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Tag: Ibrahim Gaidam

  • Yobe Empowers Para-Soccer Players

    The head coach of Yobe Para-soccer team, Mohammed Bashiru, on Wednesday in Abuja said Yobe State was set to eradicate poverty by empowering Para-soccer players in the state.

    Bashiru told our reporter that the state governor, Ibrahim Gaidam, had been giving the state Para-soccer team allowance every month.

    He said that the state governor has always been supporting the team at local and national competitions.

    “The state government has been motivating the team since they joined Para-soccer tournament, it has been encouraging us morally, physically and financially, which is the most important thing.

    “The state governor is paying them minimum wage, which will reduce poverty level, he also empowered our atheletes by putting them in some handworks.

    Read Also: Yobe Govt. creates account for N11bn cargo airport

    “They received salary every month from the state government as a player because most of them are bread winners of their families and some of them have their own businesses.

    “The aim of the Government is to take them away from street begging and say no to violence,’’ he said.

    Bashiru said Yobe team would work hard to win the National League Championship coming up in Katsina in August.

    It was also reported that Yobe team won the just concluded First National Open Para-soccer Championship at the package B of the National Stadium Abuja.

    NAN

  • Yobe Govt. creates account for N11bn cargo airport

    The Yobe Government said it had established a dedicated account to ensure the completion of the N11billion Damaturu International Cargo Airport before the tenure expiration of the present administration.

    Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam made the disclosure on Tuesday while inspecting work on the project in Kalallawa village, 17 kilometres from Damaturu.

    ‘‘We have opened a dedicated account called the Airport Project Account, money is there waiting for payment at any time,’’ Gaidam said.

    The governor expressed satisfaction with the speed and quality of work at the airport.

    Gaidam said the contractors should complete the project on time because government has the money to execute the project.

    He said the state government had paid N5.6 billion out of the N11.3 billion contractual fee.

    According to the governor, the project is cost effective compared to airports constructed at over N63 billion in other states.

    Gaidam said work has reached 51.5 per cent completion with impressive speed and quality.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the contract was awarded in September 2017 with 15 months completion period.

  • Yobe approves N63.5m for free  Ramadan feeding, others

    Ahead of the Ramadan, Yobe State Governor Ibrahim Gaidam has approved the sum of N65.5 million as part of free Ramadan feeding of less privilege in the state during the Ramadan period.

    According to a statement released by the governor’s spokesman Abdullahi Bego, the feeding exercise and other activities like Tafsir will be carried out by the ministry of Religious Affairs.

    The statement explained that the sum of N48.5 million will be used for the purchase of Rams and cooking condiments in 42 centres while N15 million will be used for the payment of muslim preachers during the period.

    The statement reads: “His Excellency Governor Ibrahim Gaidam has approved N63.5 million through the Ministry of Religious Affairs for the provision of Ramadan feeding ( Iftar ) to the less privileged in 42 centres across the 17 local government areas of the state and for the conduct of Tafsir during the incoming Holy Month.

    Read Also: Gaidam gets Sudanese varsity honourary degree

    “Of the amount approved by the governor, N48.5 million will be used for the purchase of rams and cooking condiments for the 42 feeding centres while N15 million will be used for the payment of allowances to Muslim preachers who will seek to guide the Muslim faithful through the Holy Month.

    “His Excellency the governor had also approved 1, 260 bags of rice and 630 jerry cans of cooking oil to be used in the 42 designated feeding centres during Ramadan”.

    Over the years, the state government has consistently approved similar monies but the less privilege  have always complained of feeling the impact of the funds during the fasting period.

  • Yobe donates N200m for Army Barrack project

    Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe on Wednesday donated N200 million to the Nigerian Army for its ongoing barrack project in the state.

    Gaidam made the donation when he visited the construction site of the barrack on Maiduguri-Damaturu Road, in Damaturu.

    He said he received some areas that needed urgent intervention from the General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Aliya adding that the areas of priority amounted to N200 million.

    “We have, therefore, taken these responsibilities for now. However we are going to spread the release of the fund in three instalments.

