Yobe Reconstructs 138 Primary Heath Centres Destroyed by Boko Haram

 

From left: Gov. Buni, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Lawan Gana, ES YBS-PHCMB, Dr. Kundi Machina interacting with Nurse at Gwange PHC 

… set for training of 178 midwives yearly, establish emergency ambulance agency

 From JOE Hemba 

Yobe State has reconstructed 138 out of 178 Primary Health Care Centres destroyed by the Boko Haram insurgents in the state. 

 Gov. Buni at the inauguration of the Gwange Primary Health Care Centre in Damaturu, one of the 138 centers today Tuesday explained that his commitment to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the primary healthcare centre was informed by the level of destruction that the Boko Haram inflicted on the health sector in the state. 

The governor said he was particularly happy for the event because it was one of his immediate declarations when he took over as the governor of the state in May 29, 2019. 

 “You may recall that during my inaugural address and swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday 29th May 2019, I made it very clear that healthcare delivery will undoubtedly be a key priority of our administration and we would rehabilitate, upgrade and establish at least one functional Primary Healthcare Center in each of the 178 political wards in the state to make healthcare delivery accessible and affordable. 

 “This became necessary following the mass destruction of public structures including Health facilities, Schools, electricity, and water sources by the Boko Haram insurgency. Similarly, this administration is determined to reform the health sector generally for a total transformation in healthcare delivery across the state. 

 Gov. Buni informed that the State government has already institutionalised the training of the midwives. One each will be selected from the 178 political wards of the state to enjoy full state government scholarship for the foundation year program. 

 This he noted will bridge the gap for human resources for health in the state. 

 He also announced that , the bill for the establishment of Yobe State Emergency Medical Ambulance Service Agency has already been sent to the state House of Assembly. 

 “As part of our efforts to address the huge gaps in human resources for health, the Government has institutionalised the foundation year program where one female candidate is selected yearly from each of our Political wards and enrolled in a midwifery course with full sponsorship. This necessitated the expansion of facilities at the Shehu Sule College of Nursing and Midwifery, Damaturu. “The Government will continue to absorb Nurses/Midwives and other skilled professional health workers being produced from our health training institutions to bridge the gaps in human resources for healthcare delivery,” the governor announced. 

 Speaking of the emergency ambulance services, Governor Buni said; “This administration is also about to float the Yobe State Emergency Medical Ambulance Service Agency. An executive bill in that regard has already been transmitted to the State House of Assembly and is currently at an advanced level of legislative action. These are part of our strategies for reducing maternal, pre-natal, and child morbidity and mortality that may occur due to complications of pregnancy, labour, and delivery”. 

 Gov. Buni noted that all measures are geared towards reducing under five and infant death in children and pregnant women in the state. 

 “It is important to note that one of the cardinal objectives of our administration is to provide quality healthcare delivery to reduce mortality and morbidity rates due to communicable diseases and also reverse the prevalence of non-communicable diseases to meet global Targets, and significantly increase the life expectancy and quality of life of our citizens. We remain committed to our drive towards achievingUniversal Health Coverage (UHC) and indeed other health-related sustainable development goals,” Gov. Buni said. 

On taking health delivery to hard to reach communities of the state, the Governor said: “As you are aware, in our quest to reach special and hard-to-reach populations and reduce delays in accessing essential and life-saving healthcare services, this administration procured and distributed over 88 customised tricycle ambulances for transporting expectant mothers in labour, or emergencies in order to reduce delay in reaching health facilities or for referral patients in need of further care. Based on the huge positive results achieved with the tricycle ambulances, we are today launching additional tricycle ambulances. 

“In order to address the challenges of healthcare financing and the provision of qualitative drugs and consumables the State government established the Contributory Health Care Management Agency(YOCHMA) and the Drugs and Medical Consumable Agency (YODMA) with the aim of easing access to health care provision for our people. The scheme which was initially meant for civil servants has now been extended to the informal sector while about Two Hundred Thousand (200,000) vulnerable persons have also been enrolled in the scheme”, he explained.

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World Aids Day: Yobe, AHNi Manage Over 8,000 PLHIV

YOSACA Boss, Ali Kime(middle) with partners briefing the press on World Aids Day in Damaturu

 From JOE Hemba

 Despite the global challenges in the funding of the HIV programs, Yobe state Government with the assistance of Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative(AHNi) has been able to manage over 8,000 People Living with the HIV virus in the state. 

