NEDC Delivers 15 Key Projects To Boost Healthcare, Education, Infrastructure In Gombe

The Minister of State for Regional Development, Hon. Uba Ahmadu Maigari, over the weekend inaugurated  multi-billion naira projects across Gombe State, aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and educational development for the benefit of the state and the nation.

Also, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya inaugurated the newly constructed North East Development Commission (NEDC) office in Gombe, further reinforcing the Commission’s presence in the state.

The inauguration  was attended by the NEDC Chairman, Major General Paul Tarfa (Rtd.), and the Managing Director/CEO, Alh. Mohammed G. Alkali, with the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, receiving  the projects on behalf of the government and people of Gombe.

The Minister, accompanied by the Deputy Governor, toured key locations including Bogo in Akko LGA, Gombe State University, the Central Medical Stores in Jekadafari, and Mallam Sidi in Kwami LGA. Projects commissioned include Primary Health Care Centre, Bogo; 4 modern lecture theatres, Gombe State University, Rehabilitated of Ahmadu Gombe Secondary School, Jekadafari; 10 units of senior staff quarters, Government Science Secondary School; 2 blocks of cold stores, Gombe Central Medical Store; Renovation of Government Secondary School, Mallam Sidi, now converted to School of Agriculture under Gombe State University.

Uba Maigari highlighted that these projects were executed under the NEDC’s mandate to bridge infrastructure gaps and accelerate development across the North-East. He emphasised the importance of quality healthcare and education as pillars of sustainable human and economic development.

The Minister noted that the newly built health facilities would enhance access to medical services, reduce maternal and child mortality, and improve overall health outcomes. Also, on educational projects, he added, would expand learning opportunities, improve teaching and research facilities, and produce skilled manpower to drive national growth.

He commended the Gombe State Government for its commitment to citizen welfare and stressed that strong federal-state collaboration is essential for sustainable development.

Deputy Governor Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau commissioned the NEDC office on behalf of the Governor, praising the Commission for prompt and effective utilisation of the allocated land. He directed the Ministry of Housing to maintain the facility and provide adequate plantation to mitigate climate change.

Dr Jatau also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustaining the NEDC, describing the Commission as a key driver of socio-economic development in Gombe and the North-East. He urged government agencies to embrace a strong maintenance culture to ensure the longevity of these projects.

Major General Paul Tarfa (Rtd.), NEDC Chairman, expressed satisfaction with all inspected projects and called on beneficiaries to maintain the facilities.

Alhaji Mohammed Goni Alkali, MD/CEO of NEDC, reiterated that the Commission’s mandate is to provide interventions across the North-East in rehabilitation, reconstruction, and sustainable development.

He emphasised collaboration with the Gombe State Government to ensure effective project implementation and monitoring.

On the second day, the delegation commissioned several more projects: Government Mega School, Kaltungo – modern classrooms, labs, administrative offices, Billiri General Hospital – two maternity clinic blocks to improve maternal and child healthcare; Government Technical College, Kumo – 250-bed student hostel with full amenities; and a student hostel at College of Health Technology, Kaltungo.

Maigari reaffirmed that health and education remain central to the NEDC’s mandate and commended the state government’s alignment with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for inclusive growth and improved social services.

The Mai of Kaltungo, Engr. Saleh Mohammed thanked the government and NEDC for the mega school, describing it as a historic investment in youth and local development. He pledged that traditional institutions would safeguard the facilities while encouraging community ownership.

15 projects commissioned in Gombe include Gombe State NEDC Office; Construction of 40-bed capacity Maternity Complex, each one at Akko LGA, Deba LGA, Billiri LGA and Balanga LGA; Central Medical Store (2 Nos) in Gombe LGA; 4 No Lecture Halls at Gombe State University; Rehabilitation of GSS M/Sidi in Kwami LGA; Rehabilitation of Ahmadu Gombe Secondary School in Gombe LGA; Renovation of 10 Senior Staff Quarters at Government Science secondary School Gombe; and Establishment of MRI housing facility at FTH Gombe.

Others are the construction of the Student Hostel at FTH Gombe; Construction of ENT at FTH Gombe; Construction and equipping of Trauma Centre at FTH Gombe; construction of 250 Capacity Student Hostel at Government Science Technical College Kumo in Akko LGA; Construction of 40-bed capacity Maternity Complex in Billiri LGA; NEDC Mega School; as well as construction of 250 Capacity Student Hostel at College of Health Science and Technical Kaltungo.