    “The costs will be shared between the state and local governments,” he said.

    Gaidam also said that his administration had paid a compensation to land owners to secure the land for the project.

    Read Also: Yobe approves N671m for payment of gratuity

    “We secure this land on behalf of the Nigerian Army by paying a compensation of about N200 million as our initial contribution,” he said.

    The governor added that the soldiers sacrificed their lives to protect the people of Yobe, adding: “they are here to protect our lives and property in Yobe State.

    “Some of them died in that course. So, the only way to reciprocate is to ensure that we contribute based on our capacity to ease some of their operational problems.

    NAN

  • Yobe approves N671m for payment of gratuity

    Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe on Monday approved N671 million for payment of gratuity to 364 retired workers and others who died in service.

    The information is in a statement by Malam Abdullahi Bego, the Director-General of Press Affairs to the governor in Damaturu.

    Bego stated that the amount would cover gratuity of those who retired or died between August and December 2017.

    He noted that the state Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam in January this year approved over N1 billion for payment of gratuity to 631 workers who retired from service between January and July 2017.

    He added that workers who retired from service of the state government from January 2018 till date would wait for verification and processing of their documents before payment.

    “It is the commitment of Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam that Yobe Government will remain unwavering in its commitment to the welfare of workers in its employ” the statement noted.

    NAN

  • Yobe FG committed to securing release of Dapchi schoolgirl – Gaidam

    Yobe Government has assured of its partnership with the Federal Government to ensure the release of Leah Sharibu, the lone Dapchi schoolgirl still in Boko Haram captivity.

    Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam stated this on Thursday in Damaturu when the House of Representatives Adhoc Committee investigating the abduction of the Dapchi schoolgirls visited the state.

    Gaidam, who was represented by the Deputy Governor of the state, Alhaji Abubakar Ali, said the release of the girl was a matter of priority to the government and people of the state.

    He expressed the hope that the findings of the committee would help to provide a permanent solution to abduction of students and Nigerians generally.

    He urged the federal government and security agencies to employ a comprehensive strategy to clear mines and mop up the remnants of insurgents in the North-East.

    Read Also: Boko Haram tried to capture Yobe Government House – Senate

    The governor also called for effective de-radicalisation policy to curb the menace of violent crimes in the sub-region.

    He commended security operatives for the relative peace achieved in the states affected by insurgency.

    He called on stakeholders to support and cooperate with the committee to find lasting solutions to abduction and other problems associated with insurgency.

    The Chairman of the committee, Mr Buba Yakubu, said the committee was on a fact-finding mission to determine the immediate and remote causes of the abduction of the students.

    “The committee does not intend to witch-hunt anybody but to identify the problems, find solutions and forestall future occurrence,” he said.

    NAN

  • Fayose congratulates parents of released Dapchi Girls

    Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has congratulated parents of the abducted Dapchi schoolgirls that were released today and sympathized with parents of five of the girls that reportedly died.

    He described the abduction of the girls as an indictment on the federal government and their release as “drama scripted by the government and its agents to swindle Nigerians.”

    Fayose, while reacting to the release of the abducted school girls, said; “This appears like an arranged abduction and an arranged release, but we thank God that the innocent girls have returned home and we condole with parents of those that died.”

    In a statement issued on Wednesday, by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Fayose said it was strange that the girls could be brought back to Dapchi by their abductors without the security agents knowing when they were returned and who returned them.

    He said; “Curiously, the same spirit who made sure that all military checkpoints in Dapchi and other surrounding towns were removed to pave way for abduction of the girls also made sure that the girls were returned without any security agent seeing them.

    Read Also: Fayose, Ewi row over demolition in Ado-Ekiti

    “One can only be hopeful that the real script writers behind this drama will be exposed one day.

    “Nigerians should recall that the Yobe State Governor, Ibrahim Gaidam said that military checkpoints were withdrawn from Dapchi and other communities a few days before the abduction of the 110 girls.

    This was also corroborated by the Amnesty International in its report that was published in the newspapers on Wednesday.

