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A Gombe-based environmentalist, Mr Ismail Bima, on Friday called on all stakeholders to ensure the protection of bees and other pollinators in the country. Ismail who is also the Chief Executive Officer, Jewel Environmental Initiative (JEI), an NGO, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Gombe. He said that the call was to commemorate the World Bee Day and to raise awareness on biodiversity threats, promote protection for bee and other pollinators. He said that without improving the overall bee protection, Nigerians may face severe environmental and food security challenges in view of their roles in pollinating majority of crops. According to him, bees also help to pollinate majority of the earth’s flowers and wild plants, which support healthy ecosystems to sustain humanity. Bima lamented that in spite of the crucial role of bees to the natural environment and food systems, the population of bee and other pollinators in the country continued to decline. “Today you can hardly find butterfly and other insects that we usually see anyhow those days,” he said. He said Nigerians must ensure that the ability of the earth to nurture life in all its diversity was guaranteed through good agricultural activities that supported the survival of insects. “The indiscriminate cutting down of trees, bush burning, use of pesticides and insecticides, and climate change is causing habitat loss for pollinators. “Some of the dangerous pesticides used on farmland due to their risks to bees, should be banned,” he said. According to him, the preservation of bee is part of effort towards achieving food security in the country, adding that with beekeeping Nigeria could improve food security and earn foreign exchange from export of organic honey. He urged youth to harness the potentials in beekeeping to create jobs for themselves as against the norm of waiting for white-collar jobs. “Youths with trainings can embark on beekeeping to increase the population of bees and to earn money for themselves because a litre of organic honey now sold for between N4,000 and N4,500. “The government can leverage this to boost revenue for the nation and earn foreign exchange while creating jobs for our teeming youths,” he said. While commending Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State for planting trees to create an environment conducive for bees to live, Bima urged Nigerians to continue to plant more trees, especially during the wet season. NAN reports that the World Bee Day is marked annually on May 20, to raise awareness about the essential roles bees play in supporting people and the environment. The first celebration of World Bee Day took place on May 20, 2018, having been unanimously approved by the United Nations General Assembly in New York in December 2017. The Day also highlights growing threat bee and pollinators face and how such threats can adversely impact food security, nutrition and entire ecosystems. This year, World Bee Day will be celebrated with the theme ‘Bee Engaged: Celebrating the diversity of bees and beekeeping systems’. (NAN)
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday inaugurated 76 housing units under the National Housing Programme (NHP) of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing in Gombe.
Buhari, represented by Prof. Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy said the project was in line with his administration’s development agenda to meet the housing needs of Nigerians.
He said the inauguration of the project was in response to Nigerians’ aspirations to own homes, adding that he was optimistic that the project would address housing deficit in the country.
He said that the 76 housing units comprised 48 units of two-bedroom, 24 units of three-bedroom and four units of one-bedroom bungalows.
According to him, the project is being executed with road, water supply, electricity connection and other facilities, adding that the project started in 2016 was to ensure availability of befitting accommodation for Nigerians.
He commended the Gombe State Government for donating the land, and also other private sector stakeholders that collaborated with the government.
Also speaking, Babatunde Fashola, Minister of Works and Housing, said the project would have a socio-economic impact on the host community.
Fashola who was represented by the North-East Zonal Director, National Housing Programme, Usman Bashir reiterated that the project was part of the infrastructure development agenda of the President Buhari’s administration.
He said the NHP project would trigger employment generation and other benefits to Nigerians, adding that it was being implemented in 35 states of the federation.
The minister said the design of the project across the country was the outcome of a national survey conducted by the ministry, which sought to find out the housing needs of Nigerians as well as ensure that occupants get good value for money spent by the government.
Fashola said that the houses had been offered to Nigerians in a non-discriminatory manner through the NHP portal application to ensure that interested persons were not inhibited by “artificial obstacles.”
Also speaking, Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State lauded the NHP project, saying that the Federal Government’s effort in housing infrastructure in the state was commendable.
Yahaya represented by his deputy, Manassah Jatau said the gesture would complement his administration’s effort in fast tracking development in the state for the benefit of the citizens.
