Gombe Deputy Gov laments increase to child marriage, teenage pregnancy
Gombe State Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Jatau on Wednesday, lamented increasing number of child marriage in Konfulata community within Kwami local government area of the state.
Jatau noted with dismay the increasing rate of teenage pregnancy, which he said has become rampant in the community.
He made this disclosure while playing host to Gadam Community who came to solicit for access road as well as on a thank you visit following the closeout of UNICEF, Chinese government support to 10 Primary Healthcare facilities in the area.
According to him, The UNICEF and the Chinese Government have pledged to consider continuing with the project having recorded great achievements and positive response and support from the people of the affected areas.
While seizing the opportunity to register his concern, “Over early marriage and pregnancy which was noticed during the visit to Konfulata recently. While we try to provide health care, We should be careful not to allow what will endanger the lives of the people,” he said.
Jatau informed them that most of their requests was already part of their plans and were already tabled before the Governor, assuring them of positive responses.
He commended the skills acquisition programme of the Gadam Community Development Association for their youths and women, pointing out that it will go along way in complimenting government efforts towards youth empowerment.
He said, “The state government is collaborating with Industrial Training Fund to establish a gigantic Youth Centre for the Northeast where different skills will be taught to the teaming unemployed youths to change the negative narrative of unemployment and youths restiveness.”
Speaking earlier, Chairman Gadam Community Development Association Haruna Mamuda said the delegation was in the Deputy Governor’s office to express appreciation of the people of their community to the Government for recently attending the handing over of projects executed by Chinese Government in collaboration with UNICEF and the state government.
He explained that the Community has donated an ambulance at the health facility in Gadam, and has been complementing efforts of the government by assisting in youth empowerment towards self reliance and overall good of the society.
While appealing for the construction of Gadam-Kurugu- Mallam Sidi road to link them with the Local Government Headquarters, Mamuda said, “The body of water along that part is capable of enhancing dry season farming. These developments will as well open up the area for agricultural and commercial purposes.
“We want to appeal for the construction of Taffi- Kalanga-Bomala- meeting Gombe Bauchi main road to link up the area with socio-economic activities.”
