Emir of Gombe Leads Committee on Palliatives Inaugurated by Governor Inuwa

By Our Reporter

The Emir of Gombe, Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III has been appointed as the Chairman of the 38-man special committee on Relief and Palliatives to cushion the effect of the partial lockdown in Gombe State occasioned by the Coronavirus Pandamic.

The state Governor, Inuwa Yahaya who inaugurated the committee at the new banquet hall of the Government House, said the setting up of the relief panel was born out of the need to cushion the economic effects of Covid-19 on the people.

He noted that the measures put in place to tame the spread of the pandemic in the state has put the citizens under economc pressure. He, however, encouraged citizens to make the sacrifice in order to safe humanity.

“There is no doubt that the special measures taken to tame the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic has put our people in severe economic difficulties. We are fully aware of the hardship being experienced particularly by the daily earners whose living depends on their ability to go out and mingle with others. However, these are sacrifices that we must make to save lives”

“As people of faith, we are aware that trials and travails are integral part of our lives. We have an abiding faith in the fact that at the end of every difficulty comes some ease. I therefore enjoin us to persevere and continue to pray in order to win the fight against this invisible enemy” Governor Inuwa Yahaya was quoted as saying.

He commended the people of Gombe State for complying with the measures put in place to keep the state safe, appealing for more of such support and cooperation with government officials and security agencies in the enforcement of all the required guidelines and protocols.

According to a statement signed and issued by Mr Ismaila Uba Misilli,
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, Media and Publicity, the terms of reference includes; To undertake a general situational assessment and identify the households/individuals that are eligible to receive the palliative support; To develop an equitable distribution framework for delivering the relief support to the beneficiaries; and To ensure that relief items reach the deserving beneficiaries in all the 114 Wards of the Eleven (11) Local Governments in the State.

Others are to solicit for donation of palliative and other relief materials from the General Public, Private sector organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, and Philanthropists to complement Government efforts in this regard; To undertake activities contingent upon the successful completion of the assignment; and Prepare and present periodic progress report to Government.

The governor wished the citizens of the State who tested positive for Covid-19 a speedy recovery and equally paid glowing tribute to health workers in the State, philanthropists and corporate organisations for their solidarity.

In his address, the chairman of the committee and Emir of Gombe, Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar lll assured the Governor that the committee will exhibit due diligence while carrying out its assignment.

He thanked the Governor for finding them worthy to serve in the committee and promised that the committee will ensure equity and justice.