AGAIN GOVERNOR INUWA YAHAYA APPLAUDS FG'S RUGA INITIATIVE


Again, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has applauded the Federal Government's RUGA settlement iniative for nomads across the states of the Federation and assured of his Administration's readiness to complement the President Buhari's effort in that direction.

He said Initiating settlements and grazing reserves for pastoralists and providing other required needs of their families and animals will help settle them down in one place and facilitate an end to the persistent dispute between them and farmers.

He made the remarks while addressing a delegation sent by the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar on a 'thank you' visit over the monarch's appointment as State Amirul Hajj for 2019 pilgrimage.

He remarked, "Like I said in my address at the flag-off of distribution of fertilizers to farmers, I believe the Ruga initiative is a well conceived idea and my administration is ready and willing to support the federal government in actualizing it."

“We had a meeting with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry with the view of engaging them to make sure that, while the Federal Government is being driven away and chastised in other states for embracing or deciding to help our native Fulani people who are mostly cattle rearers, we will engage and make sure that we provide all that they need to facilitate the take off of the Ruga Program in Gombe state,” the governor stressed

Governor Inuwa Yahaya also vowed to revitalize Agricultural sector by ensuring early provision of fertilizers and other farming inputs.

He lamented on how fertilizer was being lately procured for distribution/ sales to farmers in the state previously, pledging that from next year, fertilizer will get to farmers in April of every year.

He said with about 80% of Gombe state populace engaging in farming activities, there must be deliberate effort to prioritise the sector in order to guarantee food security and improve the socio economic status of the people.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya revealed his administration's desire to collaborate with development partners in building the capacity of farmers and extension officers on modern farming techniques as well as supporting other Agricultural oriented projects.

Speaking on the thank you visit paid on him by the Emir's delegation, the Governor said Hajj operations in Gombe state requires improvement in various areas and the choice of the Emir was deliberately made considering his commitment and capacity to deliver.

He added, " Hajj is one of the pillars of islam and Gombe Emirate was founded under the islamic caliphate, therefore appointing the Emir to lead and coordinate hajj operations in Gombe is not out of context".

While expressing appreciation to the delegation, the Governor thanked the Emir for his numerous humanitarian services in Gombe and promised to support the Monarch in ensuring that such community services are sustained.

Earlier Speaking, the Senior District Head of Gombe, Alhaji Abdulkadir Abubakar said the delegation was at the Government House to express gratitude to the Governor on behalf of Gombe Emir and the entire Emirate for appointing the monarch to lead the Gombe state 2019 hajj contingent.

He said appointing Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar as the 2019 Amirul Hajj is an indication of the confidence and respect the Governor has for the state's mother Emirate and the traditional institution, as this is the first time such a gesture is extended to the Emirate.