GOMBE STATE GOVERNOR PARTNER USAID AND DONOR AGENCIES AS HE EXPLORES WAYS TO BETTER THE LIVES OF THE CITIZENRY

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has met with the United States Agency for International Development,  USAID as part of his series of  engagements with development partners and donor agencies to seek new and more robust partnerships to strengthen the resource base of the state.

Since assumption of office,  Governor Yahaya has continued to show determination to increase cooperation and commitment to multilateral, national and international organisations as well as exploring ways and means for

better coordination of donor partnerships and improving prudence and accountability in managing resources.

During the meeting, with the Director of Mission,  USAID Nigeria,  Mr. Stephen Haykins, the Governor highlighted the focus of his administration and the funding challenges
the state government faces from huge debt profile and low internally generated
revenue.

He however said his administration is reform-minded with clear mission and vision to take Gombe State to the next level despite the obvious challenges.

He underscored  the imperative of working with international development bodies such as USAID in order to close developmental gaps and support the state government to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the citizenry for a better quality of life.

While urging USAID to expand its programme portfolio in Gombe State, Governor Inuwa Yahaya also enlisted  the support of the US agency in strenthening the capacity of the legislature and judiciary in the State for effective discharge of their constitutional mandates as well as support in improving business environment and attracting private sector investment into areas such as agriculture, solid minerals, commerce and industry so as to drive economic growth and employment generation.

He appreciated the direct involvement and intervention of USAID in HIV care and support, livelihood support initiative, education in crises response programme among others.

The Director of Mission USAID Nigeria,  Mr. Stephen Haykins, earlier expressed admiration that within his short time in office, Governor Yahaya has swiftly analyzed the issues on ground and taken  proactive steps to secure solutions.

He revealed that USAID has  awarded 13 million dollars grant and implementation has commenced to
strengthen teaching capacity and teacher quality,  with Gombe State University,
Federal College of Education Gombe and State Universal Basic Education Board as  implementing institutions of the programme.

He said the Agency is also in the process of developing a programme with value of 100 million dollars, targeting Gombe state and other North East states, the goal of which is to strengthen resilience of farmers to shocks through improved agricultural production and linkages to markets.

Mr. Haykins also assured Governor Yahaya that another programme to support Gombe will start before the end of year and will support state government institutions to improve finance management,
budgeting and planning to achieve better governance service delivery to
citizens. This programme, he said, will have synergy with sectors like water and health and will offer opportunities for peer learning exchanges between Gombe and
other states doing well in those areas.

He commended the demonstration of hospitality by Gombe State in accepting families displaced from insurgency affected states and integrating them into the society, indicating the willingness of USAID to open space for their technical experts in agriculture, water and sanitation, development planning to collaborate with Gombe state and offer
support.

Ismaila Uba Misilli
Senior Special Assistant
( Media and Publicity)