(NAN)
The Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu-Abubakar III, says Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s integrity and accomplishments have endeared him to Nigerians across the country.Shehu-Abubakar spoke in his Gombe palace on Monday while receiving the vice president who paid him a courtesy call.Osinbajo, who was accompanied by Gov. Inuwa Yahaya, was in Gombe State as part his consultations with All Progressives Congress(APC) stakeholders, ahead of the 2023 presidential election.“It is my great honour to welcome the vice president to Gombe; this is not your first visit to Gombe; you were here with us recently; your visit today outlines the strength of friendship that exist between your office and the people of Gombe State.“The vice president has been part of the success of President Muhammadu Buhari administration in your role as Chairman of National Economic Council; in many other roles including that of acting president; you have left indelible marks in the annals of this country.“Your interventions in the areas of economic policies, MSMEs, Ease of Doing Business, social investments and many other areas have left lasting impact on our people,” he said.He added: “You have maintained a track record of extreme integrity as an accomplished legal luminary, religious leader and now, a politician.“These attributes have endeared you to many Nigerians across ethnic and religious persuasions; we therefore pray for your continuous success in all your endeavours.”The traditional ruler said that President Muhammadu Buhari placed trust and confidence in Osinbajo because of his integrity and achievements.Earlier, Inuwa said the vice president’s visit to the state was remarkable.He said that Osinbajo’s visit was to interact with delegates preparatory to APC primaries and expressed optimism that the vice president would get the party’s ticket at the presidential primaries.“It is a primary election that will produce him, by the Grace of God, as the next president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Gombe is home to you, Sir; for so many reasons, and looking at the dynamics and the place around, it is you that this caps fits squarely; nobody can doubt that.“And I make bold to say that these people that you see both in the traditional and other aspects of governance within our society are really committed to seeing that you actualise this ambition by becoming, Insha Allah, the President of Nigeria,” he said.
In his response, Osinbajo thanked the traditional ruler for the warm reception and good wishes.
The vice president said that over the years, he had acquired the experience needed to steer Nigeria effectively.
“On April 11, I formally declared intention to run as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“And I did so after serving as vice president to President Muhammadu Buhari for the past seven years and praying that by God’s Grace, I will do so for another year, up until May 29, 2023.
“In that period of seven years, I had the honour of serving under a transparent leader, President Buhari, one who exposed me very diligently to all that there is to know about governing a complex and very diverse s country such as ours.
“So, I believe that all the experience; that seven years period is important now; especially, as our country now wishes to transit; to move from one administration to another,” he said.
The vice president said he believed that the experience and exposure God had given him would be useful if elected president.
(NAN)
Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has thrown his weight behind the presidential ambition of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.
Yahaya stated this when Osinbajo paid homage to the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu-Abubakar, on Monday in Gombe.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Osinbajo was in Gombe to interact with All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in the state ahead of the party’s presidential primaries.
The governor said that Osinbajo has the capacity to deliver good governance to Nigerians, adding that he was optimistic as the next president Nigeria would reach the next level of governance to improve on citizens’ wellbeing.
“We are patriotic, we want this country to progress and get to the next level we want to attain.
“I can boldly say it, these people you see in traditional regalia, and on the government side, and the crowd outside are really committed to see you actualise this ambition by becoming the next president of Nigeria by God grace.
“Gombe is a home to the VP for so many reasons; looking at the dynamics and the place, it is you that the president cap fits, squarely nobody can doubt that,” he said.
In his remark, Osinbajo said he was at the palace to pay respect to the emir.
“We are not allowed to play politics in the palace otherwise I would have made a long speech, I only want to let you know that on April 11, I declared my intention to join the presidential race,” he said.
The VP said with the seven years experience he garnered under President Muhammadu Buhari, he was now exposed to lead the country in 2023.
He said that serving under a transparent leader like President Buhari, it was an asset he would leveraged to give Nigerians good leadership.
“I believe with the experience that God gave me in that period will be useful if God helps me and enables me to become the president,” he said.
In his response, Alhaji Shehu-Abubakar described Osinbajo as part of the successes recorded by President Buhari’s administration in the country.
”Your intervention in the area of economic policy had impacted in the lives of so many Nigerians.