The Executive Director Yobe State Agency for the Control of Aids(YOSACA), Alhaji Ali Kime disclosed this yesterday at a press briefing to mark the commemoration of the World Aids Day in Damaturu, Yobe State. 

This years’ theme for celebration is Equalise to End Aids by 2030.

Mr. Kime said the collaboration of AHNi has helped the state to keep alive the 7 ART sites in the state which has over the years maintained 8,264 PLHIV in the state. 

Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNi) is an indigenous non-¬profit affiliate organization of Family Health International (FHI 360), registered in Nigeria in 2009. 

It aims to provide technical assistance to the government and people of Nigeria in the implementation of public health and development programs. 

“It is worthy to mention that, with the collaboration of our only implementation partner-AHNi, we were able to successfully maintain 8,264 PLHIV in care across the 7 ART sites in the state,” Kime said. 

He highlighted “inadequate funding” and “inadequate budgetary release” as the biggest challenges facing the agency. 

According to him, Yobe State is ranked as one of the states with the second least prevalence rates in the Federation with 0.45%, just as the Northeast has a prevalence rate of 1.1%. 

He attributed community based testing of of couples before marriage and the national  policy of self testing as some of the factors that contributed to the low spread of the virus. 

Alhaji Kime pointed out the significance of the World Aids Day to include; raise awareness about HIV/AIDS pandemic, commensurate with people infected and affected, give hope and honor for those living with the virus and also unite on the fight against the epidemic.

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Yobe Border Communities Get New Healthcare Facilities

One of the Primary Healthcare Centres constructed by Yobe State Government 

From JOE Hemba

Some communities in Yobe State bordering Niger Republic have been provided with health facilities by the State government.

 

The development has helped those communities from travelling a distance of miles into Niger Republic to seek medical treatment.

 

Some of the healthcare facilities were recently  inaugurated by the state Commissioner for Health Dr. Mohammed Lawan Gana on behalf of Gov. Mai Mala Buni.

 

Dr  Gana while briefing journalists in Damaturu over the weekend disclosed that “the  new healthcare centers were  established in Tulo-tulo, Dole-Machina, Mayori and Gumsa border communities by the Buni administration to make healthcare accessible and affordable in the communities”.

 

The Nation finding revealed that some of these communities are located at the fringes of the state in the northern part of Yobe over 400km from the state capital Damaturu.

 

The commissioner while explaining the health policy thrust of the Buni led administration said; “Governor Buni's policy of establishing one functional primary healthcare in every political ward, has made healthcare accessible and affordable to the communities is a working reality.

 

"I commissioned these facilities on behalf of His Excellency Governor Mai Mala Buni CON, to commence providing services to the people.

 

"Government provided the facilities with equipment, drugs and medical personnel for effective services" , the Commissioner said. 

 

He added that; "The Buni administration has established 138 out of the proposed 178 functional Primary Healthcare facilities in every political ward.

 

"Six Primary Healthcare Centers have been upgraded to General Hospitals and the four General Hospitals in Gashua, Potiskum, Buni Yadi and Geidam have been upgraded to Specialist Hospitals in addition to the one in Damaturu to bring healthcare delivery to the doorsteps of our people”.

 

women receiving treatment at one of the centres

He noted that the State government has since keyed into the Federal Government Contributory Healthcare Program which is already yielding a positive impact on the civil servants in the State and the vulnerable people.

 

 

“The  Buni administration introduced the Contributory Healthcare Programme for the formal and informal sector to boost effective medical services to civil servants and the vulnerable group.

 

“Similarly, the government has grossly subsidised medical charges in tertiary medical facilities.

 

“We charge N45,000 for MRI against N70,000-N100,000 paid in other states while N15,000 is charged for CT Scan against the exorbitant rates obtained in other health facilities".

 

The commissioner  assured the people of the state of improved healthcare services across the health facilities both primary,Secondary and Tertiary.

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COVID 19: Mercy Corps Organizes Media Visibility Campaign for Yobe Communities

One of the community leaders taking his COVID 19 vaccine during the media visibility  campaign in Damaturu

From JOE Hemba

Mercy Corps Nigeria today, Thursday carried out a media visibility campaign to four communities in Damaturu metropolis of Yobe State  to create awareness for the increase access to the vaccine. 

The event took the team which comprised of the Media and other stakeholders including community  leaders of the four political wards of Damaturu local government including Bindigari, Damaturu central, Gwange and Nayi-nawa ward. 

