From Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
The Yobe State Executive Council has ratified a total sum of N59.8 billion for road construction, healthcare delivery, energy, commerce, and other key sectors aimed at improving the livelihoods of people in the state.
The meeting was held at the Council Chamber of the Government House, Damaturu, and was presided over by Governor Mai Mala Buni, represented by his deputy, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana.
Briefing journalists on the outcome of the meeting, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Alhaji Abdullahi Bego, said numerous memoranda were considered and ratified across sectors including road construction, healthcare delivery, transport and energy, commerce, and sports development.
Bego stated that all the memoranda were centred on projects and services designed to improve the living conditions of residents across the state.
According to him, a total of N59,845,482,013.90 was ratified by the council, covering approvals earlier granted for the execution of various projects and services.
He explained that out of the total sum, N34,115,908,863.13 was expended on road construction, including the 59-kilometre Kaliyari–Bayamari road spanning Tarmuwa and Bursari Local Government Areas, as well as the 53-kilometre Bayamari–Gaidam road in Bursari and Gaidam Local Government Areas.
In the commerce sector, N8,580,977,364.60 was ratified for the construction of Jajimaji Modern Market, as well as external works at Machina Modern Market and Buni-Yadi Modern Market.
In the transport and energy sector, N5,345,469,372.00 was approved for the procurement of 800KVA and 350KVA power generators, installation of underground armoured cables and switch gears at the Government House, Damaturu, and the installation of 2,200 units of 100-watt all-in-one solar-powered streetlights across 11 local government headquarters, including Bara, Babbangida, Dapchi, Yunusari, Fika, Damagum, Nangere, Jakusko, Jajimaji, Machina, and Yusufari.
The projects also include the construction of a 33kV power line from Bukarti to Kanamma towns.
Bego further disclosed that the council approved the procurement of two transformer substations and a distribution network in Kanamma town, alongside the provision of new generators in selected hospitals, including Specialist Hospital Damaturu (800KVA), Yobe State Women and Children Hospital, Damaturu (350KVA), and Yobe State University Teaching Hospital, Damaturu (350KVA).
On sports development, the sum of N3,346,899,707.56 was expended on additional works for the ongoing reconstruction and upgrade of the August 27 Stadium in Damaturu.
In the health sector, N5,544,532,859.87 was approved for the construction of a new office complex for the Ministry of Health and Human Services, renovation of the Hospital Management Board headquarters, rehabilitation of General Hospitals in Damagum and Nangere, and the supply and installation of dental equipment at the Yobe State Specialist Hospital, Damaturu.