“Your vast experience and good attributes; you have maintained a track record, we are studying your humility and grace, we appreciate you and we pray for more success in all your endeavours,” the royal father said.
(NAN)
Eleven members of the 2021 Batch ‘A’ Stream 1 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) posted to Gombe State have had their service year extended for various offences, just as seven others absconded during the service year.
Speaking at their Passing-Out Parade held at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe on Thursday, the Gombe State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Ada Imoni, said the extension was issued after facing a disciplinary committee.
Imoni stated that while the scheme rewards hard work to serve as a morale booster, “it also disciplines erring corps members to serve as a deterrent to others.
“I therefore, call on other serving corps members to adhere to the rules and regulations guiding the operations of the scheme at all times.”
She commended those passing out for their “high sense of discipline exhibited throughout the service year.”
According to her, 683 corps members are passing out having completed their mandatory one year service.
“I commend you all for your enormous contributions in the state through Community Development Service (CDS) in areas like the Health Initiative for rural dwellers, NYSC National Environmental Sanitation exercise and your individual projects,” she said.
She called on them to put the creative ideas acquired through the NYSC skills acquisition programmes to work and “join the clique of product or service providers.”
She appealed to the outgoing corps members to steer clear of politics as the election year draws closer, urging them to be good ambassadors in the society.
“Young compatriots, the election year is fast approaching. I implore you not to allow yourselves be used as political thugs.
“Remember that even after the service year, you are worthy ambassadors of your families, institutions of higher learning and the NYSC Scheme,” she said.
On his part, Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State commended the corps members for their contributions through their various CDS and other NYSC initiatives to improve the welfare and wellbeing of the people.
Yahaya who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth, Alhaji Abubakar Musa, also commended the board and management of NYSC in the state.
The governor tasked the outgoing corps members to harness the huge potential in agriculture to become self-reliant, adding that the era of white-collar jobs were over.
Adama Joshua, the overall best corps member in CDS in an interview with newsmen said he was happy that his project was appreciated.
Joshua said the water challenge faced by poor persons in Kwami community of the state inspired him to initiate the project to proffer solution to the challenge by constructing a reservoir to store water for the community.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that 21 corps members were recognised for initiating various people-oriented projects through the CDS in various communities in the state.
NAN also reports that Alhaji Musa, the commissioner announced a N50,000 donation to Adama Joshua, the overall best corps member in CDS.
(NAN)
Gov Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, on Monday, appealed for collective efforts from all stakeholders to revive the Lake Chad.
Yahaya made the appeal in Gombe when he received a courtesy call from officials of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) Abuja.
He stated that the Lake Chad replenishment project aimed at diverting water from the Congo River basin to Lake Chad should be revisited to restore the lake back to its normal size.
He said doing that would help address some of the associated security issues in Northern Nigeria arising from the shrinking of the lake.
According to him, the water diversion scheme would help support farmers, pastoralists and enhance the economic lives of the people in those areas.
He stated that global warming and climate change were major issues that needed all the attention, in view of their importance to human existence.
The governor linked some of the security challenges like banditry, clashes to the effects of global warming and climate change.
He stated that the effect of global warming, climate change and other related issues, if not properly addressed, could worsen security in the country.
According to him, reviving Lake Chad through the water transfer project, the proper implementation of the Great Green Wall project to address deforestation and desertification would improve the environment and lead to peaceful coexistence.
“For me, I link the banditry and security challenges to the effects of global warming and climate change.
“For those that know, Lake Chad borders Nigeria, Republic of Chad, Cameroon and others; Lake Chad Basin used to be about 25, 000 sq.kms but as at today, it has shrunk to about 2, 500 or less.
“The tributaries that take water to the Lake from Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad Republic have virtually dried up, “ he stated.
Yahaya said the current state of the Lake had contributed to some of the challenges of insecurity and also migration of farmers and pastoralists from the region.
On efforts being made in the state to address climate change, Yahaya said his administration had embarked on massive planting of trees under the Gombe Goes Green (3G) project.
The 3G project, he added, had succeeded in planting nearly 3 million trees within the last three years, though not all the trees had survived.