While flagging off the campaign, Fati Mustapha Jibrin a Director in Yobe State Primary Health Care Management Board called on the community members most especially women to take advantage of the availability of the vaccine at their door steps and get vaccinated. 

Hajiya Fati also advised the women to adhere to COVID 19 protocol for their personal and family hygiene. 

One of the community leaders who is also the Village Head of Pompomari Zanna Modu at the occasion took his second dose of the vaccine in the full view of his community as a mark of convincing others to accept the vaccine. 

He enjoined other members of the community to take a queue from him by taking the vaccine while  assuring of its safety. 

In her remarks, the Deputy Program Manager Covid-19 Vaccine Access Program Kauna Sugabkya said the event is targeted at creating awareness to the communities against some negative narratives around COVID 19 vaccines. 

She added that the media event will also dispel some of the wrong notions held by a section of the public  that the vaccine is harmful to the body, just as she urged them to get vaccinated.

 She explained that the media visibility event is a program under covid-19 Vaccine Access Program which is implemented by Mercy Corps and Care International across four (4) LGAs of Damaturu and Potiskum while Care International are implementing in Bade and Nguru Yobe State. 

 She warned the people that, “covid-19 is still here, let the community members take action today and get vaccinated, as that is the message for the media visibility event”, she said. 

The State Health Promotion Officer Mohammed Kado said advised all community leaders to get vaccinated at this time, stressing that “its very important for all the community members to get vaccinated most especially now that the cold season is beginning to surface because the vaccine will boast the immune system to fight against inner and external infection”. 

“Discard the rumor around the covid-19 vaccine. The vaccine has no side effect but rather serves as an immune boaster for both old and young. I encourage pregnant women to get vaccinated as the vaccine has no side effect on their unborn children,” Kado said. 

Nayi-nawa Community Leader Ajiya Kali called on the community members to get vaccinated for their own good and the general good of the community. 

He appreciated the effort of Mercy Corps as the only INGOs in the State that has identified with them in the past and therefore calling on the community members to cooperate with the campaigners by getting vaccinated against COVID 19.

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Yobe Governor Promises to Sustain Transparency and Accountability in governance

Gov. Buni

From JOE Hemba

After been rated as one of the best states for the State Fiscal Transparency Accountability and Sustainability(SFTAS), a World Bank Program on fiscal development project, Yobe state Governor Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, has assured that his administration will keep the tempo in due process, transparency and accountability in government transactions in Nigeria. 

An elated Buni according to a statement  by his spokesman Mamman Mohammed said the governor was happy for the performance of the state for being rated as the “Overall Top Performer Award on State Fiscal Transparency Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) won by the state”. 

The statement noted that the governor has given his commitment to harvest on the gains of the award to have value for all the monies spent in the state. 

"We are a state with low revenue and in dire need of infrastructure and services, we have to use our resources judiciously and transparently to achieve our set targets to improve the lives of our people" Buni explained. 

The governor who dedicated the award to the Civil Servants in the state also commended them for their believe in his vision to drive the state to an enviable position on the national stage.

"I want to specially appreciate our civil servants who are the implementors of government policies and programmes and for being on the same page with the government to achieve this great feat. I dedicate this feat to all civil servants in the state. They made it happened, the Gov. said. 

IMPACTONLINENIGERIA  checks revealed that Yobe state was presented with the Top Performer overall best state among the 36 states of the federation at a dinner organised for the 36 state governors last week. 

 It will be recalled that, the Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, at a celebration of the SFTAS Program’s successes said the Federal government celebrates the success of the SFTAS Programme and the presentation of the awards to best performing States in the successive Annual Performance Assessments was to spur the states to do more. 

The event was attended by the World Bank Country Director Shubham Chaudhuri, Governors of Ekiti, Edo, Jigawa, Sokoto, and Ebonyi among others. 

The World Bank authorised the four-year SFTAS Programme in June 2018, and it started in May 2019 to help states adopt fiscal transparency, accountability, and sustainability. 

The original $750 million loan from the World Bank was divided into two parts: performance-based grants from the federal government to states for meeting the annual eligibility requirements, and the program results, or disbursement linked indicators. SFTAS is intended to offer performance-based funds and technical assistance to states so they may implement the 22-point Fiscal Sustainability Plan and the Open Government Partnership. 

Its goal is to encourage states to dramatically improve outcomes in four key results. States are expected to achieve considerable improvements in four important areas: fiscal transparency and accountability; strengthening domestic revenue mobilization; raising the effectiveness of public spending; and strengthening debt sustainability. 

