All roads led to Gurma community in Balanga Local Government Area of Gombe State on Thursday, where the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Jatau, donated and commissioned a newly constructed Corpers’ Lodge named Lady Victoria Ango Lodge.
The facility, which can accommodate 16 corps members, comprises four bedrooms, each with space for four occupants, eight toilets, a common parlour, store, and kitchen.
Commissioning the project, Lady Victoria Ango, after whom the building was named, expressed deep appreciation to the Deputy Governor for the honour, describing it as “a great honour and a special birthday gift.”
She said, “I am exceedingly delighted and feel so privileged to be honoured with the commissioning of this magnificent edifice named after me. In my 35 years of public service, I have never been so honoured. Naming this Corpers’ Lodge in this beautiful town of Gurma after me is a priceless recognition which I deeply appreciate.”
Lady Ango praised Jatau for what she called “an immeasurable sacrifice that can only come from a good heart,” urging other leaders to emulate his humanitarian spirit by investing in education and youth development rather than pursuing personal interests.
She added, “This lodge will encourage corps members to serve effectively in rural communities, and such investment contributes directly to community growth and educational development.”
Addressing the corps members, she advised them to make good use of the facility, save money, and integrate well into the community. She also appealed to traditional rulers and residents of Gurma to protect and support the corps members “as their own children.”
In his remarks, Deputy Governor Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau explained that the idea for the project stemmed from compassion and a desire to improve the living conditions of corps members serving in rural areas.
“Times have changed, and corps members now face tougher challenges than before,” he said. “When I discovered that the Comprehensive Secondary School, Gurma, had only two teachers, I felt compelled to build this lodge to attract more corps members to serve here.”
Dr Jatau called on well-meaning individuals and public officials to emulate the gesture, stressing that community development and youth empowerment should remain a shared responsibility. He also commended Lady Ango for her over three decades of meritorious service and unwavering commitment to education and community growth.
Speaking at the event, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Njodi, and Chief of Staff, Government House, Alh. Abubakar Inuwa Kari, described the initiative as a remarkable example of leadership and selflessness.
Prof. Njodi said, “This gesture is a challenge to all of us in leadership to do more for our communities. Dr. Jatau has once again shown that leadership is about service, not position.”
Similarly, Hon. Ibrahim Jatau, Chairman of Balanga Local Government Area, lauded the Deputy Governor for his commitment to improving the welfare of corps members.
He said, “Today marks another milestone in our collective effort to support the NYSC scheme. The Deputy Governor’s investment in this lodge will go a long way in improving the welfare of corps members who play vital roles in education, healthcare, and grassroots development.”
The Bala Waja of Waja Chiefdom, Alh. Danjuma Mohammed Danjuma, described the project as both a gift to corps members and an asset to the entire Gurma community.
“This facility can compete with similar structures anywhere in the country,” he said. “It shows the Deputy Governor’s genuine concern for education and youth empowerment.”
Giving an overview of the project, Mr Musa Daniel Jatau, the Deputy Governor’s younger brother, disclosed that NYSC members had been serving in Gurma since 1991, thanks to the efforts of Lady Victoria Ango.
He said, “The new lodge was built to provide a more conducive environment for corps members—one that even surpasses what many enjoy in the cities.”
The NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs Chinwe Nwachukwu, commended Jatau for his generosity and commitment to the welfare of corps members in Gombe State.
