By: Monday Munkaila, Gombe
The Gombe State Executive Council has approved the revitalization of 82 primary healthcare facilities across the state’s 11 local government areas to ensure affordable and quality healthcare for all citizens.
The Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Ethical Orientation, Mijinyawa Ardo Tilde, announced this after the 41st Executive Council Meeting presided over by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Babu Habu Dahiru, explained that the approval was aimed at providing at least two primary healthcare facilities in each of the state’s 114 political wards.
This initiative, according to the Commissioner, will complement the 64 facilities revitalized under the World Health Organization’s Impact Project and the additional 10 facilities supported by UNICEF.
The revitalization efforts will include equipping facilities, drilling boreholes, installing solar power, and renovating infrastructure, including staff quarters.
The Executive Council also approved N1.1 billion for the transportation and logistics of medical equipment donated by the World Medical Relief in the USA to Gombe State.
Furthermore, the Council ratified the 2025-2027 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), encompassing the Economic and Fiscal Update, Fiscal Strategy Paper, and Budget Policy Statement.
The Commissioner of Finance, Mohammed Gambo Magaji, explained that the MTEF would serve as the basis for preparing the 2025 appropriation bill.
Additionally, the Council approved a Monitoring and Evaluation framework to measure and assess performance across government agencies, staff members, and the Executive Council.
The Council authorized the payment of N265 million as promotion arrears to staff of Gombe State University (GSU).
The Executive Council also approved N394 million for the completion of projects at the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, including fencing, gully erosion control, and consultant payments.
Also, the Commissioner of Energy and Mineral Resources, Sanusi Ahmad, announced the approval of N575 million as counterpart funding to construct a mini-hydroelectric power station at Balanga Dam. This station, according to him, will generate 320 kilowatts of electricity for irrigation and rural electrification, to be implemented in collaboration with the European Union.
The Commissioner of Works, Housing, and Transport, Engr Maijama’a Kallamu, said the Executive Council approved N2.23 billion for the construction of a 7.5-hectare mechanic village near the recently commissioned Ibrahim Dankwambo Mega Motor Park. This project includes land procurement, infrastructure development, and other essential facilities.
The Commissioner also announced Council’s approval of N779 million for the installation of additional solar-powered streetlights in the state capital aa contained in a statement by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General (Press Affairs), Government House, Gombe.
