By Our Correspondent

The Gombe State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Alhaji Salihu Baba Alkali (Katukan Nafada), has described Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya as a forward-looking leader whose strategic investments are securing the state’s economic future.

The Commissioner made this disclosure during an inspection tour of the Agro-Livestock Development Zone, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary and other directors of the Ministry.

Baba Alkali noted that the Ministry’s visit was particularly important following the recent creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development, which necessitated a closer understanding of the ongoing investments and activities within the zone.

He observed that the scale and interconnectedness of the projects demonstrate a long-term vision for the state, noting that the various components – including the Grains Market, International Livestock Market, Poultry Production Hub, and Ultra-Modern Abattoir – were purposefully designed to complement one another.

Beyond strengthening the livestock sector, Hon. Alkali stated, “These projects also hold significant potential for expanding Gombe State’s revenue base.”

He expressed optimism that when completed and fully operational, these investments will significantly increase internally generated revenue and reduce the state’s dependence on federal allocations.

Hon. Alkali, a former Chairman of the Gombe State Internal Revenue Service, added that “The revenue potentials of the International Livestock Market, Ultra-Modern Abattoir, Poultry Hub and other components could provide substantial resources for financing government programmes.”

He emphasized that the economic impact will extend far beyond government revenue, as livestock farmers and other participants in the value chain stand to benefit from new commercial opportunities.

The Commissioner highlighted the zone’s potentials to improve returns for livestock farmers by providing a structured market where they can sell animals at competitive prices, thereby minimizing the challenges associated with reliance on middlemen.

He stressed that “This development will also contribute to improving the livestock value chain by creating an organised environment for production, processing, marketing and trade.”

Speaking earlier while guiding the Commissioner around the project sites, the State Project Coordinator for the Gombe Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, Professor Usman Bello Abubakar, stated that the over 200-hectare Agro-Livestock Development Zone is now open to domestic and international investors to attract private-sector participation, boost livestock production, strengthen the value chain, and expand economic opportunities.

Prof. Abubakar described the zone as a visionary investment driven by Governor Yahaya’s foresight, noting that its components operate as an integrated agro-commercial hub.

According to him, the major facilities include the International Livestock Market, Ultra-Modern Abattoir, Poultry Hub, Timber Market, Grains Market, and Inland Dry Port.

He noted that the zone will accelerate modernization, strengthen commerce, create employment, and improve livelihoods.

Emphasizing the importance of sustainability, Professor Abubakar explained that the success of the zone depends heavily on effective private-sector engagement. He noted, “This zone is therefore open to both domestic and international investors, with investment opportunities guided strictly by credibility and merit.”

He added that private operators will ensure the facilities function as viable commercial ventures while the government focuses on providing an enabling environment and supervision.

Providing an update on construction, the Project Coordinator revealed that the Ultra-Modern Abattoir is about 80 percent complete and is expected to be finalized before the end of Governor Yahaya’s tenure, offering processing infrastructure capable of serving local, national, and international markets.

Expanding on the technical and food-safety aspects of the project, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock Development, Alhaji Sa’id Ahmad Guli, commended Governor Yahaya for the unprecedented scale of investment.

He explained that the Ultra-Modern Abattoir was specifically designed to produce Halal meat for domestic consumption and export in strict compliance with international standards.

Highlighting the advanced hygiene measures, the Permanent Secretary added, “This facility incorporates modern processing systems designed to minimise human contact with meat products, thereby reducing the risk of contamination and improving hygiene and food safety.”

Ultimately, the inspection tour provided the Ministry and the Gombe L-PRES Project with a firsthand assessment of investment progress and the expansive opportunities unfolding within the state’s emerging livestock economy.

The visit forms a core part of the Ministry’s ongoing engagement to evaluate investments and strengthen collaboration toward building a modern, commercially viable, and sustainable livestock sector in alignment with Governor Yahaya’s visionary agenda.

By Editor Daily Fact

The Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority (UBRBDA) has launched the distribution of free fertiliser and other agricultural inputs to farmers across Gombe, Yobe and Borno states in a move aimed at boosting food production and improving the livelihoods of rural farming communities.

The intervention, spearheaded by the Managing Director of the Authority, Dr. Mahmud Sunusi Muhammad, is expected to benefit about 5,000 farmers in 87 communities within the Upper Benue River Basin catchment areas before the end of the 2026 rainy season.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held in Bajoga, Funakaye Local Government Area of Gombe State, the Area Manager of the Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority, Dadin Kowa Area Office, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Muhammad Bello (Sarkin Shanun Yamaltu), said the distribution marks the first phase of the programme designed to identify genuine farmers for the intervention.

