The Gombe State Government has approved ₦1.149 billion for key infrastructure projects, including solar street lighting and market upgrades, across three local government areas of the state.
The decision was made during the 5th Joint Project Council (JPC) meeting of the Gombe State Joint Project Development Agency, presided over by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON.
Briefing journalists, the Director-General of the agency, Dr. Mahmood Yusuf, announced that the funds would be used for three major projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure in line with the governor’s development vision.
The approved projects, as reeled out by him. Includes installation of solar street lights along newly constructed roads in Kumo, Akko local government councils,. fencing and solar street lights at the NALDA market in Kwadon, Yamaltu/Deba local government, and expansion of the grain market and construction of six public toilets in Billiri local government.
Dr. Yusuf noted that the grains market project had been initially approved in 2024, but its expansion led to an increased contract value from ₦112 million to ₦159 million.
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The Chairman of Gombe Local Government and ALGON Chairman, Barrister Sani Ahmad Haruna, raised concerns over rising theft incidents in public buildings, including schools and cemeteries.
He announced the deployment of GOSTEC security personnel and the expansion of Operation Hattara to cover all 11 LGAs to curb the menace.
Additionally, the Chairperson of Shongom local government, Fatima Binta Bello, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to strengthening education and healthcare.
She stated that the council would recruit teachers with National Certificate in Education (NCE) and collaborate with the state government to upgrade Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs). Contract health workers under the expired GAVI programme would also be absorbed into the system.
In another key resolution, the Chairman of Kwami council, Dr. Ahmad Wali Doho, announced measures to tackle recurring farmer-herder conflicts.
He stated that grazing reserves and cattle routes would be resurveyed and remapped, adding that anyone encroaching on designated grazing areas would be required to vacate immediately upon discovery by