Jigawa govt approves N13.8bn agric, education projects

The Jigawa State Government has approved N13.8 billion worth of education and agriculture intervention programmes in the state.

The approval covers N12.68 billion for viable projects across 50 senior secondary schools; N517.6 million for Integrated Education Board, IEB, schools, and N615.6 million for fertiliser procurement.

Sagir Musa, Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Dutse.

He said that the State Executive Council, SEC, approved the funds at its weekly meeting chaired by Governor Umar Namadi on Monday.

Musa said that the gesture would facilitate construction, supply and renovation works in 50 schools across the state. He said that the government awarded the work to 26 contractors, designed to address critical infrastructure gaps to improve teaching and learning conditions.

The commissioner said that the council also approved N517.6 million, for the renovation and construction of educational infrastructure at various IEB schools.

Musa explained that the projects were expected to address critical infrastructure needs, improve the learning environment and enhance access to quality education.

On agriculture, Musa said the council ratified the purchase of 18,000 bags of NPK brand of fertilisers at N615.6 million under the Renewed Hope Farmers Initiative.

The commodity, he said, would be distributed to Persons with Disabilities, PWDs, youth and women farmers, through the National Women in Agricultural Business Cooperative Society Ltd.

Mr Musa said that the initiative would enhance farmer access to inputs, encourage agricultural production and improve livelihoods.

The council also approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state Ministry of Health, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) and other development partners.

Mr Musa said that the agreement was under the Direct Delivery of Routine Immunisation Vaccine and other healthcare commodities.

“The initiative is designed to strengthen the direct delivery and distribution of routine immunisation vaccines and other essential primary healthcare commodities.

“The partnership will strengthen coordination within the state’s primary healthcare system and ensure equitable use of available resources,” he pointed out.

He said the council also approved low-key activities to mark Jigawa’s 35th anniversary on August 27.

According to Musa, special prayers will be conducted while individuals and institutions that contributed to the state’s development will be honoured.

“The council approved the institutionalisation of future anniversary celebrations and development of a framework for State Merit Awards and Honours.

“The activities are intended to reflect on Jigawa State’s journey over the past 35 years, celebrate its achievements and inspire renewed commitment.”

(NAN)