Gombe Govt. commits to disability-inclusive WASH services

The Gombe State government has reiterated its commitment to promoting disability-inclusive access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services across the state.

Mr Mohammed Fawu, Commissioner for Water, Environment, and Forest Resources, gave the assurance during a roundtable on disability inclusion in the WASH sector on Thursday in Gombe.

Fawu said gaps in WASH facilities must be addressed to ensure they were fully accessible, user-friendly, and inclusive for persons with disabilities across the state.

He added that the state would adopt a disability-friendly approach in WASH project implementation, emphasising that inclusion was essential to achieving programme goals.

“Open defecation can only be eliminated and access to WASH services improved if everyone is carried along,” Fawu stated, stressing the need for inclusive planning and execution.

Dr Umar Musa, Sanitation and Hygiene Officer of the State Programme Implementation Unit, SURWASH Gombe, said the engagement aimed to assess progress, identify gaps, and propose inclusive solutions within the SURWASH framework.

He noted that strengthening disability inclusion in WASH facility design, implementation, and usage would improve public health and reduce costs related to illnesses from poor hygiene and sanitation.

Mr Mohammed Abubakar, board member of the Gombe State Commission for Persons with Disability, hailed the initiative, saying it would ease challenges faced by PWDs in accessing public infrastructure.

Ibrahim Yusuf, Chairman of the Gombe Network of Civil Society Organisations (GONET), emphasised that inclusion was key to programme success and urged stakeholders to consult and involve PWDs at all planning stages.

The roundtable brought together disability groups, WASH stakeholders, government agencies, and community representatives to share experiences, identify gaps, and develop strategies for integrating the needs of persons with disabilities into WASH services.

Gombe Govt. commits to disability-inclusive WASH services

Scores killed in Boko Haram/ISWAP renewed
clashes in Mandara Mountains and Sambisa Forest

By: Zagazola Makama

Scores of fighters were reportedly killed in a week-long surge of violent infighting between rival factions of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) across the Sambisa Forest axis of Borno State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the renewed hostilities erupted on Jan. 3, following a coordinated ISWAP raid led by two commanders, identified as Jundullah and Ibn Hataf, targeting camps loyal to the Boko Haram faction around the Ali Ngulde axis of the Mandara Mountains.

The offensive, according to the sources, was met with stiff resistance as Boko Haram elements mounted a counter-ambush under the coordination of a field commander known as Abu-Rijal, also called Ba-Sulhu. Dozens of ISWAP fighters were reportedly killed in the encounter, while many captured alive, with weapons seized by the defending faction.

Footage that resurfaced during the week and said to have been obtained by Zagazola Makama, showed captured ISWAP fighters being executed before other combatants, amid claims of victory by the Boko Haram faction.

While the video reflects the brutality that has characterised inter-group rivalries in the forested enclaves of the Lake Chad in Borno State. Heavy weapons including AK-47 rifles, a general-purpose machine gun (GPMG), an anti-aircraft gun and assorted ammunition, were
recovered during the initial clashes.

However, the balance of power appeared to shift days later. On Jan. 6, ISWAP fighters were said to have launched a retaliatory assault on a Boko Haram stronghold in the Sabil Huda axis, triggering a prolonged exchange of heavy gunfire that lasted several hours.

Sources said ISWAP forces eventually overran the position, killing at least 12 Boko Haram fighters and seizing additional weapons.

The aftermath of the fighting reportedly forced the relocation of Boko Haram families, women and children from contested camps to perceived safe havens around the Yale General axis.

Night operations were also said to have been conducted to track fleeing fighters, though no further confirmed engagements were recorded as of Wednesday.

The renewed clashes are consistent with a long-running rivalry rooted in ideological differences, leadership disputes and competition over territory, resources and fighters. Both factions, according to sources, are re-arming and repositioning for possible further attacks.

Scores killed in Boko Haram/ISWAP renewed
clashes in Mandara Mountains and Sambisa Forest

Zulum begins construction of 2 mega schools in Hawul

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has commenced the construction of two new mega schools in Hawul Local Government Area on Wednesday.

A 48-classroom High Islamic College is located in Shafa. It will operate under the accredited curriculum of the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), designed to provide a holistic and modern Islamic education.

Zulum explained that the construction of High Islamic Colleges is part of his campaign promise, which will blend formal education with the study of authentic Islamic knowledge and allow learners to study digital knowledge, numeracy, literacy, and vocational skills.

The second mega school project launched by the Governor is situated in Marama and is aimed at expanding access to quality educational facilities across the LGAs by the Zulum administration.

During his visit, Governor Zulum also announced a plan for the recruitment of additional teachers, stating, “I am happy to lay the foundation of a mega school in Marama town. We are going to support you in all ramifications. In line with my campaign promises to deliver and transform the education sector, this government will construct a befitting two-storey building with 36 classrooms, in addition to other facilities.

“Due to a shortage of teachers, we must recruit competent teachers who are indigenes of Marama to teach in this school,” Zulum stated.

Zulum was assisted with the foundation-laying by the Commissioner of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe.

Similarly, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare, also in Hawul Local Government Area, a facility that was rehabilitated and donated by the State Government to fast-track the take-off of the hospital.

Governor Zulum also commissioned projects executed by Hawul Local Government, including a shopping complex and market stalls.

The Governor was accompanied by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South); former Deputy Governors, Usman Mamman Durkwa and Ali Abubakar Jatau; Hon. Bukar Talba (House of Representatives); the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Abdullahi Musa Askira; members of the State Assembly; commissioners; local government chairmen; and other stakeholders from Southern Borno.
End