    “Specifically, Amnesty International said that security forces failed to act on advance warnings that a convoy of Boko Haram fighters was heading to Dapchi town and that between 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm on February 19, 2018, calls were made to tell the security services that the Boko Haram insurgents were in the Dapchi area.

    “No doubt, withdrawal of military check-points from Dapchi and other communities, few days before the 110 students were abducted and failure of the security forces to act on advance warnings exposed the conspiracy of the federal government and its agents in the abduction of the school girls and other dastardly acts of the insurgents.

    “Interestingly, no one was questioned up till now despite conflicting claims by the army and police as well as the damning report by the Amnesty International hat between 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm on February 19, 2018, calls were made to tell the security services that the Boko Haram insurgents were in the Dapchi area.”

    The governor, who reiterated his allegation that Boko Haram insurgency had become source of treasury looting; said; “Those benefitting from Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) scams, payment of ransom (in dollars) to free those abducted by the Boko Haram insurgents, among others will never wish to see the end of the insurgency.”

  • Dapchi girls: Presidential committee visits Yobe

    Dapchi girls: Presidential committee visits Yobe

    Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe has called on the Federal Government to intensify aerial survelliance to rescue the abducted Dapchi schoolgirls and enhance general security of the state.

    Gaidam made the call on Monday when the Presidential Committee to unravel circumstances surrounding the abduction of the students of Government Girls Science Technical School, Dapchi, visited the state.

    He commended the Buhari Administration for its committed zeal in fighting insurgency in the North-East.

    He said the visit by four different delegations sent by the federal government underscored the commitment of government to rescue the schoolgirls.

    The governor also commended to the Nigerian Army for acting with dispatch and realigning the check points in Ngelzarma and Damagum to beef up security.

    “I am optimistic that with the kind of inspiring concern exhibited by the federal government, other patriotic Nigerians and indeed, the international community, we will intensify our efforts until all the girls are found.”

    He lauded the efforts of security organisations, which he said, had recorded unprecedented success to the admiration of all.

    According to the governor, the Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have deployed their personnel to schools across the state to build more confidence in the parents and students.

    Gaidam solicited for comprehensive strategy to mop up the remnants of Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East.

    The Chairman of the committee, Rear Admiral Victor Adedipe, said they were in the state to dialogue with stakeholders to uncover circumstances surrounding the abduction.

    He said that the committee had interacted with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, the Theater Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole and other senior military officers engaged in the operation.

    He listed the committee’s terms of reference to include: to ascertain the circumstance of the abduction, determine the exact number of persons abducted, confirm presence and disposition of security operatives and communication facilities in Dapchi.

    Others are: to suggest to government, measures to locate and rescue the students, measures to forestall future occurrence and recommend any other measures that can assist the government.

    Meanwhile, the Dapchi Youth Development Association has declared total support for the ongoing efforts by government to rescue the schoolgirls.

    A communique signed by Alhaji Baba Shehu, Secretary of the association, called for engagement of all parents of the schoolgirls by government committees.

    “While rescue efforts are ongoing, we urge Yobe Government to decide in earnest the fate of the over 800 girls that escaped the abduction and returned home following closure of the school, “it said.

    NAN

  • Army justifies troops withdrawal at Dapchi

    Army justifies troops withdrawal at Dapchi

     …says Gov. Gaidam”s statement is misleading

    The Nigeria Army has explained why it withdrew troop at Dapchi town before the last attack on the town that led to the abduction of 110 girls at Government Girls Science Technical College, Dapchi.

    According to a statement signed by Col Onyema Nwachukwu Deputy Director Public Relations and spokesman Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole said the withdrawal was purely an operational exigency following an attack in some part of northern Yobe where the troops were deployed for reinforcement.

    Col. Onyema emphasised that  the priority of the army is not to join iasues with Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam but instead to correct the misleading information credited to the Governor which he described as not “unfortunate but far from the truth”.

    The statement also assured parents of the missing girls that the military is working tirelessly to rescued the abducted girls.

