total of 125,729 direct beneficiaries.

    “Out of the number 42,300 beneficiaries will receive support as follows: 28,500 will receive agricultural inputs; 5,000 will receive agricultural assets, while 8,800 direct beneficiaries of rural infrastructure, where earth dams, culverts and drainages will be rehabilitated,” he said.

    Baba-Alkali lauded the state governor for providing the necessary fund and commitment to ensure the smooth implementation of the programme which to empower younthe and women to become self-reliant.

    Dr Barnabas Malle, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives, said the distribution was a continuous exercise to enhance participation in the programme and warned against diversion of the commodities.

    The gesture, he said, would go a long way towards improving the social and economic wellbeing of the beneficiaries.

    Also speaking, Dr Babayo Makka, the Coordinator, FADAMA GO-CARES implored farmers who were yet to benefit from programme to exercise patience, noting that the distribution was being done in phases to mobilise participation in the programme.

    He said the intervention was part of the government’s effort towards improving the lives and economic fortunes of the poor and vulnerable persons in the state.

    “The state government has made giant stride to boost food security, enhance agricultural productivity and improve the quality of life of rural communities.

    “The infrastructure being provided will not only improve the health and wellbeing of the communities, but also stimulate economic growth and development.

    “I wish to appreciate the government of Gombe State for the timely release of funds to support the activities of the GO-CARES programme across the various delivery platforms,” he said.

    One of the beneficiaries, Magaji Babawuro said the support would aid his farming activities.

    Babawuro said he had given up hope of cultivating his farmlands as he could not afford exorbitant prices of fertilisers and farm inputs.

    “The input came at a time I seriously needed it because I had no hope of farming but with this input, I will now return to my farm and not be idle at home,” he said. (NAN)( www.nannews.ng)

    HUL/RSA
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    Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

  • Gombe State begins water chlorination to prevent cholera outbreak

    Gombe State begins water chlorination to prevent cholera outbreak

    Chlorination
    By Hajara Leman
    Gombe, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Gombe State Government has started distributing chlorine to
    the 11 local government areas as part of measures to mitigate cholera spread.

    Dr Umar Musa, the Waste Manager of the Gombe State Environmental Protection Agency (GOSEPA), made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe on Tuesday.

    Musa said the targeted areas are wells, stagnant ponds and reservoirs, while areas that fetch water from rivers would get aqua tabs “since they cannot chlorinate a running river or stream.”

    He added that the aqua tab would be given to them, and the personnel handling the chlorination would teach them how to apply it in their drinking water.

    He explained that “chlorine is a measure to mitigate cholera spread because it will destroy all  pathogens in water which contain the bacterium called Vibrio Cholerae which causes cholera infection and other water-born diseases.”

    The manager, who said that the chlorine distribution would continue until December, added that “110 trained personnel are handling the distribution of both chlorine and the aqua tab to communities.

    “The use of chlorine was the preventive method Gombe State also adopted in 2023 and it yielded positive results because there was no single case of cholera recorded.

    “In 2023, however, the distribution was only to hot spots but this time around, we expanded to other areas and increased the quantity from six to 10 drums.

    “Chlorination is a proactive measure against gastroenteritis and cholera, which is a water-borne disease.”

    Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Habu Dahiru, said “so far, of the cases of gastroenteritis recorded in the state, none turned out positive for Vibrio Cholerae.

    “What we are doing in Gombe is more of preventive measures because people travelled during Sallah and on their return, they may habour the organism, hence the need for prevention.”

    The commissioner emphasised the need for safe water and basic sanitation and hygiene practice as  critical ways of preventing and controlling the transmission of cholera and other waterborne diseases.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    HUL/HA
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    Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • Low rainfall compels Gombe farmers to relocate to Taraba

    Rainfall

    By Hajara Leman

    Gombe, June 24, 2024 (NAN)Some farmers in Gombe State have started moving to Taraba for cultivation of crops while others are seeking for divine intervention as the state records historic low level of rainfall.

