Gombe assures corps members of safety, improved welfare

By Elizabeth Ogunjobi

The Gombe State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the safety, welfare and wellbeing of corps members serving in the state.

Gov. Inuwa Yahaya gave the assurance on Friday while declaring open the 2026 Batch C Stream I Orientation Camp.

The orientation course is being held at the temporary camp in Amada community, Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.

Yahaya, represented by the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr Abdul Yusuf, said corps members’ welfare remained a priority.

“I assure you of the commitment of the state government to your safety, welfare and general wellbeing throughout your service year in Gombe State,” he said.

The governor described Gombe as peaceful and welcoming, urging the corps members to “feel at home” throughout their service year.

“Gombe State is a peaceful and welcoming state, and I am confident that your stay here will be pleasant and rewarding,” Yahaya said.

He also acknowledged the need for additional government support to complement existing arrangements for corps members’ welfare during the orientation exercise.

He assured the corps members that the government would examine the matter and provide necessary support to improve their comfort.

The governor urged the corps members to embrace the culture and diversity of their host communities during their primary assignments.

He advised them to respect community values and contribute meaningfully to the development of their host communities throughout their service year.

On the permanent orientation camp, Yahaya urged the corps members to exercise patience as finishing works continued at the facility.

“Let me assure you that all necessary measures will be put in place to expedite the remaining works,” he said.

He said the government wanted the permanent camp completed and ready for use as soon as possible.

“It is our desire that future orientation courses will be conducted at the permanent orientation camp with the facilities and comfort corps members deserve,” Yahaya said.

Mrs Chinwe Nwachuku, NYSC Coordinator in Gombe State, commended the government’s efforts toward providing a more befitting orientation camp.

Nwachuku urged the government to expedite work on the facilities to enable corps members benefit from improved accommodation and other amenities.

She also commended the government for supporting the feeding arrangements for corps members during the orientation course.

The NYSC coordinator urged corps members to give their best to Gombe State and leave meaningful footprints through community development initiatives.

She also charged them to be law-abiding citizens and contribute positively to the development of their host communities.

Nwachuku urged the corps members to approach the service year with open minds, discipline, enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

She further encouraged them to contribute meaningfully while complying with the rules and regulations governing the National Youth Service Corps.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 1,502 corps members were sworn in during the orientation exercise.

The figure comprised 803 males and 699 females deployed to Gombe State for the mandatory national service.

Gombe assures corps members of safety, improved welfare

Military Pensions Board Begins Payment of New Pension Rates, Arrears to Veterans

By: Zagazola Mamama

The Military Pensions Board (MPB) has commenced the implementation of newly approved pension rates for military pensioners following adjustments arising from the new minimum wage.

The Board disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by its Public Relations Officer, Squadron Leader Aliyu Mohammed.

According to the statement, the new pension rates have been implemented, while the applicable arrears have been processed for payment into the accounts of all military pensioners effective Oct. 2, 2026.

The Board expressed appreciation to military pensioners for their patience, understanding and cooperation throughout the implementation process.

It reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring timely pension payments and improving pension administration in recognition of the sacrifices and invaluable service rendered by Nigeria’s military veterans.

The development is expected to provide relief to retired military personnel whose pension entitlements are affected by the adjustment.

The Board urged continued cooperation as it works to strengthen pension administration and fulfil its obligations to military retirees.

Military Pensions Board Begins Payment of New Pension Rates, Arrears to Veterans

A LIFE OF SERVICE, AND DIPLOMACY: Tribute to Ambassador Baba Ahmed Jidda @75.

By Inuwa Bwala.

At 75, we are not just the age, but the substance, the grace and the towering legacy of Ambassador Baba Ahmed Jidda.
I state without any fear of contradiction, that, he remains one of the finest public servants Borno has ever produced. The story of his life is a textbook of dedicated public service and diplomatic excellence. From his early days as a brilliant Political Science graduate from my own almamater, the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, Zaria, to his Master’s in Development Economics and Advanced Diploma in Development Administration from Manchester University, United Kingdom, Baba Ahmed Jidda, seems to have set out early to prepare himself for service.

We first felt his impact in the civil service, where he rose through sheer merit to become a Permanent Secretary, then Secretary to the Military Government, and later, Secretary to the State Government under successive administrations.
From the military era, to the administration of Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, to the first term of His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, he has been noted to be the virtual engine room of the government.
In all these roles, he remained the calm and calculative leader, even in stormy periods, serving as the institutional memory, and the man who understood the files, the people and the soul of Borno.

At the national level, Nigeria found in him a patriot of rare capacity. As a Director in the Federal Civil Service, as a Member of the National Political Reform Conference, as Senior Special Assistant to the President, BAJ brought the famous Borno discipline and intellect to national assignment.

On the diplomatic field he truly shone as a global citizen, in Burkina Faso, to the People’s Republic of China, Baba Jidda redefined economic diplomacy. Under his watch, Nigeria-China relations witnessed could be said to be her best in infrastructure cooperation, education exchange, trade and people-to-people ties. Even after leaving that post, he will be remembered for his fatherly role in protecting Nigerians during the COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan, for facilitating the landmark Air Peace direct flight to Guangzhou, and for ensuring Nigerian interests were never compromised.

What makes Ambassador Jidda stand out at 75 is character.
He is loyal without being sycophantic, powerful without being oppressive and wise without being arrogant.
He remains one politician who never lost the civil servant in him, and a diplomat who never forgot his roots and Borno identity.

To all of us who had the previledge of serving with him in the Borno state executive council, he remains a mentor.
BAJ has also been the tutelage to countless young men and women who today are Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, Directors and business leaders.
We regard him as a stabilizing force in Borno APC, a bridge between the old and new generations, and a trusted confidant to leaders at all levels.
At 75, he is not old; but a classic fine wine, which gets better with age.
May God grant him many more years in sound health, and continued service to Borno, Nigeria and humanity.

Happy 75th Birthday sir.

A LIFE OF SERVICE, AND DIPLOMACY: Tribute to Ambassador Baba Ahmed Jidda @75.