Stakeholders in Yobe have commended the Federal Government for executing projects and programmes across sectors in the state.
They said the federal government’s projects and programmes in education, power, health, infrastructure, among others, had impacted positively on the lives of the people.
The Director of Works, Federal University, Gashua, Mr Ahmed Janga, said the institution enjoyed 24 hours electricity, following the establishment of a 1.5 megawatts hybrid solar-powered plant at the university by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
He said that the university had surplus of about 0.8 megawatts as its maximum load was about 0.7 megawatts as a result of the World Bank’s funded project in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Power.
Janga said eight transformers were installed at the institution under the project, bringing to an end the challenge of low voltage.
The director said the project was initiated in 2022 but completed in 2024, adding that it had enhanced academic activities in no small measure.
He also said the Central Bank of Nigeria was executing a 2000-beds capacity students’ hostel project at the institution.
Janga, however, said funding of the ongoing five-bocks hostel project might soon be taken over by the Federal Ministry of Education.
The director identified the ongoing perimeter fencing of the institution as another key Federal Government project, which would address the challenge of encroachment on the university’s land.
On his part, the Chairman, Yobe Network of Civil Society Organisations, Muhammad Babakucici, acknowledged that health sector recorded notable progress under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“In the health sector, I can recall improvement in three interventions : Basic Health care Provision Fund (BHCPF) from 1.0 to 2.0. In 1.0, 161 PHCs were funded, but in 2.0 the number has increased to 328 PHCs.
“In PHC revitalisation, 8 PHCs were renovated. MAMII intervention was introduced to reduce maternal mortality, 6 local government areas were supported,” he said.
On education, Babakucici said there was an increase in the Universal Basic Education (UBEC) matching grant, “though with delays in releasing funds to State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs).
He lauded the federal government for initiating the ongoing 250-unit Renewed Hope Housing Estate in the state.
The N5 billion worth project which was inaugurated in 2024, comprised of 50 units of one-bedroom, 150 units of two-bedroom and 50 units of three-bedroom homes.
He, however, called on the Federal Ministry of Housing to tackle the slow pace of work at the project site and ensure its completion.
Mr Lawan Mustapha, the Coordinator of Youth Peace Mentors Initiative in Yobe, a civil society organisation, also said some federal health interventions were reaching the grassroots.
“For example, my father personally benefited from the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) through the Yobe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency.
“He received free surgical treatment for prostate-related illness and hernia,” he said.
According to him, there are visible interventions in education.
“For example, I have seen students of Yobe State University expressing appreciation after benefiting from the student loan programme through NELFUND.
“I have also personally witnessed the impact of UBEC intervention in my school, Yobe State Special Education School, Damagum,” Mustapha said.
He said UBEC supported construction of six classrooms, renovation of two blocks and two toilets, improving learning environment for students with special needs.
Mustapha, however, highlighted the need for more transparency, effective monitoring and timely completion of projects. (NAN).