He stated that the lack of community ownership and vandalism of woodlots planted in villages was affecting the project.
Yahaya further stated that mining activities in the state, poor farming practices, lack of vegetation control, deforestation, desertification, had contributed to depleting the environment.
He called for strengthening of synergies between agencies in the state mandated to protect the environment, to ensure proper implementation of policies and programmes aimed at reviving the environment.
Speaking earlier, the leader of the NISS team from Abuja, Dr Mkah Obi-Bisong, Directing Staff, NISS Directorate Headquarters, said they were in the state as part of the annual tours of participants at the institute.
Obi-Bisong said that the 16 participants who are part of syndicate five of the Executive Intelligence Management Course being offered by NISS in Abuja were in the state to carry out a mandatory course exercise.
“The purpose of the visit to Gombe State is to help them interrogate the course theme for this year, as each year, every course had a theme.
“And for this year, the theme is “The Global Climate Challenge, Prospects and Priorities for Economic Development and Conflict Resolution in Africa.”
She stated that the participants would want to interact to know the environmental issues with their security implications.
In addition, they would want to know the effects of climate change on Gombe state, its nexus with security issues and how the state government was managing the issues.
(NAN)
Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe state has urged youths to shun violence and other destructive tendencies, while cultivating the virtues of discipline and self-control in the society.
He stated this on Friday at a Tafsir session at Doma Mosque, Jekadafari Gombe.
The Governor said the call became necessary in view of the forthcoming general elections in which youths were the main targets of some unscrupulous politicians bent on causing distress and disruption to the peaceful atmosphere.
“ I am calling on youth to completely do away with violent tendencies and be good citizens of the state and country at large.
“Parents should also live up to their responsibility of installing discipline and good values on their wards.
“ This is the only way that they would grow up to become great leaders and responsible citizens in the society.
“ When children are properly equipped with home values, discipline and guidance, they would grow up to exhibit good character and build on the legacy of credible leadership.
“ The training from home would make the society a better place for all” he explained.
The Governor further said that his administration was passionate about the plight of the youth; “ we will address the socio-economic challenges in the State through empowering the youth, to make them gainfully employed,” he said.
He solicited special prayers for the state and the country at large to overcome all the challenges, especially in these last 10 days of Ramadan.
Earlier in his remark, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa who presided over the Tafsir session, commended the Governor for having listening ears and simplicity, assuring him of his support and prayers at all times.
Source Credit: NAN
Mr. Mohammed Ahmed, General Manager of the Gombe State Environmental Protection Agency (GOSEPA), assured the cleaners that no worker would be fired despite signing a new contract with another contractor.
Ahmed gave the guarantee while answering questions from journalists in Gombe on Thursday, following a protest over the supposed replacement of casual workers who clean the metropolis's drains and streets.
The head of GOSEPA said that it was unfortunate that the protest was due to misinformation and assured that no workers will be fired despite the new contract.
He said that the state government was concerned about the welfare of casual workers, therefore any decision would be in their best interest.
He said that after the contract with the private environmental provider, INEX Cleaners, expired, the government decided to advertise for other companies because of the large amount of money being spent on INEX.
“Five companies submitted bids after the announcement, and the state government signed a new contract with two different environmental providers based on their favorable official bids.
“The government carried out an investigation which shows that the Gombe government is paying more than most states to clean up their environment.
“According to the signed administration contract, the state pays INEX N930,000 to clean one kilometer (km), while other states pay N465,000 per km,” he said.
The general manager explained that the casual workers were paid N12,000 each per km and 10 workers were contracted per km, which amounted to N120,000 of the N930,000 that the state government paid to the company.
He said the state government signed a new contract with the supplier which quoted N450,000 per km on the condition that all previous workers would be retained and their wages increased to N15,000.
The Nigerian News Agency , reports that casual workers with INEX cleaners came out to protest their alleged dismissal and replacement.
Workers who protested in front of Government House sang songs of solidarity and begged Governor Inuwa Yahaya to intervene in the matter with a view to ensuring their job security.
Some of the protesters said that some people in GOSEPA wanted to disobey the governor's directive asking the new contractor to retain them, saying; “And we know that the governor is not against us.”
