The Gombe State Executive Council has approved the allocation of 365 hectares of land to facilitate the take-off of the newly established Faculty of Agriculture at the Gombe State University (GSU) Malam Sidi Campus.
The State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Ethical Orientation, Mr. Mijinyawa Ardo Tilde, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists shortly after the 49th Executive Council Meeting chaired by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
Tilde said the council also approved the completion of Phases I, II, and an additional Phase III of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre in Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area, as part of efforts to promote youth development and leadership training.
Giving further insight, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives, Dr. Barnabas Malle, explained that the 365 hectares of land approved for the GSU Faculty of Agriculture will be situated in Garin Tafida, Yamaltu Deba LGA. He stated that the facility would serve as a demonstration farm and practical learning site for students, aligning with the requirements of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Dr. Malle recalled that the council had earlier approved the faculty’s establishment on May 26, 2025, in Malam Sidi, Kwami LGA.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Mr. Muhammad Shettima Gadam, noted that plans are underway to secure additional land in Kurugu, Kwami LGA, to meet NUC’s accreditation guidelines.
He confirmed that the NUC has granted approval for the commencement of academic activities in the 2025/2026 session, stressing that the state government is collaborating with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a smooth start.
“His Excellency is deeply committed to widening access to quality education and equipping our youth with the relevant skills and experiences,” Gadam stated.
In a related development, the council approved the installation of solar-powered street lights across newly constructed township roads in the state capital. The Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Tourism, Mr. Nasiru Mohammed Aliyu, mni, said the project was awarded to Sigma Electric Nigeria Ltd at a contract sum of N1.068 billion, with an eight-week completion timeline.
According to him, the initiative is expected to improve urban security, promote night-time business, and enhance the city’s overall aesthetics.
On water supply challenges in Gombe metropolis, the Commissioner for Environment, Water and Forest Resources, Mr. Saidu Mohammed Fawu, announced the constitution of a committee chaired by the Deputy Governor to assess and revitalise water production and supply systems.
Fawu revealed that the state government has spent over N9 billion on water production, distribution, and infrastructure maintenance since the inception of the present administration. However, he lamented that revenue generation from water supply during the period stood at only N140 million.
He emphasized that the council would prioritise revenue generation by reviewing the current water billing system to ensure sustainability.
“The Inuwa Yahaya administration is committed to long-term investments in water infrastructure, but sustainability requires an efficient billing and revenue collection system,” he added.
On the status of booster stations, the Commissioner confirmed that all facilities have been completed and are currently managed by the contractor. He added that the government is in the process of contracting a reputable firm to oversee the water supply scheme until full stability is achieved in Gombe metropolis and surrounding areas.
