By Abdulaziz Ibrahim Hassan

In a major boost for youth empowerment and security initiatives in Gombe State, the Funakaye Emirate Council has pledged its full support to the Youth O’Clock Advancement Movement Association of Nigeria.

His Royal Highness, the Emir of Funakaye, Alh. Yakubu Muhammad Kwairanga, made this declaration at his palace in Bajoga while receiving a delegation from the movement, led by the Gombe State Coordinator, Comrade Abdulazeez Sani Labaran, on an advocacy visit.

Speaking during the visit, the Emir emphasized that peace and stability are the backbone of any meaningful development, reaffirming the Emirate’s commitment to backing Youth O’Clock Nigeria’s efforts, particularly in promoting peace and youth development.

The royal father noted that Gombe State’s continued development in various sectors is largely due to the prevailing peace and security, assuring that as custodians of tradition, they will remain steadfast in supporting initiatives that sustain this harmony.

On his part, Comrade Abdulazeez Sani Labaran stated that the purpose of the visit was to seek royal blessings and to brief him on the objectives of the association, particularly its proposed Peace Dialogue Initiative aimed at fostering religious tolerance and security in the state.

He described traditional leaders as key stakeholders in shaping a secure and progressive society, emphasizing their crucial role in mentoring young people to become responsible future leaders.

In a related development, the Youth O’Clock delegation also visited the Director of the Skills Development Center at Gombe State Polytechnic, Bajoga, Yahya Ali, to discuss possible collaborations on youth skill acquisition.

The director assured the delegation that the Polytechnic will review their proposals and explore avenues for partnering with the movement to train youths in various vocational skills, including welding, garment making, GSM repairs, and more.

The delegation comprised state and Yamaltu Deba Local Government executives of the movement, reaffirming their commitment to empowering young people and promoting a peaceful and progressive Gombe State.

By Our Correspondent

The Gombe State Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Program Manager, Malam Jatau Abubakar, has disclosed that 141,000 beneficiaries have been targeted to receive financial support under the program across the 11 local government areas of the state.

Speaking to journalists in Gombe, Malam Jatau revealed that so far, about 31,000 beneficiaries have received their ATM cards, adding that the disbursement process is ongoing and will continue until all selected beneficiaries are covered.

He cautioned beneficiaries, especially women, against giving their ATM cards to anyone, emphasizing that the cards are meant strictly for personal use.

He assured the public that the selection process for beneficiaries was done carefully to ensure fairness and transparency.

Malam Jatau urged residents of Gombe State to conduct themselves in an orderly manner during the exercise, stressing the need for uniform payments and uniform disbursement cycles to facilitate a smooth cash-out process.

He also warned members of the public not to give any money to anyone during the exercise, stating that the program is entirely free, and no fees are required from beneficiaries.

According to Malam Jatau, the primary objectives of the Conditional Cash Transfer Program include:

Poverty eradication in society,

Encouraging small businesses, and

Ensuring children return to school by providing financial support to families.

Under the program, beneficiaries receive funds in different cycles:

First cycle – ₦25,000,

Second cycle – ₦50,000, and

Final cycle – ₦75,000.

One of the beneficiaries, Hajiya Maryam Muhammad, popularly known as Hajiya Audi, from Shamaki Ward in Gombe Local Government Area, expressed her appreciation for the program.

She confirmed receiving both the first and second cycles of payment and thanked the Federal Government for initiating the scheme. She also pledged to utilize the funds effectively to improve her livelihood.

The Conditional Cash Transfer Program continues to gain public attention, with thousands of beneficiaries across Gombe State relying on it for financial support.

Officials have assured the public of transparency and accountability in the disbursement process to ensure that funds reach the intended recipients.

By Our Correspondent

Honourable Umar Isah Jagaba, a philanthropist from the Suleja Emirate federal constituency has empowered youths from his emirate with cars and motorcycles worth N30,000,000 which includes four motor cars and 10 motorcycles.

Isah presented the items to the beneficiaries from the three Local Government Areas in Suleja Emirate while rounding off his Ramadan charitable tour in grand style at Suleja town on Saturday.

While presenting some of the automobiles to the beneficiary on behalf of Umar Isah Jagaba, Professor Ussiju Medaner tasked all beneficiaries to utilise the gesture effectively for economic development in their respective communities and Suleja emirate at large.

For his part, the special guest at the event, former federal lawmaker and chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Honourable Halliru Dauda Jika applauded the young aspiring politician for the giant strides embarked across the 3 LGAs in the federal constituency as he congratulated the good people of the emirate for having a son that have the interest of people at heart.

“This is the type of people we are always yearning to take over affairs of political positions, you have Umar as Governor in the state and here is another Umar for you at constituency level, so you are lucky for what Allah blessed you with”.

The ex-Bauchi central federal legislator concluded his speech by advising the good people Suleja, Tafa, and Gurara to respond accordingly for the political success of Honorable Umar Isah in due time.

Hon Umar Isah Jagaba, in his short address, thanked all the participants at the event while congratulating the respective beneficiaries.
Also, at the event which took place at the Unguwan Waje Central Primary School, Suleja, over 500 women received a bag of rice and N20,000 each.

The exercise, which lasted for three days, was kick-started in Gurara on Wednesday while the entourage stormed Sabon Wuse the headquarters of Tafa LGA before rounding it off in Suleja.

Other notable personalities present at the colourful event are Makama Karami of Zazzau emirate, Architect Muhammed Rabiu, Hon Isiyaku Bawa Na’ibi,