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.

By Abdulazeez Sani Labaran

In a move to strengthen local government administration, Yobe State Government has initiated a partnership with the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa).

A bilateral discussion between the two entities highlighted key areas of collaboration, including education, health, agriculture, sports, climate change, and entrepreneurship.

Led by Secretary to the State Government Baba Malam Wali, the Yobe State delegation expressed its readiness to work with UCLG Africa to enhance service delivery in its 17 local government areas.

The partnership aims to build the capacity of local government administrators, establishing them as resource persons and institutions in West Africa.

Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Hon. Ibrahim Adamu Jajere requested information on the registration process and potential partnership opportunities.

Commissioner of Higher Education Professor Bello Kawuwa emphasized the importance of collaboration in building capacity and implementing a “train the trainee” program with UCLG Africa.

This partnership marks a significant step towards achieving comprehensive autonomy and reshaping local government administration in Yobe State for better service delivery.

Other delegation members who contributed to the bilateral discussion include Hon. Bello Ali Mustapha, Commissioner of Agriculture; Hon. Bukar Adamu, Chairman of Damaturu Local Government Area; and Mamman Muhammed, Director General Press and Media Affairs.

By Our Correspondent

A high-powered delegation of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) on January 16, 2025, paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of Kwami Local Government, Associate Professor Ahmad Wali Doho, PhD.

The meeting, which took place in the Kwami Local Government Conference Hall at 2:01 PM, aimed to recognize the Chairman’s contributions to community development and foster collaboration on pressing issues in the northern area.

The delegation, comprising 16 members led by State Coordinator Comrade Muhammad Usman Deba, Deputy Coordinator, and Zonal Coordinator Comrade Isa Waziri, was warmly received by the Chairman, his councilors, Heads of Departments, and other staff.

The gathering began with prayers and self-introductions, setting a cordial tone for the discussions.

Acknowledging Excellence

In his opening remarks, the Acting HoD of Education, Science, and Development, Comrade Yahaya Manga, lauded Dr. Doho’s transformative impact on Kwami LGA. Manga, who doubles as the Director of Social Development for CNG in Gombe State, apologized for the delegation’s delayed arrival and emphasized that the visit was a testament to the Chairman’s remarkable leadership and contributions to societal growth.

CNG’s Vision for Development

Comrade Muhammad Usman Deba expressed appreciation for the Chairman’s enduring efforts in youth empowerment and community building.

He outlined CNG’s thematic focus areas, including health, education, and skill development for youth and women, affirming the group’s dedication to fostering a prosperous northern Nigeria.

He invited the Chairman to collaborate on future projects, underscoring the synergy between governmental and non-governmental efforts for regional progress.

Zonal Coordinator Comrade Isa Sadiq Waziri reinforced these sentiments, congratulating Dr. Doho on his leadership role and reflecting on CNG’s past initiatives, including a security summit and town hall discussions on the Tax Reform Bill.

He reiterated the organization’s commitment to addressing the northern region’s challenges through sustainable interventions and advocacy.

Insights from the Chairman

In response, Dr. Doho commended the CNG delegation for their proactive approach to regional development.

He reflected on his personal and professional journey advocating for northern interests, highlighting agriculture as a critical sector for transformation.

Dr. Doho stressed the need for accurate data collection and modern solutions to tackle persistent challenges.

On the contentious Tax Reform Bill, he urged stakeholders to focus on strategic investments in infrastructure and critical sectors, emphasizing the importance of long-term planning to safeguard the region’s future.

“I am optimistic about the northern region’s potential,” Dr. Doho stated. “With ambition, innovation, and resourceful management, we can address our challenges and harness our strengths for sustainable growth.”

Symbol of Appreciation

The visit concluded with a gesture of recognition as Comrade Muhammad Usman Deba and Comrade Isa Waziri adorned Dr. Doho with the prestigious CNG Mopular, symbolizing his dedication to societal development.

The meeting ended with prayers and a group photograph, cementing the shared commitment between Kwami LGA and CNG to drive meaningful progress across the region.