The Gombe State Executive Council (SEC), presided over by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has approved contracts worth over N15 billion for the construction of township roads in Billiri and Kaltungo Local Government Areas, alongside several other strategic projects and policies aimed at sustaining infrastructure development, youth empowerment, education and agricultural productivity across the state.

Briefing journalists after the Council’s 55th meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Strategy and Culture, Hon. Moses Kyari Bolda, said the approvals were in line with Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s commitment to consolidating the developmental gains recorded since the inception of his administration, despite being in the final phase of its tenure.

Providing details of the infrastructure approvals, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Usman Maijama’a Kallamu, disclosed that the Council approved N7,295,625,377 for the construction of Kaltungo township roads, while N8,752,455,054 was approved for the construction of Billiri township roads.

According to him, the projects were initially awarded in 2022 but could not commence due to issues relating to compensation. He explained that the fresh approvals reflect prevailing market realities and will pave the way for the immediate execution of the projects.

The Commissioner also revealed that the Council approved N414,345,042 for the repair of washouts caused by recent heavy rainfall at Brigadier Zakari Maimalari International Airport, Gombe.

Similarly, he disclosed that, in response to the deteriorating condition of the Mararaban Kuri-Kuri Town Road, the Council approved N891,175,000 for the grading, surfacing and asphalting of the road.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Education, Professor Aishatu Maigari, said the Council approved the procurement of 22,000 boarding school mattresses and beddings at a cost of N998,004,392.

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She explained that the approval became necessary to provide a more conducive learning environment for students in the state’s mega schools and other boarding institutions.

Aishatu Maigari further disclosed that the Council received the report of the Task Force Committee on the Reforms and Revitalisation of Basic and Technical Education in Gombe State, inaugurated by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya on November 17, 2025.

According to her, one of the key recommendations adopted by the Council as an actionable strategy is the Gombe Basic Education and Skills Transformation (GOBEST) initiative, described as a flagship and legacy programme of the Inuwa Yahaya administration aimed at repositioning basic and technical education in the state.

On youth development, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Mika Hamman, announced the adoption of the Gombe State Strategic Youth Policy, describing it as a landmark framework that will guide youth development across the state.

He observed that, with over 60 per cent of Gombe State’s population comprising young people, the present administration has consistently prioritised youth-focused programmes. He added that the new policy would consolidate existing investments to empower young people and prepare them for productive participation in society.

According to him, the policy aligns with the state’s Ten-Year Development Plan and seeks to address youth unemployment through structured interventions in skills acquisition, entrepreneurship development, capacity building and other human capital development initiatives.

The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Barrister Yusuf Abdullahi Waziri, reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to the successful implementation of the policy, noting that it would significantly address the challenges hindering youth development in Gombe State while sustaining and consolidating the achievements already recorded in the sector.

The Council also approved major urban infrastructure projects aimed at improving public lighting and upgrading airport facilities.

The Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Muhammad Saidu Fawu, disclosed that the Council ratified the procurement and installation of 198 solar-powered street lights along the four-kilometre road corridor from the Hajj Camp to Brigadier Zakari Maimalari International Airport, including the airport’s internal roads.

He said the project was awarded at a cost of N400,467,000.

He also announced that the Council ratified the installation of double-arm solar-powered street lights along the Ashaka Junction-Federal College of Education axis and adjoining roads around the city centre.

According to him, the contract, valued at N1,087,475,891, was awarded to Mega Tech Consult Nigeria Limited.

Hon. Fawu also disclosed that the Council approved N839,471,007 for the renovation and furnishing of facilities at Brigadier Zakari Maimalari International Airport.

He explained that the project includes the rehabilitation of critical airport infrastructure, as well as the repair and restoration of the airport’s fire service truck, to improve operational efficiency, strengthen emergency response capability and ensure compliance with aviation safety standards.

On agriculture, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Waziri Muhammad, said the Council reviewed ongoing arrangements for the distribution of 200,000 bags of high-quality fertiliser procured by the state government in fulfilment of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s campaign promise to boost agricultural production and enhance food security.

He noted that agriculture remains one of the administration’s priority sectors, stressing that the intervention is designed to increase productivity and support farmers during the current farming season.

According to him, about 80 per cent of the fertiliser has already been distributed to the 11 Local Government Areas to ensure timely access for farmers at the grassroots, while the remaining allocation is reserved for large-scale farmers, medium-scale farmers, registered farmer groups, associations and other eligible beneficiaries under the existing distribution framework.