By Our Correspondent

A group known as the 19 Progressive Comrades has applauded the vote of confidence passed on the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Student Engagement, Hon. Asefoun Sunday, describing his leadership as bold, visionary, and people-centred in advancing youth inclusion in governance.

In a statement, the group commended Hon. Sunday for what it called his unwavering commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the areas of education reform, student participation in governance, and strengthening institutions within Nigeria’s education sector.

The comrades said his approach reflects political will and strategic foresight in repositioning Nigerian students as active stakeholders in nation-building rather than passive observers.

They noted that his continued engagement with student leaders, progressive blocs, and ideological movements across the country demonstrates a deep understanding of youth mobilization and inclusive governance. According to the group, under his stewardship, the Office of the SSA on Student Engagement has become a credible platform for constructive dialogue, policy confidence, and renewed trust between the Federal Government and the student community.

The statement emphasized that sustainable national development cannot be achieved without deliberate investment in education and structured engagement with students. Consequently, the group called on student leaders, youth-based organizations, and progressive forces nationwide to rally behind the Renewed Hope initiative and actively contribute to shaping its outcomes.

“As a progressive ideological movement, we reaffirm our readiness to mobilize, engage, and defend policies that prioritize education, accountability, and youth empowerment,” the statement read.

The group reiterated its support for President Tinubu’s reform agenda and commended Hon. Asefoun Sunday for translating presidential vision into practical engagement within the Nigerian student constituency.

The statement was signed by the 19 Progressive Comrades.

By Our Correspondent

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for its swift, timely, and professional intervention in the power supply dispute between the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) and the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe (FTHG), describing the outcome as a victory for public interest and human safety.

In a statement released on Wednesday, NANS noted that the prompt involvement of the DSS helped to de-escalate tensions, protect critical public infrastructure, and safeguard essential healthcare services relied upon by thousands of Nigerians, including students undergoing medical and allied health training at the tertiary institution. The association stressed that uninterrupted operations at a teaching hospital are non-negotiable due to their direct impact on lives and public safety.

NANS further applauded both JEDC and the management of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, for demonstrating maturity, responsibility, and leadership by reaching an amicable resolution in the overall interest of the public.

Speaking on behalf of the association, the Financial Secretary of NANS, Muhammad Yarima Garba, praised JEDC for showing a commendable level of responsibility by restoring electricity supply to the hospital, placing human lives and public welfare above all other considerations. He also lauded the management of FTH Gombe for its commitment, cooperation, and leadership in resolving the matter peacefully.

“The intervention of the DSS was timely and professional, ensuring that essential health services were not disrupted. We equally commend JEDC for reconnecting power and the hospital management for engaging constructively to reach a mutually beneficial understanding,” Garba said.

The student body urged all stakeholders to sustain constructive dialogue and mutual respect to prevent future disruptions, emphasizing the need for proactive engagement in resolving disputes involving critical public institutions.

NANS reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the welfare of Nigerian students, the protection of public infrastructure, and the promotion of the national interest, while calling on relevant authorities to always prioritize public safety and essential services in policy and operational decisions.

By Our Correspondent

The Association of Radiographers of Nigeria (ARN), Gombe State Chapter, has publicly commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya (Dan-Majen Gombe) for the successful implementation and payment of the revised CONMESS/CONHESS salary structure for healthcare workers across the state — a development described as historic and transformative for the health sector.

In an appreciation message signed by the Chairperson of the Association, Rad Aishatu Abdullahi Dukku, the group praised the governor and the State Executive Council for taking a bold and timely step toward improving the welfare of health professionals. The association noted that the decision reflects the governor’s “visionary leadership, fairness, and deep commitment to strengthening the healthcare system.”

According to the statement, the full implementation of the revised salary structure has significantly boosted morale among healthcare workers, enhanced workforce retention, and curbed the increasing trend of brain drain that has affected the health sector nationwide. The association emphasized that aligning salaries with national standards not only restores dignity to healthcare personnel but also positions Gombe State as a model for responsive governance.

“Your Excellency’s decisive action is truly transformational. By addressing long-standing welfare concerns, you have demonstrated unwavering compassion and strategic foresight. Gombe has once again shown that it values its health workforce as key partners in progress,” the message read.

The Radiographers’ Association further noted that the improved welfare package will positively impact overall public health outcomes in the state, as motivated workers are better positioned to deliver quality and efficient medical services.

The group also reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with the government to strengthen healthcare delivery, enhance diagnostic services, and contribute to the administration’s vision of a healthier and more prosperous Gombe State.

Rad Aishatu Abdullahi Dukku, in the closing part of the statement, expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the association:
“We remain immensely proud of Your Excellency’s exemplary leadership. Thank you for prioritizing the welfare of health professionals and placing the people of Gombe at the center of development.”

The implementation of the revised CONMESS/CONHESS structure has been widely celebrated across the state’s health sector, marking a major milestone in the Yahaya administration’s commitment to reform, service delivery, and workforce development.