No Land Grab: GOGIS Debunks Rumours, Reassures Gombe Residents

By Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

The Gombe State Geographic Information System (GOGIS) has dismissed reports alleging that it is taking over farmlands and landed properties belonging to residents, describing the claims as false and misleading.

Director-General of the agency, Dr. Kabiru Usman Hassan, made the clarification while speaking with journalists, expressing concern over the spread of what he termed misinformation capable of creating unnecessary tension among the public.

He stressed that there was no directive from Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya authorising GOGIS to confiscate land from residents, insisting that the agency operates strictly within the confines of the law.

“There is no truth in the claim that we are seizing people’s farmlands or properties. The government has not given such instruction, and GOGIS has not carried out any such action,” he said.

Dr. Kabiru explained that in situations where land acquisition becomes necessary for public purposes, the agency adheres to due process and ensures that affected property owners are adequately compensated in line with legal provisions.

He further clarified that certain areas, including forest reserves, fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government, while the Gombe State Government has issued a white paper to guide the proper demarcation of grazing zones and protected lands.

According to him, a special committee—separate from GOGIS—has been tasked with implementing the demarcation exercise, noting that the committee has not confiscated any farmland or property in the course of its work.

The GOGIS boss urged residents to disregard the rumours and remain calm, while continuing to support government initiatives aimed at orderly land administration and development.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to transparency, lawful operations, and the protection of citizens’ property rights across the state.

Clerics Take Frontline Role as Gombe Hosts Workshop to Tackle Fake News Ahead of Elections

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Islamic clerics in Gombe State have been urged to take a leading role in combating misinformation and strengthening media literacy, as stakeholders convened for a two-day workshop aimed at promoting fact-checking and building resilient communities.

The workshop, organised by Alkalanci, brought religious leaders, journalists, and communication experts together to address the growing threat of false narratives, particularly as Nigeria approaches another election cycle.

Delivering his welcome address, Editor of Alkalanci Magazine, Alhasan Bala, described the gathering as both timely and crucial, warning that misinformation and disinformation are expected to intensify in the lead-up to elections. He noted that emerging technologies such as AI-generated content and deepfakes are making it increasingly difficult to distinguish between truth and falsehood.

Bala stressed that the rapid spread of information through social media has created a situation where misleading content can reach thousands within minutes, posing serious risks to peace, unity, and public trust. According to him, the workshop was designed specifically for Islamic clerics due to their influence in shaping public opinion.

“Your sermons and teachings guide millions. With that influence comes the responsibility to ensure that the information you share is accurate, verified, and beneficial,” he said.

Bala further explained that Alkalanci has been at the forefront of promoting verification and media literacy in the Hausa language, adding that similar training has already been conducted in Kano and Sokoto, with ongoing engagements extending beyond Nigeria to the neighbouring Niger Republic.

He acknowledged that even respected leaders and preachers can unknowingly spread false information, describing it as a reflection of how deeply misinformation has penetrated society. He said the training would equip participants with practical tools to verify texts, images, and videos, while also encouraging a culture of critical thinking within their communities.

“Our goal is not just to teach tools, but to build a mindset where people pause, reflect, and verify before sharing information,” Bala added.

The event also received royal endorsement from the Emir of Gombe, Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, who was represented by Dan Amana Gombe, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar. In his remarks, the Emir appreciated the organisers for bringing such a timely and impactful initiative to Gombe State and commended their efforts to promote truth and responsible communication in society.

He urged the participating clerics to make practical use of the knowledge gained from the training in their mosques, schools, and wider communities, stressing that religious leaders have a crucial role to play in guiding the public away from falsehood and harmful narratives.

Speaking at the event, the president of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Alhassan Yahya, emphasised the importance of the workshop, noting that misinformation has increasingly found its way into religious spaces.

He expressed concern that some clerics rely on unverified content sourced from social media during Friday sermons and daily prayers, a trend he said could mislead followers and deepen societal divisions.

Yahya called for greater collaboration between journalists and religious leaders to ensure accurate information dissemination, stressing that both groups share a responsibility to uphold truth and promote social cohesion.

Other dignitaries at the workshop included academics, media executives, and government officials, all of whom stressed the importance of proactive measures to counter fake news and foreign information manipulation.

Participants are expected to undergo intensive sessions on fact-checking techniques, media literacy, and strategies for identifying manipulated content, with the aim of empowering them to serve as ambassadors of truth within their communities.

The organisers expressed optimism that the initiative would expand to more states, creating a nationwide network of informed and vigilant community leaders capable of resisting misinformation and safeguarding public discourse.

N-HYPPADEC Donates Two Boreholes to Gombe Community Ahead of Major Water Intervention

By Auwal Ilyasu, Gombe

The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has donated two boreholes to the Dukku Local Government Area (LGA) of Gombe State as an immediate relief measure to address persistent water scarcity in the community.

The intervention comes ahead of a full-scale plan by the commission to rehabilitate and expand the Dukku water supply scheme, following a recent technical assessment of the area.

Gombe State Commissioner for Water, Environment, and Forest Resources, Mohammed Saidu Fawu, confirmed that the boreholes will be constructed at no cost to the state government, describing the move as a critical short-term response to the acute water challenges faced by residents.

According to him, the boreholes will be powered by hybrid systems, significantly reducing reliance on electricity and diesel and ensuring more sustainable access to water.

“This immediate intervention will go a long way in alleviating the suffering of the people. The cost of accessing water in Dukku is currently very high, with residents relying heavily on vendors transporting water over long distances,” Fawu stated.

He noted that the donation underscores the commission’s commitment to fast-tracking solutions while laying the groundwork for a long-term upgrade of the town’s water infrastructure.

Director of Operations at N-HYPPADEC, Engr. Ilyasu Abdullahi Wara, had earlier indicated that the commission is working towards a comprehensive intervention that will address the root causes of water scarcity in the area.

The planned project includes upgrading existing facilities, improving raw water intake from nearby sources, and expanding storage capacity to meet growing demand.

Wara emphasized that the commission is targeting rapid mobilization to the site within weeks, given the urgency of the situation and the need to act before the onset of the rainy season.

Chairman of Dukku LGA, Adamu Muhammad Waziri, alongside the Emir of Dukku, Alhaji Haruna Abdulkadir Rashid, commended N-HYPPADEC for the timely intervention, noting that the community has endured years of inadequate water supply.

Residents of Dukku largely depend on boreholes and water vendors, often at high cost, making the commission’s intervention a critical lifeline as efforts intensify to deliver a sustainable and long-term water solution.