He described the fertiliser as high-quality and effective, urging beneficiaries to use it responsibly to improve crop yields and contribute to increased agricultural productivity.

According to him, the initiative is part of the Federal Government’s agricultural support programme under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, implemented through the Managing Director of the Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority, Dr. Mahmud Sunusi Muhammad.

“The Authority remains committed to supporting farmers and ensuring that agricultural inputs reach those who need them most to enhance food production and strengthen food security,” he said.

In addition to fertiliser, the Authority distributed Bagco sacks for storing agricultural produce and fishing nets to fishermen operating within communities served by the river basin.

Dr. Bello disclosed that the intervention would cover upstream and downstream water users across Gombe, Yobe and Borno states, with the goal of reaching approximately 5,000 beneficiaries before the close of the current farming season.

Some of the beneficiaries, including Malam Danjuma Sani Ashaka, Alhaji Gado Malleri, Adamu Chindo, Abubakar Isah, Alhaji Usman Mai Agogo, Dallatu Kinafa, Alhaji Garba Umar Tabacco and Muhammad Bello Ashaka (Katukan Ashaka), commended the Federal Government and the management of the Authority for the timely intervention.

They said the free fertiliser, fishing nets and Bagco sacks would help reduce production costs, improve farming and fishing activities, and increase food production across the benefiting communities.

The beneficiaries pledged to make judicious use of the inputs and expressed optimism that the intervention would contribute significantly to agricultural development and economic growth in the region.

By Our Correspondent

The 17th edition of the Holy Qur’an Recitation Competition organized by JIBWIS National Headquarters, Jos, Unguwa Uku Branch, Gombe Local Government Area, has successfully concluded, with organizers, community leaders, and Islamic scholars calling for sustained support towards nurturing young Qur’an reciters.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the representative of the organizing committee, Alhaji Abubakar Balde Fika, expressed appreciation to members of the community for their financial and moral support, which contributed to the successful conduct of the competition. He appealed for continued assistance to enable intensive training of contestants who will represent Unguwa Uku at the forthcoming Gombe Local Government Qur’an recitation competition.

Chairman of the panel of judges, Mallam Musa Muhammad Kwairanga, commended the judges for carrying out a transparent and credible selection process. He also praised the students for their commitment, discipline, and determination throughout the stages of the competition, including participation, recitation, and completion. He expressed optimism that future editions would record even better performances.

The competition coordinator, Hafiz Dr. Hamza Dauda Abubakar, applauded community leaders, members of the organizing committee, volunteers, and parents for their unity, dedication, and active participation. He disclosed that 96 students took part in the competition, while only two contestants were unable to participate. He urged the community to immediately begin preparations and training for contestants who will represent the area at the local government level.

Representing the Gombe Local Government Coordinator, Hafiz Shu’aib Alhassan, Mallam Adamu Salihu encouraged participants to remain patient, hardworking, and committed to Qur’anic studies. He stressed that persistence would attract greater support from parents and teachers.

The District Head of Kurba, Alhaji Abubakar Isa Kurba, who served as the chairman of the occasion, called on the public to continue supporting Qur’anic education, describing it as one of the greatest acts of charity capable of bringing blessings in both this world and the hereafter. He prayed for Allah’s blessings upon everyone who contributed to the success of the programme.

Special guest and representative of the Chairman of Islamic Teachers in Gombe, Ustaz Hudu Abdul-Aziz, said the primary objective of the competition is to instill Islamic values in children through the Holy Qur’an, attract Allah’s mercy, and protect society from His wrath.

In a goodwill message, the Chairman of Islamic Teachers in Gombe Local Government, Ustaz Dauda Abubakar, congratulated the contestants, community leaders, organizers, and parents. He appealed to parents, teachers, and government authorities to provide more educational opportunities and support for Qur’anic education, noting that such efforts would contribute to peace, security, and protection from various social challenges.

Among the outstanding performers was Hafiza Salma Zaidu Isa Waziri, who excelled in the categories of Sixty Hizb (complete Qur’an), Tafsir, Tajwid, Writing, Riwayat, and Dhamaki, scoring 79.6 percent.

Delivering the vote of thanks, M. Husaini Adamu expressed gratitude to all participants, donors, guests, and supporters, praying for Allah to reward everyone who contributed to the success of the event.