 Out of the $1.5bn released by the World Bank in two tranches of $750m each, the sum of N351.65bn had been disbursed to states that met the Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs). 

The Finance Minister said that since inception, the SFTAS programme has enjoyed a high level of political visibility, adding that the initiative has continued steadily with strong performance and demonstrable high level of ownership by States and Non-state Actors. 

 Meanwhile, the Director- General, Yobe state Bureau for Public Procurement, Alh. Samaila Mai Adamu, has attributed the rating of the state as the Overall Best Top Performer state by SFTAS to the leadership role of Governor Mai Mala Buni on Due Process. 

"Governor Buni has always insist that every project executed by the state government must be checked by the Bureau to undergo due process for transparency and accountability. '

I am glad that the Bureau has been performing its functions and responsibilities without hindrance or interference from the executive" he said. 

 Samaila said Yobe state also won the best state in Due Process, Accontability and Transparency award from the Association of Public Procurement Practitioners of Nigeria (APPPN). 

 "This SFTAS award is a confirmation of the APPPN award that Yobe state has now assumed a new leading status on accountability and transparency" Samaila said.

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COVID 19: Mercy Corps Organizes Community Dialogue to Increase Vaccine Access

Some of the female group reps at the Covid 19 dialogue in Damaturu

From JOE Hemba

Mercy Corps, one of the INGOs working in Nigeria has organized a one day dialogue with community leaders in Yobe State to discuss the way forward over the spread of the covid 19 virus and increase access to the vaccine.

The dialogue meeting which brought together religious leaders, community and women leaders, youth, as well as people living with disability was held at two communities of  Gwange Primary Health Care and Damaturu Central Primary School in Damaturu yesterday.

Both communities brainstorm on the way forward of mitigating the spread of the various and also increase the access to the COVID 19 vaccine in the state.

At separate messages during the dialogue, the Deputy Program Manager, Covid-19 Vaccine Access Program, Yobe  Kauna Sugabkya said the meeting  was to discuss SBC on the  poor Covid-19 vaccination at community levels due to ignorance of community members.

She noted that what  Mercy Corps is doing is part of her mandate to educate the relevant key stakeholders at the  dialogue session which  will in turn  give room for social behavioral change in Yobe State towards covid 19. 

Mrs Shugabkya explained that  the project is a one year project which will be carried out in 16 wards of Damaturu and Potiskum Local Government Areas in Yobe State.

She added that, the covid-19 vaccine access program was to improve covid-19 vaccination coverage by increasing vaccine confidence, acceptance and uptake in vulnerable communities in Nigeria

Some of the community leaders at the Gwange dialogue  like Mohammed Abatcha and Alhaji Baba Ali advised mercy Corps to provide incentives for the people while carrying out campaign as a well of motivating individuals and households to take the vaccine.

Another community leader, Mohammed Mustapha added  that “constant sensitization campaign through the community leader will enhanced large turned out of community members at the facility and centers”.

Pastor Istifanus Dauda and Hauwa Attahir at Damaturu Central Ward said there is need for constant sensitization and awareness campaign sessions in both worship centers and other social gatherings in other to enhance the acceptance of the vaccine at the community level.  

Highlights of the dialogues was the sharing of jingles by  Mrs Kauna Shugabkya with community, religious leader, People with Disability and woman leader on the importance of Covid-19 vaccination.

A new chat room called “Chat with Shehu” was also made available to the general public with people with smartphones users  to gained more information about Covid-19 on the WhatsAAp platform with the no 07034146757.

According to Mrs , Shugabkya, “Shehu understands Hausa, Kanuri and English”, and so anyone can chat with him in those languages

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Total Energy, ExxonMobil Donate Hygiene & Sanitation Facility to Yobe Polytechnic

 From JOE Hemba

Total Energies and ExxonMobil today Friday donated a hygiene and sanitation facility to Idris Aloma Polytechnic Geidam in Yobe State, Northeast Nigeria.

The polytechnic which was established in 1993 by the former Governor Bukar ABBA Ibrahim is solely funded by Yobe State. Government and was renamed in 2002 after one of the most powerful and   famous former ruler of Sayfawa Dynasty of ancient Kanem Bornu Empire, Mai Idriss Alooma. 

While giving an overview of the project, The coordinator Arc. Mohammed Sanusi Umara who spoke on behalf of the MD of Abkama International Nigeria Limited disclosed that the project consists of ten toilets with a steady borehole connected with a solar panel for constant water supply to the facility. 