    Investigation carried out by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in the state on Monday reveals that some farmers embarked on early planting despite warnings from meteorologists against such decisions.

    NAN reports that farmers from Billiri, Kaltungo, Shongom, Balanga and some parts of Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Areas of the state were among those insisting in early planting.

    NAN further learnt that some farmers from Gombe, Dukku and Akko council areas had yet to embark on planting.

    Mr Banyula Hala, the Chairman All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Gombe State, said the low rainfall due to effect of climate change had become a cause for serious concern.

    Hala said the situation might impact negatively on productivity in this year’s wet cropping season.

    “The low rainfall will affect wet farming this year but since rains are from God; farmers should turn to God and be optimistic that in a week time or thereabouts, there will be more rainfall.

    “Some farmers have planted while some are yet to plant; those who planted, could not get enough rainfall; so, the seed didn’t germinate as expected, and they would have to replant,” he said.

    The AFAN chairman said that some of the farmers comprising Christian and Muslim faithful from the state had started organising special prayer sessions for improved rainfall.

    Hala said many farmers had migrated to Taraba State because the weather was better than that of Gombe.

    The AFAN chairman, therefore, advised farmers in the state to remain calm.

    “As long as we are praying for rain let us be patient and see what God will do for us,” he said.

    Mr Usman Adamu, the Secretary of Soyabeans Farmers and Marketers Association, Gombe State Chapter, said his members had planted their crops in Billiri, Balanga, Akko, and Kwami council areas despite the low rainfall recorded in the state.

    “Since rainfall is something that is beyond the government, we must pray for rainfall, and that is what we are doing now,” he said.

    Mr Ibrahim Abubakar, an extension worker with Maize Association of Nigeria (MAAN) Special Project in Gombe State, said most farmers were not ready to plant because of the low rainfall.

    Abubakar said most farmers in Akko LGAs had complained that rainfall had only been witnessed once in the last one week.

    “My concern is that it will affect productivity this year because farmers do not have enough water to plant as well as to apply fertilisers,” he said.

    For Alhaji Usman Kabiru, a retiree who embraced farming business in Gombe, said he had migrated to Taraba State (Southern part of the state) to embark on his farming activities because of the poor rainfall in Gombe.

    Kabiru said many farmers from the state had relocated to Taraba to rent farmlands and cultivate them for better yields.

    He lamented the impact of climate change which he said was responsible for the rainfall pattern being witnessed in the state.

    Kabiru said that the dry spell that happened last cropping season in Gombe State made most farmers to incur huge losses and were unable to get back their investments which further pushed so many farmers to Taraba in order to avoid unnecessary losses.

    “With the rainfall uncertainties in Gombe, many farmers relocated to Taraba because inputs are expensive so no one wants to take the risk associated with low rainfall.

    “As it is now, many farmers in Taraba south are almost ready to harvest their crops while some of their counterparts in Gombe State have yet to plant,” he said.

    NAN recalls that during the inauguration of fertiliser distribution and sales for 2024 wet season on June 20, Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State urged farmers and all stakeholders to pray more for God’s intervention for more rainfall in the state.(NAN)

     

    HUL/AOM/CJ/

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    Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed and Chijioke Okoronkwo

     

  • FG allocates 2,000 tonnes of fertiliser to Gombe farmers

    FG allocates 2,000 tonnes of fertiliser to Gombe farmers

    Support
    By Hajara Leman
    Gombe, June 20, 2024(NAN) The Federal Government has allocated 2,000 tonnes of fertiliser to support farmers in Gombe State during the 2024 farming season.

    Gov. Inuwa Yahaya stated this in Gombe on Thursday during the inauguration of fertiliser sale and distribution for the 2024 cropping season in the state.

    Yahaya said that attaining food security could only be achieved when farmers are supported with fertilisers and improved inputs.

