Gombe State Govt Approves N50 Billion for Gully Erosion Project, Boosts Education Sector with New Faculty of Agriculture
By Faisal A Harande
In a significant move to tackle the growing threat of land degradation and protect critical infrastructure and communities at risk, the Gombe State Government has approved over N50 billion for the 21-kilometre gully erosion control project. The project, which will span across key erosion-prone areas from behind the Commissioner of Police’s residence to GGSS Doma, is expected to mitigate the impact of gully erosion in the state.
According to Mohammed Saidu Fawu, Commissioner for Environment, Water and Forest Resources, the project will not only focus on infrastructure works but also provide compensation for individuals whose property or means of livelihood may be affected by the project’s implementation. A sum of N2.1 billion has been approved for this purpose.
The project is being implemented through the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) and has been awarded to TRIACTA Limited. This development is a testament to the state government’s commitment to protecting the environment and ensuring the well-being of its citizens.
In another significant development, the Gombe State Government has approved the takeover and conversion of Government Secondary School (GSS) Malam Sidi into the Faculty of Agriculture under the Gombe State University (GSU). The Commissioner for Higher Education, Muhammad Shettima Gadam, disclosed that the council has approved N1.1 billion as take-off funds for the faculty, which is expected to begin academic activities next year.
The faculty will have four departments with 10 courses, including Agriculture & Animal Science, Agricultural Economics & Extension, Crop and Soil Sciences, and Fisheries and Wildlife Management. This move is expected to boost the education sector in the state and provide opportunities for students to pursue careers in agriculture.
The Gombe State Government has also approved N891 million for the rehabilitation of a wash-out road from Akko (Amada) to Bula-Gari, Abuja-Bula, and Kwami-Gari. This development is expected to improve the state’s infrastructure and facilitate economic growth.
In a significant step towards fiscal consolidation, the state government has secured a 70% waiver on a legacy loan from the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), saving the state over N1.3 billion. The loan, which was originally obtained for the construction of housing estates, had ballooned to N2.7 billion over the years. With this waiver, the state is now expected to pay only N1.4 billion as full and final settlement of the debt.
“These developments are a testament to the Governor’s commitment to the welfare of the people of Gombe State,” said Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House, Gombe, and Media Aid to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya. “The approval of the gully erosion project and the conversion of GSS Malam Sidi to a faculty of agriculture are significant steps towards improving the state’s infrastructure and education sector.”
In a related development, the state government has successfully reached an out-of-court settlement with Zenith Bank over a lingering legal dispute dating back to 2011. The case involved a contract awarded for the supply of dictionaries worth over N1 billion. The bank had issued a guarantee for the contractor, who later failed to fulfill the terms of the contract. The state subsequently demanded a refund of N872 million from the bank, which the bank resisted, resulting in a prolonged legal battle.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Zubair Umar, disclosed that the matter has been resolved through an out-of-court agreement, saving the state further legal costs and ensuring closure on a matter that has dragged for over a decade.
These developments are expected to have a significant impact on the state’s infrastructure, education sector, and economy. As the state government continues to prioritize the welfare of its citizens, it is expected that more initiatives will be rolled out to improve the lives of Gombe State residents.
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