Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State on Wednesday approved the constitution of a high-powered committee to implement the White Paper Report on the assessment of grazing reserves, forest reserves, game reserves and cattle routes across the state.
The approval was conveyed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, who said the committee draws membership from key security agencies, relevant ministries and departments, traditional institutions, farmers’ and herders’ associations, as well as technical and regulatory bodies.
According to the SSG, a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Babaji Sunday, has been appointed chairman of the committee.
Other members include Yusuf Madi, Director of Livestock; Suleiman Musa Kumo, Director of Forestry; the Commissioner of Police, Gombe State Command; the State Director of Security; the Commandant, 301 Field Artillery Regiment, Gombe; and the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Also appointed are the Emir of Yamaltu, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu, representing the Council of Emirs and Chiefs; Alhaji Ardo Chindo Abubakar, representing Miyetti Allah; and Alhaji Mohammed Magaji Gettado, President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN).
Others are the Surveyor General of the State, Surveyor Zakari Isa; the Director-General of the Gombe Geographic Information System (GOGIS), Dr. Kabiru Usman Hassan; Barr. Ibrahim Hussaini of the Ministry of Justice; and Prof. Usman B. Abubakar, State Coordinator of L-PRESS.
The Permanent Secretary, General Duties, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Muazu Shehu, will serve as secretary of the committee.
All appointments take immediate effect.
The government said the constitution of the implementation committee aligns with Gov. Inuwa Yahaya’s commitment to translating policy decisions into actionable measures aimed at improving livestock management, protecting forest and game reserves, promoting environmental sustainability and ensuring peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders in the state.
