Inuwa Yahaya launches Gombe South LCDA, says move will deepen grassroots governance

By Jamila Muhammad, Gombe

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya on Tuesday flagged off the construction of the Gombe South Local Council Development Area (LCDA) secretariat in Bolari, describing the initiative as a major step toward strengthening governance and improving service delivery at the grassroots.

The governor, who spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony attended by community leaders and party supporters, said the establishment of LCDAs was designed to bring government closer to the people and make public services more accessible.

Mr Yahaya explained that the new administrative structure was backed by legislation to enhance efficiency in local governance, noting that it would help address development gaps in communities across the state.

He expressed optimism that ongoing national efforts to create additional states and local government areas would eventually receive presidential approval, adding that the LCDAs are structured to operate effectively in the interim.

The governor drew parallels with similar reforms introduced by Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his tenure as governor of Lagos State, describing the initiative as a strategic response to the growing need for inclusive governance and sustainable development.

He also called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to remain united, urging stakeholders to work together in sustaining electoral gains and supporting government policies at all levels.

Earlier, the Director-General of the Gombe State Joint Project Development Agency, Mahmood Yusuf, said the LCDA secretariat project in Bolari would be executed according to approved specifications and completed within the stipulated timeframe.

The Chairman of Gombe Local Government Council, Sani Ahmad Haruna, commended the governor for prioritising grassroots development, saying his administration had continued to translate policies into tangible projects that directly impact citizens.

Mr Haruna pledged the continued support of the people, adding that the governor’s leadership would be remembered for its focus on empowering communities and nurturing responsible leadership.

Also speaking, the Senior District Head of Gombe, Bappah Mohammed, said the creation of the LCDA would strengthen administrative reach and improve service delivery, describing it as a step in the right direction for effective governance at the community level.

Yobe Youths Push for Peace, Grassroots Engagement to Drive Development

By Auwal Ahmad

Youth leaders in Yobe State have called for stronger unity, peaceful coexistence and active civic engagement as pathways to sustainable development across communities.

The call was made  during the 2026 Jakusko Youth Unity and Strategic Engagement Summit held in Jakusko Local Government Area of the state.

The gathering, which attracted a wide range of youth representatives, community leaders and political stakeholders, focused on building stronger bonds at the grassroots level under the theme: “Promoting Unity, Civic Participation, Peace and Sustainable Development.”

Speaking at the event, Saidu Jakusko urged young people to embrace harmony and remain committed to lawful authority, noting that unity is essential for meaningful progress in local communities.

He encouraged youths to maintain close collaboration with leaders at ward and local government levels, stressing that sustained cooperation would help build a more cohesive and resilient society.

According to him, collective effort and loyalty remain vital ingredients for strengthening community structures and ensuring long-term development.

Jakusko also reiterated the group’s support for the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, pledging continued alignment with its directives.

“Whatever Mai Mala Buni says is what we will follow, and we will equally abide by the guidance of the APC state leadership,” he said.

Participants at the summit highlighted the role of peaceful coexistence and inclusive governance, describing them as critical tools for achieving lasting development and stability in the area.

They further urged youths to take active roles in decision-making processes and community-building efforts, noting that their participation is key to shaping a more prosperous future at the grassroots level.

Diphtheria Fight Intensifies as MSF, Borno Vaccinate 840,000 Children

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

No fewer than 840,000 children under the age of 14 have been vaccinated against diphtheria in Borno State this year, following a joint campaign by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and the Borno State Ministry of Health and Human Services.

The large-scale immunisation drive was carried out in two phases, with 490,000 children reached during the first round held from February 9 to 15, 2026, while an additional 350,000 children were vaccinated in the second round conducted between April 9 and 15.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Maiduguri, MSF said the February exercise surpassed expectations, exceeding the initial target of 387,000 children by over 100,000. However, the April round fell slightly short of its 360,000 target, with about 350,000 children vaccinated.

“Despite the high number of children reached, limited vaccine availability constrained the scale of response in some affected communities,” the organisation said.

MSF explained that it worked closely with the state government throughout the campaign, providing extensive logistical and operational support to ensure its success.

“We supported the Borno State Ministry of Health to implement the two-week vaccination campaign by providing vaccine storage and trantransportation, incentives for immunisation teams, andlth promotion and supervision,” the statement noted.

According to the organisation, while it handled logistics and coordination, the vaccines used during the exercise were supplied by the state Ministry of Health.

Beyond vaccination, MSF said it also strengthened case management by supporting the diphtheria treatment unit at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

The organisation noted that the intensified vaccination campaign coincided with a rise in suspected diphtheria cases, underscoring the urgency of sustained intervention to kerb the spread of the disease.

Health authorities have continued to stress the importance of routine immunisation and community awareness to prevent further outbreaks, particularly among vulnerable children in conflict-affected areas of the state.