The Gombe State government has approved N1.15 billion for various development projects, including the installation of solar street lights and infrastructure improvements in three local government areas (LGAs).
The announcement was made by Malam Mahmood Yusuf, Director-General of the Joint Project Development Agency, during a news conference in Gombe on Thursday.
Yusuf revealed that the Joint Project Council (JPC), led by Governor Inuwa Yahaya, approved these projects as part of the governor’s vision for infrastructure development across the state.
The projects include the installation of solar street lights on newly constructed roads in Kumo at a cost of N740 million.
Additionally, the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) market fencing and the installation of solar street lights in the Kwadon area of Yamaltu/Deba have been allocated N362 million.
A further N47 million has been approved for the expansion of the grain market and the construction of six public toilets in Billiri.
The grain market project, initially approved in 2024 for N112 million, has been reviewed upwards to N159 million to accommodate additional facilities, including the toilets.
Yusuf also highlighted that the council had approved the deployment of Gombe Security Traffic and Environmental Corps (GOSTEC) and Operation Hatara personnel to enhance security in schools and cemeteries following concerns raised by Sani Haruna, Chairman of Gombe Local Government Council, about thefts in public buildings.
The expanded scope of Operation Hatara will cover all 11 LGAs.
Fatima-Binta Bello, Chairperson of Shongom Local Government Council, pledged to build on Governor Yahaya’s achievements in education and healthcare.
She emphasised the importance of recruiting qualified personnel to address staffing shortages and improve services, particularly in primary healthcare and basic education.
In efforts to prevent farmer-herder conflicts, Ahmad Wali, Chairman of Kwami Local Government Council, shared that the council had initiated the resurvey and remapping of grazing reserves and cattle routes.
Wali warned that anyone found encroaching on these routes would face sanctions.