 He noted that five of the modern toilets are meant for the female students while the other five are for their male counterpart. 

In his remarks, the Managing Director, TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited, Mr. Mike Sangster who spoke on behalf of TEPNG, Joint Development Zone (JDZ) partners, Nigeria-Sao Tome & Principe Joint Development Authority (JDA), and Exxon Mobil (ESSO) said the project is part of the Cooperate Social Responsibility(CSR) of the Company and the joint partnership initiative.

Sangster noted that the company is concerned with mitigating the impact of diseases that are infectious to the community and harmful to life hence their intervention in hygeiene and sanitation at the institution. 

“In response to health challenges posed by infectious diseases, the need for preventive health care cannot be overemphasized. Diseases like Ebola and the ongoing covid-19 pandemic have shown that basic hygiene, such as hand washing and good sanitary environment can go a long way in protecting the populace from infectious diseases. This is why we decide to embark on this project which is in line with our commitment to the wellbeing and economic development of not only our host states, but the country at large. it is our plan therefore, to extend this important hygiene and sanitation project to the six-geopolitical zones in Nigeria,” Mr Sangster explained. 

Engr. Lawali using the facility after commissioning.

The Chairman Board of Nigeria-Sao Tome & Principe Joint Development Authority (JDA) Dr Almajiri Geidam was represented by his technical adviser Engr. Umaru Lawali announced that similar projects are under execution in the six geo-political zones of the country, stressing that “the hygiene and sanitary project is one of the six (6) such project slated for execution across the six geo-political zone of the country as part of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative under Joint Development Zone (JDZ) block 7, 8 & 11 production sharing contract (PSC), signed by the Nigeria-Sao Tome & Principe joint Development Authority (JDA) with TotalEnergies (operator of the block) EXXONMobil”. 

Engr Umar explained that the projects targets only State Government Owned Tertiary Institutions like Mai Idris Alooma Polytechnic Geidam because of the challenges of funding that such institutions face. 

The Rector of the Polytechnic Dr. Wakil Goma Kafiya who was represented at the event by Karagama Kolo Geidam expressed the gratitude of the institution to TotalEnergies, Nigeria Sao Tome & Principe Joint Development Authority (JDA) and EXXONMobil. 

Alhaji Karagama Kolo Geidam who received the key to the hygiene and sanitary facility on behalf of the noted that the intervention to build the facility came at the right time, adding that, “the students the school and teachers who visit the library will benefit from this facility since the facility is located right behind the school library”. 

He noted that the institution has a good hygiene and maintenance culture while assuring the donors that, “the school will try In its possibly best to maintain the facility and its equipment. Since the facility has its original source of water supply that the facility can serve its purpose”. 

His words: “The school management of Mai Idris Alooma Polytechnic, Geidam are very happy to receive this kind of intervention. The doors of the School Management is always opened to welcome intervention project like this and more from TotalEnergies and other partners in the near future,” the Rector said. 

some female students at the events

In his remarks, the Student Union Government (SUG) President Comrade Babagana Aisami On behalf the students of the polytechnic Mai Idris Alooma Polytechnic thanked Total Energies and all other partners for their support to the building of the facility. 

He also appealed for more intervention in the near future. 

The project commissioned has a Block of 10 toilets, divided into two 5 toilets each for male and female, including urinal for male with other ancillary items like wash basin and an automatic hand- dryer, a borehole with 1.5HP automatic solar-powered submersible pump as well as an overhead water tank and facility fenced.

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YOBE IPAC Calls for LG Election as Aenure of Elected Chairmen Expires

From JOE Hemba 

The Inter Party Advisory Council, Yobe State Chapter has called on the State Government to quickly make provision for the conduct of elections into the 17 local government councils of the state as their tenure expires on the 3rd November, 2022. 

The call of Yobe IPAC is also coming more than one month after The Nation Newspaper investigation published a story on the unpreparedness of the State Electoral Commission to conduct elections within the constitutional election notice and the time the tenure of the elected council chairmen will expire https://thenationonlineng.net/yobe-unprepared-to-conduct-council-election/

Addressing journalists in Damaturu yesterday, the Secretary of the group Muktar Garba demanded the State Independent Electoral Commission (SEIC) to provide a level playing ground for all political parties in the State for a free and fair exercise. 

 “We wish to emphasize that YSIEC should make adequate arrangements to give the political parties adequate time to prepare for the next election. This is necessary because, the political parties are committed to not only participate and contest, but to win the elections, hence, the need for adequate time to enable both SIEC and the parties effectively prepare for the exercise,” Muktar said. 

