From Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
Some communities in Yobe State have expressed satisfaction with the performance of the North-East Development Commission (NEDC), particularly in the execution of development projects such as road construction and rehabilitation, building of houses, hospitals and schools, as well as the distribution of food items to vulnerable groups, including displaced persons.
A resident of Damaturu, Malam Umaru Muhammad, said it is evident that no federal agency has impacted communities as significantly as the NEDC under its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Muhammad G. Alkali.
“It is clear that the federal government has never established an agency that helps communities more than this one. We are grateful for the leadership of Muhammad G. Alkali,” he said.
He added that although the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) also plays an important role in supporting communities, the NEDC’s contributions to the people of Yobe State and the wider North-East are more impactful, especially given its mandate to rebuild the region affected by years of insurgency.
Similarly, a resident of Nguru Local Government Area, Malam Musa Ubaliyo, noted that the commission has significantly contributed to the development of the North-East under the leadership of Alkali, with Professor Ali Ibrahim Abbas serving as the Yobe State Coordinator.
He said the commission fulfilled its promise by providing modern boats to Garbi town in Nguru Local Government Area following a tragic boat accident during the rainy season, in which several lives were lost while traveling from Adiyani town in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State to Garbi in Yobe State.
According to him, the NEDC promptly supplied two modern boats, life jackets, as well as relief materials including food items and mats for families affected by the incident.
He explained that the life jackets are meant to enhance safety, noting that in the event of an accident, anyone wearing one would remain afloat until rescue assistance arrives.
The items were handed over to the Chairman of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr. Mohammed Goje, who in turn presented them to the Chairman of Nguru Local Government Area, Hon. Malam Muhammad Mairami. The Secretary of the local government, Hon. Ibrahim Muhammad (Oscar), represented him at the event.
In a related development, Alhaji Gambo Potiskum commended the NEDC for constructing a modern primary and junior secondary school in Arikime community, with the support of Yobe State Governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni.
He said the new schools have helped to reduce overcrowding at the existing Arikime Primary School, describing the intervention as a significant achievement for the community.
Published by Faizat Yahaya