Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, on Thursday commenced the distribution of a N1.5 billion intervention fund to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises and households affected by the devastating floods during the past rainy season in Gombe State.
The intervention covers 10,000 beneficiaries identified from across various communities, including members of associations, the physically challenged, and other vulnerable groups.
Speaking at the event, the governor restated that the welfare of the people remains at the center of his administration’s focus, with a strong emphasis on supporting livelihoods and businesses.
“The welfare of the people of Gombe State remains at the heart of our administration’s priorities. Over the years, we have initiated and implemented numerous programs aimed at alleviating the suffering of the poor and vulnerable in our society.
“Our focus has been unwavering: to provide a safety net for our people and empower them to rebuild their lives. We have undertaken various palliative food distribution programs and provided emergency intervention to flood victims and other disaster-affected groups,” he added.
He explained that through the Gombe State Emergency Management Agency, the State Government has provided prompt and timely emergency interventions to provide immediate relief to the victims during the flood events.
He described the support as a strategic move towards supporting and rebuilding livelihoods and businesses. “This is not just an opportunity to recover but a chance to grow stronger and become more resilient,” he said.
“My administration will continue to work tirelessly to attract more interventions, implement more policies that support business growth, and create an environment where every citizen can thrive,” he noted.
Yahaya lauded Federal Government and the North-East Development Commission, as well as other stakeholders for their support and collaboration towards ensuring the success of the programme, calling on the beneficiaries to make good use of the intervention and contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.
The Commissioner, Ministry of Special Duties and Regional Integration, Shehu Abdullahi, stated that support and welfare have been cardinal points of Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s leadership.
He noted that the state experienced catastrophic floods and other natural disasters in the last rainy season, impacting 2,500 houses, 33 communities, numerous farmlands, and critical infrastructure.
Abdullahi commended the governor’s swift response to these disasters, including the provision of immediate emergency relief to the affected communities.
Speaking earlier, Fatima Bello, Chairperson of Shongom Local Government, described Yahaya as an ‘unprecedented leader and achiever’ who consistently prioritises the welfare of his people.
She expressed appreciation for the Governor’s commitment to human and infrastructural development, which has fostered a conducive environment for investment and growth.
Hon. Bello pledged that all Local Government Chairmen across the 11 LGAs will work diligently to ensure the successful implementation of the programme.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Alh. Uba Abdullahi, Chairman of the Gombe State Rural Marketers Association, expressed gratitude to Yahaya for his intervention, acknowledging its significant impact on businesses and individuals.
He stated, “Businesses in Gombe State have consistently benefited from the support and interventions initiated by the Governor since he assumed office. We are confident that these funds will be utilised effectively to achieve their intended purpose.”
Abdullahi further expressed appreciation for the various initiatives undertaken by the government to support businesses, particularly the N500 million intervention for SMEs through the GoCares project, acknowledging these efforts as crucial steps towards the growth and development of the state’s economy.