 The group also called on the state government to make adequate resources and time of not less than 12 months which according to them is allowed by the new Electoral Act 2022 as amended. 

 “In this vein, IPAC wishes to suggest that a transition Committee constituted for the 17 Local Government Councils. Members of the Transition Committee should be made up of persons of proven integrity with experience in Local Government Administration to run the Local Government Councils for the next 12 months as provided by the 2022 electoral Act until when a new election is conducted,” Yobe IPAC demanded. 

 The group called on the State House of Assembly to support the Executive arm to achieve her goal in the administration of the state.

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NGO Sensitizes Transporters, Security Over Risk Operations, Peace Building

Some of the participants at the meeting held in Damaturu

From JOE Hemba

 Taimaiko Community Development Initiative(TCDI)in partnership with Northeast Connection and PWAN yesterday brought together local transporters within Damaturu to sensitize them on the risk associated with their operations as well as their roles in bringing peace and security in the community. 

The meeting which comprised the leadership and participants of Keke NAPEP operators, Intra-township Taxi Drivers, Yobe State Road Transport Agency (YOROTA), National Union of Road Transport Workers(NURTW) Nigeria Police, Federal Road Safety Corp. Civil Defense, People with Disabilities, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency was held at the Submit Hotel in Damaturu, Yobe State.

 According to the organizers, the meeting which has its theme; “Unveiling the Role of Keke NAPEP Riders and Taxi Drivers in the Restoration of Peace and Security in Damaturu, Yobe State” became necessary so as to chat a way forward in respect of the high risk of crimes associated with these local transporters. 

The representative of the Executive Director, TCDI, Mammud Abdullahi Na’Allah explained that the main goal of the meeting was to create synergy and linkages of mitigating the high risks of crimes that are associated with their members and the sustenance of peace within their locality.

 “As a community based NGO involved in peace-building and security, we decided to bring these groups together to foster ways of collaboration and synergy on the need to mitigate the high risks of crimes that are associated with their operations within the locality,” Na’ Allah said.

 Mr. Na’Allah recalled how the ban on the use of motorcycle by the state government as a result of increased Boko Haram activities in 2012 has brought a serious challenge to the youths in the state. 

He noted that the program which is funded by USAID is targeting about 70 across the political wards in Damaturu including, Pawari, Gwange, Pompomari, and Nasarawa wards. 

A cross section of some of the participants at the meeting held in Damaturu

Also speaking, a Consultant with TCDI Dr. Umar Labaran Bashir noted that the gradual return of peace in the Northeast region is unfortunately giving birth to the rise of armed banditry and other crimes like kidnapping with the support of some of the transporters, hence the need to constantly engage them in peace building forums. 

He noted that, “TCDI in its efforts through Creative Associated with Funding from USAID and support from Northeast Connection find the need through series of research discovered that the high rate of crime committed within the community is as a result of the few members of the union participating in committing the crime. 

“This can be mitigated through activities like this which will improve understanding of the risk factor associated with their work as most people in the community hide under the unions to commit crimes,” Mr. Bashir said.

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Yobe SSG Opens 2023 Bilateral Budget Discussion, Calls for Increase IGR

Yobe SSG, Baba Malam Wali

 From JOE Hemba

 The Secretary to Yobe State Government, Baba Malam Wali has called on agencies of government to work together and increased the Internally Generated Revenue of the state to help execute the 2023 budget. 

 According to the SSG, the global financial crisis must forced every government to think out of the box and find creative ways of generating internal revenue for the execution of projects for the good and development of the people of the state.

Alhaji Baba Malam Wali disclosed this today Monday as he declared the annual bilateral budget discussion in preparation for the 2023 annual state budget. 

The meeting which comprised of all stakeholders and Civil Societies in the budget circle including community leaders also had in attendance ministries and parastatals who will present their budgets for scrutiny before final presentation and approval from the executive council.

“This occasion is paramount to our budget preparation process because it provides input to us from ministries and civil society organizations for a workable budget document. 

“In view of the importance of this exercise, I wish to call on everyone to per attention and make meaningful contribution to producing an acceptable budget for the development of our dear state. You should adhere strictly to budget process and prepare a workable plan for the implementation of the budget to ministry of budget and planning. 

“We Would like to recall that this budget is very critical because it will be the last budget of the first tenure of His Excellency, Gov. Mai Mala Buni. As you are aware, this administration has started a lot of developmental projects and those project must be completed in the 2023 budget. This is very very critical to us as a government,” the SSG said.

