Zulum Extends Christmas Greetings to Christians, Vows to Steer Borno Towards Recovery

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has felicitated with the Christian community in the state on the occasion of Christmas, urging unity and support for his administration’s development efforts.

In a message delivered through his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, Governor Zulum emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving the state’s goals outlined in the 10-Pact Agenda, 25-Year Development Plan, and 10-Year Strategic Initiatives.

Zulum called on Christians to use the spirit of the season to promote love, forgiveness and good neighbourliness.

“On behalf of the Borno State government, I extend warm greetings to my Christian brothers and sisters on this joyous occasion,” Governor Zulum stated. “I pray for a peaceful and prosperous celebration, and encourage all citizens to use this season to support the less privileged, fostering stronger relationships across all communities.”

Governor Zulum highlighted that his administration will prioritize post-conflict and post-flood recovery to improve the living standards of the people.

He reaffirmed his commitment to providing quality leadership and driving positive change to ensure sustainable growth for the State.

“The task of rebuilding Borno is a collective one,” he continued. “I am dedicated to leading efforts that will transform the state and elevate its citizens to path of prosperity.”

In response to the challenges posed by the removal of fuel subsidy and the ongoing economic difficulties, Governor Zulum’s administration is providing crucial support to vulnerable populations.

This includes the introduction of a mass transport system, distribution of relief items to over 35,000 returnee households, and enrollment of over 94,000 vulnerable individuals into a free healthcare program.

The Governor also expressed his appreciation for the Christian community in maintaining peace and unity throughout the state.

“I sincerely thank the people of Borno for their continued support over the past five and a half years,” Governor Zulum added. “I assure you that my administration remains steadfast in its commitment to securing lives, restoring livelihoods, and revitalizing the state’s economy.”

Zulum enjoins all citizens to be law abiding throughout the festive period and beyond as government is doing everything possible to ensure sustainable peace in Borno State.

Zulum Extends Christmas Greetings to Christians, Vows to Steer Borno Towards Recovery

Gombe Breaks Barriers, As Governor Inuwa Signs Disability Protection Bill into Law

…Appoints PWDs Leader, Dr. Adamu as Disability Commission Executive Secretary

By: Ismaila Uba

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has signed into law, the Gombe State Disability Protection Bill 2024, which paves the way for the establishment of the Gombe State Disability Commission.

The landmark law establishes a framework for the empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities, ensuring social justice, protecting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the state, as well as ensuring accessibility, and participation in the society like every other human being.

During the signing ceremony of the bill which held at the Government House, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, announced the appointment of Dr. Ishiyaku Adamu, Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Gombe state chapter, as the Executive Secretary of the Disability Commission.

“The establishment of the Disability Commission will serve as a platform to address the needs and aspirations of our brothers and sisters living with disabilities”, the Governor said.

He remarked that since coming onboard, he has been supporting the growth of the PWDs community, saying he previously appointed Special Adviser and Special Assistants to coordinate the activities of the PWDs and serve as liaison between them and the government.

The Governor used the occasion to inform the Disability community of his recent directives for the renovation and remodeling of the only Special School in the state, adding that his administration will build two additional Special Schools so each senatorial district can have one.

He commended members of the Gombe State House of Assembly for their commiment in passing the bill and acknowledged the contributions of advocacy groups and stakeholders who championed the cause.

Speaking at the event, the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo, noted that the House had meticulously scrutinized every aspect of the bill to ensure its passage aligned with the aspirations of the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) community.

Responding on behalf of the disability community, the newly appointed Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Disability Commission, Dr. Ishiyaku Adamu, expressed gratitude to the governor for fulfilling a promise he made to the PWDs during the electioneering campaign in 2019.

“Today, you’ve set a record. I remember when we met with you during the electioneering campaign you made a promise that this bill would become a reality. And here it is today, we have witnessed this historic moment of signing it into law”, he stated.

“This commission will among others, promote education, healthcare and the well-being of persons with disabilities. Fifteen years ago, we took the same bill to the State House of Assembly, and it was rejected. Today, it has been passed and assented to. We will never forget this history. We thank the Governor, the State House of Assembly and other relevant stakeholders for making this possible”, Dr. Adamu added.

He informed the Governor that by signing the bill into law, Gombe has become the second state in the Northeast geo-political region to achieve this, assuring that he would work to ensure World Bank and other development partners support the commission in its activities.

The new Executive Secretary of the Disability Commission,
Dr. Adamu is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Political Science, Gombe State University.

Gombe Breaks Barriers, As Governor Inuwa Signs Disability Protection Bill into Law

BORNO STATE GOVERNMENT BOOSTS EDUCATIONAL SERVICES WITH VEHICLE SUPPORT TO SCHOLARSHIP AND LIBRARY BOARDS

By: Our Reporter

In a move to enhance the operations of educational institutions, the Borno State Ministry of Education has provided two Golf cars each to the Borno State Scholarship Board and the Library Board, along with a Hilux van for the Executive Secretary of the Scholarship Board.

This initiative aims to facilitate the boards’ daily activities and ensure efficient service delivery to students and other beneficiaries.

The Scholarship and Library Boards play vital roles in supporting the education sector, and the provision of these vehicles addresses logistical challenges, enhancing their capacity to deliver services effectively.

Commissioner for Education, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, highlighted the government’s commitment to improving education and empowering administrative bodies to operate at optimal levels. He explained that the procurement of the vehicles reflects the government’s dedication to strengthening educational services across the state.

Wakilbe further stressed the importance of equipping these institutions with the necessary tools to meet the increasing demands of students and the academic community.

The Executive Secretary of the Scholarship Board, Bala Isa, and the Director of the Library Board, Isa Adamu, expressed their gratitude, acknowledging the positive impact the vehicles will have on their operations and the smoother coordination of activities.

This initiative underscores the government’s ongoing efforts to improve educational infrastructure by addressing logistical barriers and ensuring that every student in Borno State has the opportunity to succeed.

BORNO STATE GOVERNMENT BOOSTS EDUCATIONAL SERVICES WITH VEHICLE SUPPORT TO SCHOLARSHIP AND LIBRARY BOARDS