Covid-19: Gov Yahaya of Gombe state inaugurates c'ttee on palliatives, others

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has inaugurated a 38- man Special Committee on relief and palliatives to cushion the effect of the partial lockdown in the state occasioned by the Coronavirus Pandamic.

Inaugurating the committee at the new Banquet Hall, Government House, Governor Inuwa Yahaya said the setting up of the relief committee was born out of the need to cushion the economic effects of Covid-19.

The governor said, "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 solidly depends on their ability to go out and mingle with others. However, these are sacrifices that we must make to save lives", he noted.

Yahaya said  in order to ameliorate the economic hardship brought about by the restriction of movement imposed to control the Covid-19 pandemic, his administration is obliged to provide support and relief to the people most especially the vulnerable ones in the society, adding that his government will ensure that the palliatives reach its destinations.

According to the governor, "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", he said.

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

While wishing the citizens of  the state who tested positive for Covid-19 a speedy  recovery,  Governor Yahaya equally paid glory tribute to health workers in the state, philanthropists and corporate organisations for their support and solidarity.

The relief and palliative committee which is headed by the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, has the following as its terms of reference.

(i) To undertake a general assessment and identify the households and individuals that are eligible to receive the palliative support.

(ii) To develop an equitable distribution framework for delivering the relie materials to the beneficiaries.

(iii) To ensure that relief items reach the deserving beneficiaries in all the 114 Wards of the Eleven (11) Local Governments  Areas in the state.

(iv) 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.

(v) To undertake the activities and contingents upon the successful completion of the assignment.

(vi) Prepare and present periodic progress report to government.

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 in discharging her duty.

Ismaila Uba Misilli,
Senior Special Assistant 
( Media and Publicity)
2nd May, 2020