“All ministries and government agencies must have to work hard, and must work together to increase the internally generated revenue to of the state so as to help government gather enough funds for the execution of the budget for the development of our dear state,” Baba Malam Wali said. 

 The SSG called on participants to take the meeting seriously because it gives government a direction on how to prioritized  projects and spend money. 

 Earlier, Yobe State commissioner for Budget and Economic planning, Mohammed  Garba Gagiyo who is the convener of the meeting said the objective of the meeting is to prioritized the allocation of resources to critical needs of the people in the state. 

The commissioner added that all MDAs must adhere and ensure strict compliance with the needs generated from the three senatorial zones of the state. 

He commended the  Board of Internal Revenue Services for its digital compliance in the collection and remittance of tax which according to him has reduced leakages in the revenue generation, while calling on MDAs to also widen their tax nets to attract more revenue to the state. Hon. Gagiyo recalled that Yobe State through its transparent Budget preparation process has earned the state some accolades and even international and national rewards(financially) over the years.

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Counter Insurgency: World Bank Team Inspects Recovery Projects in Yobe

Mr. Masroor, Mr. Fuad and Mr. Jidawa at one of the project sites in Damaturu

From JOE Hemba

 

The World Bank Implementation Support Mission under the bank’s   rebuilding initiative of Northeast Nigeria  known as Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project(MCRP) today Thursday embarked on an inspection tour and support mission of projects executed in Yobe State.

 

MRCP is a World Bank project established in 2017 to improve access to basic services and livelihood opportunities for the crisis-affected communities of Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States, and enhance coordination among these States and other Lake Chad countries following the Boko Haram insurgency.

The World Bank MCRP Task Team was  led by Fuad Malkawi some of the multi-million naira projects including a standard  reconstructed medical Store of the Ministry of Health, 14 units of Doctors Quarters and a  Modern Women Skills Acquisition Center equipped with children’s demonstration classrooms.

The team also comprised of the National Project Coordinator for the Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project, Mohammed Danjuma and other technical staff of the North-East Recovery and Stabilisation Programme and North East Development Commission (NERSP/NEDC).

Mr. Malkawi who was satisfied  with the quality of the projects, stressed that,  “the world bank is happy for getting  value for the money that has been spent in Yobe  State for the people who were affected by the crisis”.

Doctors quarters reconstructed by MCRP Yobe

He was however particularly impressed with the communication department for the manner in which they have documented the activities of the project, while promising to share them at the highest platforms of the bank for reference.

Another member of the delegation and Co- TTL Serana Cavicchi  also praised the communication department for carrying out a fantastic job in the documentation of the project’s activities in the state.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Yobe State Project Coordinator MCRP, Musa Idi Jidawa underscored the importance of the visits to the state

According to Mr. Jidawa, the visit of the  team  is coming, “with high expectations that the supervision mission will achieve a lot in terms of technical discussions to deepen our understanding of the implementation strategy for the MCRP- Additional Financing”.

He added, “I can recollect, during a similar visit by the team in May this year, a lot has been learned and many frontiers have been unlocked through the technical discussions which involved stakeholders from the line MDAs, contractors and consultants as well as the representatives of the community structures etc.

“The discussions have come up with recommendations which we pursued vigorously to close some identified implementation gaps, especially strengthening coordination. Learning, as we all know, is continuous and cross-cutting, therefore we expect this visit will further explore other frontiers by taking a look at our activities to strengthen implementation capacity”.

“At this juncture, I would like to commend the Task team for their tireless support and for being prompt in reviewing our submissions and timely clearance to commence such activities”, Mr. Jidawa said.

The Yobe Project Coordinator noted that the success of the project in the state is largely attributed to the  dynamic leadership of the State Governor, Mai Mala Buni and the effective engagement with all stakeholders in the state.  .

“Our robust engagement with the line MDAs and other stakeholders has provided leeway for flexibility in identifying and prioritizing the sub-projects and their locations based on complementarity and community needs.

The success of this  engagement going on between the project and its diverse stakeholders in the state is enabled by the dynamic leadership of the Executive Governor of Yobe, Mai Mala Buni which translates into openness and efficiency of the machinery of government, coupled with the people-centred legislature and vibrant citizens.

“These are the foundations on which we ride to succeed and it is highly commendable. We will continue to revolve around this exemplary leadership to drive the aspirations of the good people of Yobe state through the lens of the Project Development Objectives, Mr. Jidawa said.

