By Barrister Sani Ahmadu Haruna, ALGON Chairman, Gombe State

The establishment of the Ultra-Modern Abattoir and Grains Market in Gombe State is a monumental step toward unlocking the vast economic potential of our state.

Spearheaded by the visionary leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, this transformative initiative underscores a firm commitment to diversifying the economy, fostering entrepreneurship, and uplifting the livelihoods of our people.

This dual-purpose facility an advanced abattoir and a dedicated grains market is poised to be a game-changer for Gombe State, delivering numerous benefits that promise to redefine our economic landscape.

A Modern Facility for Quality and Hygiene

The Ultra-Modern Abattoir stands as a testament to innovation in livestock processing, providing a state-of-the-art, hygienic environment for the production of high-quality meat products that meet international standards.

This facility not only bolsters food security but also enhances the ability of our livestock farmers to access lucrative markets with fair pricing for their produce.

Streamlined Grain Trade

The Grains Market, an equally critical component of this initiative, offers a dedicated platform for farmers and traders to engage in the seamless exchange of grains.

By minimizing inefficiencies in the supply chain, reducing post-harvest losses, and fostering better market linkages, the market is set to increase incomes for farmers while attracting grain traders from across the nation. This positions Gombe as a vital hub for grain commerce in Nigeria.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

The ripple effects of the Ultra-Modern Abattoir and Grains Market on our economy are far-reaching. The project will generate direct and indirect employment opportunities in livestock production, grain farming, processing, and marketing.

This will, in turn, boost household incomes, enhance purchasing power, and stimulate economic activity across various sectors.

Moreover, the state government stands to gain significant revenue through taxes and fees, creating a financial pipeline to reinvest in critical sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. This initiative also opens the door to private sector investment, further solidifying Gombe State’s reputation as a business-friendly destination.

A Visionary Leadership for Prosperity

As the ALGON Chairman for Gombe State, I wholeheartedly commend Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his dynamic leadership and forward-thinking approach to governance.

His unwavering commitment to improving the lives of our citizens through impactful initiatives like this is worthy of emulation.

The Ultra-Modern Abattoir and Grains Market exemplify how visionary policies can serve as catalysts for growth and prosperity. It lays a robust foundation for sustained economic development while addressing the pressing needs of our farmers, traders, and investors.

A Call to Action

The success of this initiative depends on collective efforts. I call on all stakeholders citizens, farmers, traders, and investors to rally behind this transformative project.

By working together, we can harness its potential to create a brighter, more prosperous future for Gombe State, one where opportunities abound, and dreams are realized.

In conclusion, the Ultra-Modern Abattoir and Grains Market are more than just infrastructure projects; they are symbols of hope, progress, and the promise of a better tomorrow. With Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s visionary leadership, I am confident that Gombe State is on the path to unprecedented economic growth and development.

Let us seize this moment to build a state where prosperity is within reach for all, and the future shines brightly for generations to come.

By Our Correspondent

The Gombe State Government has officially handed over the construction site for its proposed ultra-modern State Secretariat Complex to Datum Construction Nigeria Limited, with a stipulated delivery period of 102 weeks.

The handover ceremony, which took place at the office of the Gombe State Head of the Civil Service, marked a significant step toward the realization of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s vision of a reengineered and efficient public service system.

In his remarks during the event, the State Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Hon. Maijama’a Kallamu—represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Danladi Adamu—stated that the handover will enable the contractor to commence work immediately and execute the project within the agreed timeframe.

“This project will provide a conducive working environment for civil servants and eliminate the current fragmentation of government offices across the state. It will be a landmark development for the state workforce,” he said.

The proposed secretariat, as illustrated in the 3D renderings approved by the State Executive Council, is an architectural masterpiece that blends functionality with aesthetic excellence. It is designed to consolidate all ministries, departments, and agencies into one secure, centralized location, thereby boosting coordination and service delivery.

Speaking at the event, the Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Ahmad Kasimu Abdullahi, commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya, CON, for his commitment to building a future-ready Gombe. He emphasized that the governor’s vision aims not just to meet present-day demands but also to anticipate the future needs of the state.

“Gombe State currently spends over N600 million annually on office rentals. This new complex will drastically cut those costs and become one of the best secretariats in the country, second only to the one in the FCT, Abuja,” he said. He added that the governor deserves commendation for initiating such a transformative project at a critical time.

The contractor, Engineer Ibrahim Abdul Najjar, Project Manager at Datum Construction Nigeria Limited, assured stakeholders of his company’s commitment to delivering the project on schedule and in line with world-class standards.

Also speaking, Architect Aisami Kyari of Crossvault Associates, the consultancy firm handling the project, pledged that the design and construction would meet all global benchmarks required for a modern government complex.

Director of Building at the Ministry of Works, Builder Sylvanus Silas, confirmed that the project officially commenced on May 21, 2025, and was formally handed over to the contractor on May 24, 2025.

Following the handover, government officials and representatives of the construction and consultancy firms visited the project site, located at the State Local Government Secretariat.

With construction now underway, the Gombe State Secretariat Complex is expected to be completed and commissioned within the next 102 weeks, ushering in a new era of efficient and centralized governance in the state.

By Our Correspondent

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has dismissed reports of an explosion at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) in Rivers State, clarifying that the incident was merely a flare event that has been fully contained.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, March 19, 2025, the company assured the public that there was no danger to refinery workers, nearby communities, or the environment.

NNPC Ltd. described the reports of an explosion as false and urged both the media and the general public to disregard them.

“There is no danger or health hazard to staff, the surrounding communities, or the environment,” said Olufemi O. Soneye, NNPC Ltd.’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer.

Flare events are routine occurrences in oil refining operations and typically involve the controlled burning of excess gases to maintain safe pressure levels. While such incidents may produce visible flames or noise, they do not pose the kind of risks associated with actual explosions.

The clarification comes amid growing concerns over safety at Nigeria’s refineries, especially as the government pushes for the full rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt refinery to boost local fuel production.

NNPC Ltd. reassured Nigerians of its commitment to operational safety and transparency, emphasizing that the situation at PHRC remains under control.