     

    The statement read in full:
    “The attention of Headquarters Theatre Command Operations  LAFIYA DOLE,  has been drawn to a  statement credited to His Excellency Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Gaidam, Executive Governor of Yobe State, currently circulating in the media, in which he reportedly alleged that the withdrawal of the  military was responsible for the recent suspected Boko Haram terrorists’ attack and abduction of female students  from Government Girls Science Technical College in Dapchi . This allegation is not only unfortunate, but also very far from the truth

    “Although this Headquarters will not attempt to join in any blame game, it is very expedient to set the record straight for the benefit of posterity.  In carrying out its mandate to counter terrorism and insurgency in north eastern Nigeria, Operation Lafiya Dole  has been alive to its responsibilities vis a vis the fight against Boko Haram insurgents. Several communities and Local Governments that were hitherto under siege of the insurgents have been liberated and the insurgents pushed out . While troops continue to trail and decimate the remnants of the insurgents in the hinterlands, the security of the liberated communities and towns fall in the hands of the sister security agencies. The recent dislodgement and further decimation of the insurgents from their enclaves in the Sambisa and the Lake Chad Islands are testimonials to the effective operations of troops against the insurgents.

    “Additionally, troops are regularly conducting long range patrols, raids and ambushes to canalise and take out fleeing insurgents. Given all these efforts, it is very astonishing and shocking that such unfortunate comment and allegation is been touted against the loyal and dedicated troops of Operation Lafiya Dole.

    “Contrary to the comments being circulated, troops earlier deployed in Dapchi were redeployed to reinforce  troops at Kanama following attacks on troops’ location at the Nigerian – Nigerien border. This was on the premise that Dapchi has been relatively calm and peaceful and the security of Dapchi town was formally handed over to the Nigeria Police Division located in the town. Troops’ redeployment was therefore done in tandem with the exigencies of operation and not as misconstrued.

    “It is thus obligatory, to state that the allegation reportedly attributed to the Governor of Yobe state is misleading and misinforming.  We reiterate our commitment and determination to carrying out our mandate to fight Boko Haram terrorists in the north east. We also implore members of the public to continue to support us with credible information on the whereabouts of the Boko Haram terrorists. We would also like to assure the parents, government and the good people of Yobe State and indeed members of the public that we will not rest on our oars in the search and rescue of the abducted school girls and any other persons held captive by the terrorists”.

     

  • Yobe rural communities demand water

    Yobe rural communities demand water

    Rural communities selected for construction of 488 water and sanitation facilities in Yobe have appealed to Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam to provide counterpart funds for UNICEF to execute the projects.

    Spokesman of the benefitting communities, Mr Modu Masaba, made the appeal in an interview on Monday in Dapchi.

    Modu said the communities widely celebrated the projects said to be jointly financed by UNICEF, Yobe Government and Bursari Local Government Council.

    “The benefiting communities commend Yobe government for initiating the project and pleading for timely payment of counterpart fund by the state and Bursari local governments for UNICEF to provide its obligation,” Masaba said.

    Read also: Yobe govt reunites 216 deportees from Libya with families

    He said the construction of the water facilities would end the severe water problems faced by the communities and the health challenges of water borne related diseases.

    “If these water facilities are provided, 70 per cent of health problems confronting the rural communities will be solved,” Masaba said.

    Reacting, Alhaji Mohammed Bukar, the General Manager, Yobe Rural  Water Supply and Sanitation Agency ( RUWASSA ), said the project comprise 380 hand pump boreholes, 48 solar powered boreholes and 60 water and sanitation facilities in primary schools and health clinics.

    Also, Alhaji Zanna Abatcha, the Chairman, Dapchi Local Government Council, said the project would be executed under a tripartite agreement between UNICEF, Yobe Government and Bursari council.

    “UNICEF is committing N649.6 million, Yobe state government N263.8 million and Bursari local government council N111.3 million to the water and sanitation facilities in the communities,” the chairman said.

    Zanna assured the preparedness of the state and local government council to meet their financial obligations for successful execution of the projects.

    NAN