He regretted the devastating effect of the recent flooding on some of the projects in the state, noting that the flood has taken a serious toll on the livelihood of the people.

His words: “In recent times, recovery efforts in the state have been challenged by Flooding which is one of the manifestations of climate change. Flooding has been widespread across the state due to rainfall variability. As a matter of fact, it has taken a toll on the livelihoods of households through damages to houses causing people to take refuge in public places such as schools.

”Livestock has also been drowned and farmland submerged by the floods while the transportation system has collapsed in major parts of the state, impacting negatively on rural, intra-state and inter-state mobility. This devastating impact of climate change will no doubt reverse some gains accomplished by MCRP, especially under the original financing.

“I hope the task team will consider this as one of its take-ups away from this mission. Climate is natural, but human actions can cause changes in the pattern and dimension of its manifestation and in the same way human action can also mitigate the negative impact of the changes.

The World Bank Team taking briefing at the Medical Store in Damaturu

“Far away in Pakistan, we have received with shock, the sad news about the devastation of flooding leading to loss of lives, damage to critical service delivery infrastructure and properties. May I, therefore, on behalf of the people and government of Yobe state convey our sympathies and condolences to the government and people of Pakistan through Engr. Masroor Ahmad who is here with us for the implementation supervision mission.

“Let me seize the opportunity to once again congratulate all of us for the feat of strength and accomplishment. We will continue to work in this direction up to the end of the project. Let me also appeal to our esteemed stakeholders to avail themselves of the opportunities to be provided by this mission by contributing through suggestions, recommendations and enquiries where necessary so that we can continue to move on the same page as always.

“Our special commendations go to Mr Fuad and his team for the continuous support, by being always available and prompt on our request despite the tight schedules. It is my hope and prayers that you will all enjoy your stay in Damaturu and look ahead to more visits”, he said.

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COVID 19: NGO Collaborative donates BCC/IEC materials to Yobe

Dr. Kundi Machina, Mr. Shehu and Dr. Esther Avindigh at the presentation of the ICE/BCC materials in Damaturu 

From  JOE Hemba

The INGO Collaborative, a partnership  of different International Non-Governmental Oganizations working in Yobe State on improving  COVID 19 Vaccines Access through behavioural change, yesterday presented  some behavioural change communication materials to Yobe State Government.

 

Mr. Sabiu Suleiman Shehu,  the Behavioral Change Communications Program Manager for Mercy Corps Nigeria together with the Project Manager, CARE Nigeria, Dr. Esther  Damilola Avidingh both presented the materials to the Executive Secretary, Yobe State Primary Healthcare Management Board, Dr. Kundi Machina in his office in Damaturu.

The materials presented include COVID-19 vaccine guide, COVID 19  Referral Forms and hygiene kits to support the unscaling of COVID 19 vaccines among the people at the community levels in the state.

Mr.  Shehu, on behalf of INGO Partners of the Vaccine Access Program lauded the commitment of all stakeholders through the support so far received from the frontline workers, department and agencies in the state as well as the State Social Mobilization team.

Mohammed Kado, Mr. Shehu, and Dr. Avindigh 

He explained that  the goal of promoting vaccine access, confidence, and uptake in line with the recently launched SCALES 3.0 strategy, INGO Collaborative in partnership with the social mobilization team, developed a COVID-19 vaccine referral form and vaccine access guide to complement government efforts.

 “In line with the purpose of collaborating with SPHCB to support the COVID-19 rollout campaigns, including door-to-door sensitization and development of messaging through the use of already existing community structures from the date of execution of this MOU until.

from the date of execution of this MoU until April 30th, 2023, Mercy Corps developed a draft MoU to formally set out the parameters of the relationship between Mercy Corps and YPHCMB in the development and implementation of agreed projects, beginning from the date of execution of this MOU,”  he said.

I his response, the ES YBSPHMB Dr. Kundi Machina thank the INGOs for their efforts and the interventions they are making in the state.

 

He advised them to always collaborate with the board on any project they are embarking on to avoid duplication of efforts.

 

“It is very important that you collaborate with us in anything that you are doing so that we can identify gaps and do the right interventions. This will help us to avoid duplication of efforts and wastages” Dr. Machina advised.

 

Highlights of the event was the presentation of the BCC/IEC materials to the Executive Secretary, Dr. Kundi Machina  by Mr. Shehu and Dr. Esther Avindigh on behalf of the INGO Collaborative.

 

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