By Our Correspondent

In a decisive move to strengthen election preparedness in Gombe State, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris, has commenced a series of high-level courtesy visits to key stakeholders, beginning with members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

The engagement kicked off with a visit to the Commissioner of Police in Gombe State, CP Bello Yahaya, who also serves as the Co-Chair of ICCES. During the meeting, Dr. Idris emphasized the critical role of security agencies in delivering credible and peaceful elections, particularly as the 2027 General Elections draw near.

“As the 2027 General Elections approach, we will rely on your support and cooperation to deliver on our mandate,” Dr. Idris stated, stressing that the integrity of the electoral process depends heavily on the conduct and professionalism of security personnel.

The REC said his decision to begin the familiarization tour with security agencies was intentional, acknowledging their strategic importance to the Commission’s operations. He went further to offer his personal commitment to the training of security operatives ahead of electoral activities.

“If need be, I myself will lead the training,” Dr. Idris pledged, underscoring the urgency and seriousness with which INEC is approaching election security.

He also briefed CP Yahaya on the upcoming Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which is scheduled to commence with online pre-registration on August 18, 2025, and in-person registration beginning on August 25, 2025, at INEC’s State Office and the 11 Local Government Area offices across Gombe State.

Dr. Idris called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to provide maximum support to ensure the CVR exercise is smooth, safe, and inclusive. He also encouraged officers to participate in the exercise by updating their voter details, transferring registration where necessary, and replacing lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

“This is important because if the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and proposed amendments to the Electoral Act 2022 succeed, security personnel involved in election duties may finally have the opportunity to vote,” he added.

In response, CP Bello Yahaya commended the REC for initiating the visit and assured him of the unwavering support of the Gombe State Police Command for all INEC activities. He also welcomed the idea of collaborative training efforts, noting that the Command stood to benefit greatly from Dr. Idris’s extensive experience in election management.

Continuing his engagement tour, the REC later visited Colonel Abubakar Mohammed, Commander of the 301 Artillery Regiment (General Support) of the Nigerian Army, located along Yola Road in Gombe. The military expressed full readiness to collaborate with the Commission to ensure peaceful electoral processes.

Dr. Idris concluded the day’s activities with a stop at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Gombe State Command, where he was warmly received by State Commandant Jibrin Idris. The NSCDC pledged its complete cooperation and support for all upcoming electoral events in the state.

As Gombe gears up for a new electoral cycle, these strategic engagements by the REC underscore INEC’s proactive approach in fostering synergy with security stakeholders, ensuring a secure and credible electoral process for all citizens.

By Our Correspondent

In a landmark move to reposition traditional medicine within Nigeria’s broader healthcare framework, the Northeast zone of the National Association of Nigerian Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP) convened in Gombe State in July 2025, issuing a far-reaching communiqué aimed at professionalizing the sector and stamping out fraudulent practices.

The strategic meeting, which drew delegates from the six Northeastern states, focused on key themes such as standardization, education, and regulatory enforcement, signaling a new era for traditional medicine in the region.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya Commended for Herbal Farm Revival

A major highlight of the communiqué was the association’s commendation of Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, for his pivotal role in relocating and revitalizing the state’s Herbal Reservation Farm. The practitioners described the move as a “significant milestone” in preserving indigenous medicinal knowledge and promoting the sustainable use of herbal resources.

> “The Governor’s visionary support is a major boost to our mission of aligning traditional medicine with contemporary health standards,” the communiqué read.

The association noted that the initiative reflects a broader commitment by the Gombe State government to cultural preservation, public health, and community-based healthcare delivery.

Push for Academic Excellence: MIJ Damaturu Endorsed

In a bold step to uplift professional competence, the association urged traditional medicine practitioners to embrace formal education. Members were specifically encouraged to enroll in certification courses offered by the College of Traditional Medicine and Acupuncture (MIJCTMA) in Damaturu, Yobe State.

> “We must match indigenous knowledge with academic credentials to gain credibility locally and internationally,” the communiqué emphasized.

This call marks a shift from purely apprenticeship-based training to structured, accredited programs capable of integrating traditional healing with modern medical systems.

Clampdown on Fake Certifications and Illegal IDs

In an effort to combat growing incidents of quackery and unauthorized representations, the NANTMP Northeast zone declared all previous certifications and ID cards issued outside of its national secretariat as null and void.

> “No state or local government actor has the mandate to issue certificates or ID cards on behalf of NANTMP. Henceforth, all documents must be processed exclusively through the national body,” the communiqué stated.

Practitioners were strongly warned against recognizing or using any documents not vetted by the national office. This move is expected to streamline registration processes and curb the exploitation of unsuspecting members of the public.

Call for Unity, Discipline, and Institutional Collaboration

As the meeting concluded, NANTMP Northeast reaffirmed its dedication to a unified, ethical, and legally recognized traditional medicine practice. The association encouraged members to remain law-abiding, seek continuous self-improvement, and collaborate meaningfully with mainstream healthcare stakeholders.

> “The future of traditional medicine in Nigeria depends on our ability to organize, educate, and regulate ourselves. We owe it to the public and to our heritage to uphold the highest standards,” the communiqué concluded.

The meeting was signed off by Dr. Auwal Ahmad Umar, Zonal Secretary of NANTMP Northeast, who assured members of ongoing efforts to secure policy backing and institutional support at both federal and state levels.

By Abdulaziz Ibrahim Hassan

The Gombe State Command of the Nigerian Police Force has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the Youth O’clock Advancement Movement Association Nigeria to enhance security across the state.

This was disclosed by the newly posted Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Yahya, during an advocacy visit by the association to the state command headquarters.

According to CP Bello Yahya, security is a collective responsibility, and it is crucial for stakeholders and citizens to actively support security agencies, particularly by providing timely intelligence on suspicious activities to facilitate swift action.

Commending the Youth O’clock Nigeria for its vision of empowering young people and combating social vices, CP Bello Yahya emphasized that such initiatives are instrumental in shaping responsible citizens who contribute meaningfully to national development.

Expressing concern over the rising involvement of minors in criminal activities, which he linked to drug abuse, CP Yahya assured that the Gombe State Police Command would work closely with Youth O’clock Nigeria to develop initiatives that will help protect lives and property across the state.

Earlier, the Gombe State Coordinator of Youth O’clock Nigeria, Comrade Abdulazeez Sani Labaran, stated that the visit aimed at exploring collaborative efforts between the association and the police to tackle security challenges.

He highlighted key initiatives such as peace dialogues to promote religious tolerance and the Peace Cup Football Competition, which seeks to unite youths from different communities in Gombe State.

Comrade Labaran appreciated the Commissioner of Police for the warm reception and assured him that Youth O’clock Nigeria remains committed to supporting the police in their mission to safeguard lives and property, in alignment with the Nigerian Constitution.

In a related development, the Youth O’clock delegation also visited the Chief Executive Officer of Green White Green Sport Center, Alhaji Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe, where he offered valuable advice to support the association’s growth and pledged his unwavering support for any initiative aimed at fostering sustainable development in Gombe State.

Notable members of the delegation included Secretary-General Atobi James Chachis, Advisory Board Representative Abbas Muhammad, Head of Finance Amina Ahmed Yuguda, Assistant Coordinator for Gombe North Suleiman Muhammad, Assistant Coordinator for Gombe Central Abdulwahab Haladu Zarma, Igbo Community Representative Aguwani Emmanuel Igwe, Gombe Local Government Treasurer Zuwaira Ahmed Tijjani, and Abdulaziz Ibrahim Hassan, a member of the association.