Gombe State Acting Chief Judge Judge Mu'azu Pindiga said Wednesday that the state judiciary resolved 10,271 cases in 2021.
Pindiga revealed this by declaring legal year 2021/2022 open in Gombe.
He said 3,028 cases were pending in state courts and would take until 2022.
According to him, most of the cases presented in the state, which included civil and criminal files, were presented and heard in the Courts of First Instance and Area Courts.
He also said that more than $ 48 million was obtained from court fines and fees, probate fees, marriage registration and court fees.
The chief judge said that during the year under review, 20 judicial officials lost their lives.
Pindiga said that with the support of the state government, personnel were sent to various capacity-building training institutions throughout the country.
While praising Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his support, he urged the state government to implement the full independence and autonomy of the state judiciary.
He said that this would ensure an effective and efficient administration of justice.
In addition, Pindiga accused the judicial officials of exhibiting dedication, transparency, decorum and high-level behavior.
In his comments, Yahaya commended the judicial officials for the commendable achievements and successes recorded in discharging their statutory responsibilities during the year.
“The delivery of criminal justice is a collective responsibility of all stakeholders in our judicial system.
“It seems imperative to me to congratulate the Judiciary for working in harmony with other sectors to achieve our desired objective of consolidating a truly crime-free and peaceful society.
“It is in this sense that I recently appointed three judges from the High Court and two Kadis from the Sharia Court of Appeal to improve the speedy dispensation of justice.
"The state government also provided vehicles for the newly appointed judges and the Kadis to facilitate the effective delivery of services," he said.
He stated that his administration was committed to ensuring a strong and independent judiciary to facilitate a fair and swift administration of justice.
"In order to ensure the independence of the Judicial and Legislative Power in accordance with the principle of separation of powers, I recently accepted the Law that grants fictitious autonomy to the two branches of government in the State," he said.
He pledged his administration's commitment to continue supporting and sponsoring workforce development and wellness training for judges and judicial personnel in the state.
Source: NAN
The National Reconciliation Committee of the Congress of All Progressives, APC, met with Governor Inuwa Yahaya and other party bigwigs in Gombe State.
The meeting followed a petition submitted to the committee on party congresses by Senator Danjuma Goje (APC - Gombe Central).
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe and the chair of APC's Vigilant and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, CECPC, had launched a nine-member committee in October under the chairmanship of Senator Abdullahi Adamu (APC - Nasarawa West).
The committee was given the mandate to reconcile the aggrieved party members in the aftermath of the outcome of the party congresses.
Adamu told a news conference shortly after Friday night's meeting in Gombe that the committee received a petition in the state.
He said the committee was mandated to reconcile any perceived misunderstandings, grudges or conflict in the party, adding that unity among members remained paramount for the party.
The chairman said the committee had been on the right track to ensure that all members received a fair hearing in the interests of party unity.
He said he approached Senator Goje and gave the committee the reason he did not attend the meeting.
“We have listened very carefully to the government and the party. This government is our government.
“What we always do is start from what we know and look for what we don't know.
“We have heard the complaints against the party that is in government, because it is illogical that one wants to clap with one hand.
“You must clap with both hands if you want to be heard clapping; we will meet with Senator Goje, despite the fact, the petitioner who did not appear at the hearing of the petition ”.
The president said that for the sake of a fair hearing, the committee would give Senator Goje the opportunity to have listened to the government and then advise the party on the exit.
He expressed confidence that APC in Gombe was "strong and alive", emphasizing that complaints in the party would not go unheeded and would be resolved quickly.
Also speaking, Yahaya said that the party would continue to strengthen because "we are united, a great family that focuses on meeting all the demands of our party supporters."
NAN also reports that Adamu was accompanied by five committee members at the meeting.
The President explained that the remaining four members had compelling reasons for being absent.
Those absent were the Minister of Special Duties and former Governor of the state of Benue, George Akume; Former Enugu State Governor Sullivan Chime.
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and former Vice Governor of Lagos State, Oluranti Adebule.
The more than three-hour night meeting that began Thursday was attended by the APC state president, two sitting senators and members of the House of Representatives, party elders, among others.
YAYA
