…Promises 30-passenger capacity ferry, 100 life jackets to Gombe
The National Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission on Tuesday commiserated with the government and people of Gombe State over the recent boat mishap in Nafada Local Government Area, which claimed five lives.
Recall that no fewer than five teenagers including Najib Ibrahim (18), Hauwa’u Jidda Adamu Siddi Dogal (15), Ummati Haruna Baraya (16), Umaira Gidado (16), and Amina Jaliya (15) — all from the Nafada community in Gombe State, died on the October 25.
A high-powered delegation from the Commission, led by its Deputy Director, Administration and Finance, Mrs Ruth Essain, paid a condolence visit to Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, at the Government House, Gombe.
Speaking during the visit, Essain described the incident as a national tragedy, noting that it had deeply affected not only the bereaved families but also the entire people of Nafada, Gombe State, and Nigeria at large.
“The sad incident has not only affected the deceased families but the people of Nafada, Gombe State, and the nation as a whole,” she said. “We pray that God grants the deceased eternal rest and gives their families the fortitude to bear the loss.”
She announced that the Commission would soon provide a 30-passenger capacity ferry to Gombe State to enhance safe water transportation and prevent future occurrences.
“We are seeking collaboration between the State Government and other relevant agencies to promote safer waterways,” she stated. “In this regard, N-HYPPADEC will soon provide a 30-passenger capacity ferry to Gombe State.”
Essain also thanked Governor Yahaya for his continued support to the Commission, particularly for providing office accommodation and allocating land for the construction of its permanent office in the state.
She highlighted some of N-HYPPADEC’s ongoing interventions in Gombe’s riverine and hydro communities, which include the provision of solar streetlights, drilling of solar-powered boreholes, desilting of major drainages, and payment of NECO fees for students, among others.
In addition, she announced the immediate donation of 100 life jackets to the Nafada community as part of the Commission’s quick-response measures.
Responding on behalf of Governor Yahaya, the Secretary to Government of the State, Professor Ibrahim Njodi, expressed appreciation to N-HYPPADEC for the visit and its show of solidarity during the state’s moment of grief.
“We thank N-HYPPADEC for commiserating with us over the tragic boat mishap and for their numerous interventions so far.
“We also urge the Commission to do even more for the people of Gombe, especially those living in river,” he said.
▪︎JD, Information Officer, SGS’ office.
