By Our Correspondent

Shongom Local Government Area of Gombe State has been declared Open Defecation-Free (ODF) by the National Task Group on Sanitation (NTGS), marking a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to promote environmental sanitation and improve public health.

The declaration was made on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, during the ninth meeting of the NTGS in Abuja, where Shongom was recognised as the 184th local government area in Nigeria to achieve the ODF status.

The achievement reflects ongoing efforts to promote hygienic practices, improve sanitation facilities, and encourage communities to abandon open defecation in favour of safe and hygienic toilet facilities.

The milestone was recorded under the leadership of Alhaji Gidado Umar Kumo, Chairman of the Gombe State Task Group on Sanitation (STGS) and General Manager of Vision FM 92.7 Gombe, in collaboration with the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme, and the Gombe State Government.

The state government is led by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, whose administration has continued to support initiatives aimed at improving water supply, sanitation, and hygiene across the state.

The recognition also highlights the importance of community participation in achieving sustainable sanitation goals, particularly through public awareness campaigns, the adoption of hygienic practices, and the provision and use of appropriate toilet facilities.

Commending the people of Shongom and Nafada for their commitment to environmental cleanliness, the sanitation stakeholders acknowledged the importance of collective responsibility in building healthier communities.

Open defecation remains a major public health concern in many communities, as it can contaminate water sources, spread diseases, and expose residents to preventable health risks. Achieving ODF status is therefore an important step towards improving public health, protecting the environment, and promoting human dignity.

The declaration is expected to strengthen ongoing sanitation advocacy across Gombe State and encourage other local government areas to intensify efforts towards attaining ODF status.

However, while the announcement identifies Shongom as Nigeria’s 184th ODF local government area, the specific status of Nafada was not separately detailed in the information provided.

Sustaining the achievement will require continued public education, proper maintenance and use of sanitation facilities, regular monitoring, and the commitment of residents to maintaining hygienic practices.

The development represents an important step in Gombe State’s drive towards a cleaner and healthier environment, in line with Nigeria’s broader sanitation objectives.

By Ibrahim Sani Shawai

Dr Jamil Isyaku Gwamna, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Gombe State, has unveiled a commemorative book documenting his years of service, humanitarian interventions and contributions to the development of society.

The book, titled “From Service to Leadership: The Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna Story — A Record of Impact, Compassion, Experience and Vision for a Greater Gombe State,” was authored by Mr Aderinto Babajide Adedayo, Project Manager of the Jamilu Isyaku Foundation.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the author said the publication was a compilation of selected achievements, initiatives and interventions undertaken by Dr Gwamna across different areas of human endeavour.

Mr Adedayo explained that the book was written to introduce Dr Gwamna to the electorate and provide a concise account of some of his activities and contributions to humanity over the years.

He added that the publication was also intended to provide party spokespersons and grassroots campaign teams across Gombe State with relevant information that could assist them in communicating Dr Gwamna’s vision, character and record of service.

The author said the book captures aspects of Dr Gwamna’s journey from service to leadership, highlighting what he described as his experiences, humanitarian activities and vision for a greater Gombe State.

The unveiling attracted professionals, community leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, government officials, partner organisations, grassroots actors and supporters of the APC.

In his remarks, Dr Gwamna expressed appreciation to the author for documenting his journey and thanked everyone who contributed to the success of the publication.

He pledged to support efforts to produce additional copies of the book to enable more Nigerians to learn about his background, services, character and contributions to society.

As part of the ceremony, Dr Gwamna, on behalf of his friends, launched the book with a donation of N10 million.

The event marked another step in efforts by supporters of the APC governorship candidate to document and publicise his activities and public engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections.

By Ahmad Abubakar Usman

The Pro-Chancellor and Founder of North-Eastern University, Gombe, Dr. Sani Jauro (Danlawan of Gombe), has approved a salary increase of between 40 and 65 per cent for all categories of staff of the university, effective immediately.

Dr. Jauro disclosed this in an interview, explaining that the decision reflects his continued commitment to staff welfare and his belief that investing in the people responsible for delivering quality education is essential to the growth and success of the institution.

The latest increase is the third major salary intervention approved by the Founder within three years. The university had earlier implemented a salary increase of up to 35 per cent in October 2023, followed by another 20 per cent increase after its strong performance in the 2024 National Universities Commission accreditation exercise, where all programmes presented by the university received full accreditation with an aggregate score of 91.4 per cent.

Explaining why he continues to approve salary increases despite the rising cost of running a university, Dr. Jauro recalled his experience as a university lecturer and former member of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

“I was a member of ASUU as far back as 1989, so I know the pains and pleasure of being a University Lecturer,” he said, adding that “Education is our family legacy.”

The latest salary review comes at a significant period in the development of North-Eastern University, as the institution has successfully graduated its pioneer set of students and is preparing for its maiden convocation scheduled for November/December 2026.

The university has also secured Full Accreditation from the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) for its Architecture programme, further demonstrating its growing academic and professional standing.

Beyond staff welfare, Dr. Jauro has approved a 50 per cent scholarship for students admitted into six strategically selected programmes, while staff of Pen Resource Academy, the institution’s founding Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools, will receive a further 20 per cent salary increase.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Yusuph Amuda Yahaya, described the latest salary review as a demonstration of confidence in the university’s workforce and an investment in the institution’s future.

He said the success of a university is ultimately measured by the quality of the people who teach, support and sustain it, adding that the gesture recognises the contributions of staff and strengthens the institution’s commitment to achieving more in the years ahead.