    He added that the state government, in addition to the 2,000 tonnes provided by the Federal government, had procured another 2,000 tonnes of assorted fertiliser, making a total of 4,000 tonnes to support farmers.

    He commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting the state government  toward supporting farmers and boosting food security.

    He said the Federal Government allocation would be sold directly to farmers, while the remaining 2,000 tonnes would be sold through cooperative societies under which farmers would have the option to repay the government through their harvest.

    “This will ensure equitable and fair access to fertiliser by all and sundry, thus guaranteeing optimum price for farm produce and enhanced food security in Gombe State and Nigeria at large,” he added.

    The governor explained that a discount of 50 per cent had been granted to all farmers, noting that “a 50-kg bag of NPK fertiliser cost N22,000 and will be delivered to all the 114 political wards.

    “We shall ensure that the fertiliser reaches the grassroots by strengthening the sale monitoring system so that the commodity reaches genuine beneficiaries.”

    According to him, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives, security agencies, and civil society organisations have been directed to closely monitor sales of fertilisers to farmers.

    Mr Barnabas Malle, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives, commended the state government for supporting farmers with subsidised fertilisers and inputs in the last five years.

    Malle said the fertilisers would assist farmers to cultivate more to boost productivity and food security.

    He said measures had been put in place to ensure that the distribution and sale of the commodity was not sabotaged, adding that the exercise would be monitored closely by his ministry.

    While also commending the state government for releasing funds for this year’s annual vaccination against trans-boundary animal diseases such as Contagious Bovine Pleuro Pneumonia (CBPP), Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), Anthrax, he said the exercise would soon be inaugurated.

    According to him, the vaccines have been received from the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) Jos.

    He enjoined youths to embrace agriculture to reduce unemployment.

    In his goodwill message, Malam Ibrahim Bomai, the Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture in Gombe State, commended the governor “for providing quality fertiliser in time for Gombe farmers, which will guarantee good yield and enhance food security.”

    Bomai said the Federal Government had been supporting farmers in the state, assuring that President Tinubu’s administration remained committed to boosting food security in the country.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    HUL/HA

    Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • NUC accredits 43 programmes at Federal University, Kashere

    Accreditation

    By Hajara Leman

    Gombe, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The National Universities Commission (NUC) has fully accredited 43 academic programmes at the Federal University Kashere (FUK) in Gombe State.

    The commission granted the approval for all the programmes presented by the institution for the  October/November, 2023 accreditation exercise.

    This is contained in a statement by its spokesperson, Mrs Janet Ezekiel in Gombe on Friday.

    Ezekiel said the approval is contained in letter with reference number NUC/ES/412/VOL.14/327 addressed to the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Umaru Pate.

    “The document captioned: Result of the October/November 2023 Accreditation of Academic Programmes in Nigerian Universities indicated that in line with the provision of section 10 (1) of the Education (National Minimum Standard and Establishment of Institutions) Act CAP E3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

    “The commission has organized the accreditation of academic programmes at Federal University Kashere in October/November, and accredit all the 43 academic programmes that were presented in either Accredited, Full or Interim Accreditation Status,” she said.

    Ezekiel said the exercise covered undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for initial accreditation and re-accreditation.

    She said that four postgraduate and 3w undergraduate programmes earned full accreditation, while 7 other undergraduate programmes had interim accreditation.

    “It is important to note that by implication any postgraduate programme with accredited status and undergraduate programme with full accreditation will remain valid for five years after which it will be presented for re-accreditation whereas, those with interim accreditation status will last for two years before re-accreditation,” she said.

    According to Ezekiel, 98 academic programmes being run by the university got full accreditation including 49 postgraduate and 42 undergraduate while seven undergraduate programmes got interim accreditation status.

    The statement quoted Pate as expressing joy over the successful outcome, describing it as “a collective achievement”.

    While reiterating commitment to consolidate on the achievement, Pate sought for the support of the staff to transform the university into a “real citadel of learning”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    HUL/RSA

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    Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali