The North-East Development Commission (NEDC) has handed over multi-billion-naira projects across several parts of Gombe State, aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and advancing educational development for the benefit of the state and the nation.
The Minister of State for Regional Development, Mr Uba Ahmadu Maigari, who commissioned the facilities, was assisted by the Chairman of the NEDC, Major General Paul Tarfa (Retired); the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Mr Mohammed Goni Alkali; and the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, who received the projects on behalf of the government and people of the state.
Over two days, the minister and his delegation toured the state, commissioning and handing over various facilities located in all three senatorial districts of the state, as well as inspecting ongoing projects.
The facilities are the Primary Health Care Centre in Bogo, in Yamaltu Deba LGA, four modern lecture theatres at the Gombe State University, new facilities at Ahmadu Gombe Secondary School, ten units of senior staff quarters at Government Science Secondary School, Gombe, two blocks of cold stores at the Gombe Central Medical Store and the renovated Government Secondary School, Mallam Sidi, Kwami LGA, which has now been converted into the School of Agriculture under Gombe State University, expected to operate in partnership with the University of Michigan.
At Government Science Secondary School, Kaltungo, now upgraded to a Government Mega School, the team commissioned a modern, fully modelled structure comprising classrooms, science laboratories, administrative offices and other learning facilities. The project represents similar mega schools constructed by the NEDC across the three senatorial districts of the state to enhance access to quality secondary education.
At the General Hospital, Billiri, the delegation commissioned two blocks of maternity clinics, designed to strengthen antenatal, delivery and post-natal care for women and children, thereby improving maternal and child health outcomes in the area.
The team also visited Government Technical College, Kumo, where a 250-bed capacity students’ hostel, equipped with 48 toilets, three kitchens and two laundries, was commissioned to support technical and vocational education. Similar hostel projects at Nafada were also commissioned, while the project at the College of Health Technology, Kaltungo, which is nearing completion, was inspected.
During the tour, the Minister was accompanied by the Deputy Governor, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, the Chairman of the NEDC Board, Major General Paul Tarfa (Retired), the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Mr Mohammed Goni Alkali and other government officials.
All the officials hammered on the need for all communities where those projects are being sited to take ownership, by maintaining it.
The Minister of State for Regional Development said the projects were delivered in line with the Commission’s mandate to bridge infrastructure gaps and accelerate development across the North-East.
Mr. Maigari said the projects were delivered in line with the Commission’s mandate to bridge infrastructure gaps and accelerate development across the North-East. He noted that improved healthcare facilities would enhance access to quality medical services, reduce maternal and child mortality, and improve health outcomes, while the educational projects would strengthen teaching, research and manpower development for national growth.
He announced additional funding of N2 billion for each of the mega schools in the state.
“I’ve just been informed that in addition to the wonderful work, the Ministry of Regional Development, overseeing the North East Development Commission, has also allocated N2 billion to each of the Mega Schools spread across the state. I think this is very, very commendable,” said Mr Maigari.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, who commissioned the NEDC office on behalf of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, praised the Commission for effectively utilising the land allocated by the state government.
Dr Jatau expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for sustaining the Commission, describing it as a major intervention impacting infrastructure and socio-economic development in Gombe State and the wider North-East region.
He also promised that the state government would make judicious use of the projects, while urging ministries, departments and agencies to adopt a strong maintenance culture to ensure sustainability.
The Gombe State Deputy Governor reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to aligning with Federal Government policies to improve the living standards.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the NEDC Board, Major General Paul Tarfa (Rtd), said the Commission was operating within its statutory mandate and expressed satisfaction with the inspected projects, urging beneficiaries to ensure proper maintenance.
Similarly, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NEDC, Mr Mohammed Goni Alkali, said the Commission was established to drive rehabilitation, reconstruction and sustainable development across the North-East. He appreciated the Gombe State Government for donating the land on which the NEDC office was built and urged strict maintenance to ensure durability and effective service delivery.
Mr Alkali noted that the projects in the health and education sectors form part of the Commission’s broader efforts to rebuild social infrastructure, strengthen human capital development and improve quality of life across the region.
He commended President Tinubu for sustaining the Commission as a vital platform for restoring hope, rebuilding communities and promoting inclusive development across the North-East.