CS-SUNN Applauds Appointment of Prof. Mu’azu Shehu as Gombe Head of Civil Service

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), Gombe State Chapter, has congratulated Professor Mu’azu Shehu on his appointment as the new Head of Civil Service in Gombe State.

A statement issued by the State Coordinator, Rebecca Caleb Maina, was made available to newsmen in Gombe on Thursday.

The organization described the appointment made by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya as well-deserved and a recognition of Professor Shehu’s long-standing commitment to public service.

According to CS-SUNN, Professor Shehu’s elevation to the state’s top civil service position reflects his vast administrative experience and consistent record of professionalism.

Before his appointment, he served as Permanent Secretary, General Duties, and as Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, roles in which he was widely acknowledged for his strategic leadership and coordination of government policies.

The group expressed confidence that his leadership would further strengthen ongoing reforms within the state civil service, enhance operational efficiency, and improve service delivery across ministries, departments, and agencies.

“As a coalition dedicated to promoting nutrition advocacy, transparency, and sustainable development, we are optimistic about strengthening collaboration with the civil service under Professor Shehu’s stewardship,” the statement noted.

“We look forward to supporting policies and programs that will improve the nutrition and well-being of women, children, and other vulnerable groups in Gombe State.”

CS-SUNN also paid tribute to the outgoing Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Ahmed Kasimu Abdullahi, commending his dedication and contributions to the growth and stability of the state’s public sector. The organization wished him a peaceful and rewarding retirement.

Stakeholders have widely welcomed Professor Mu’azu Shehu’s new role, seeing it as a step toward consolidating administrative reforms and advancing good governance in Gombe State.

Zulum Rolls Out 33,000 Tonnes of Ramadan Relief for 300,000 Vulnerable Residents in Borno

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

In a major humanitarian gesture to ease the burden of the holy month, Babagana Zulum has approved the distribution of 33,000 tonnes of Ramadan palliatives to residents across the 27 Local Government Areas of the state.

The food items, comprising rice, millet, and sugar, are targeted at about 300,000 vulnerable residents, each expected to receive three bags to support their households during Ramadan.

Flagging off the distribution at Ramat Square in Maiduguri on Tuesday, Governor Zulum said the initiative was designed to cushion the impact of economic hardship, particularly on widows, orphans, internally displaced persons, struggling farmers and low-income earners.

He urged members of the distribution committee to uphold integrity and fairness in carrying out the assignment.

“To members of the committee in charge of this distribution, let transparency be your watchword. Let fairness be your guide,” the governor declared. “These items are for free distribution to those in need, not for sale or for your friends and family members.” They are meant for widows, orphans, internally displaced individuals, farmers whose fields are yet to fully recover, and daily wage earners struggling to survive.”

Zulum warned that any official found diverting the food items would face strict legal consequences, stressing that his administration would not tolerate abuse of public trust.

In a show of inclusiveness, the governor announced that Christian residents observing the Lenten season, which coincides with this year’s Ramadan, would also benefit from the gesture.

“This support will also extend to our Christian brothers and sisters who are fasting during Lent,” he said, noting that his administration remains committed to promoting unity and equal support for all faith communities in the state.

Over the years, the Zulum-led government has consistently provided assistance to Christian communities, particularly during festive periods. Annual Christmas food distributions and free transportation for non-indigenous Christians travelling to celebrate with their families have become a regular feature of the state’s welfare programs.

The senator representing Borno Central, Kaka Shehu Lawan, and the secretary of the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani, commended the governor for prioritising the welfare of the poor amid prevailing economic challenges.

In his welcome remarks, the Director-General of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Ali Abdullahi Isa, assured that the agency would ensure a smooth and transparent distribution process across all benefiting communities.

The large-scale intervention underscores the state government’s continued efforts to provide relief and strengthen social support systems during one of the most spiritually significant periods of the year.

NEDC, Yobe Partner to Reconstruct 77 km Damaturu–Gujba–Magza Highway

The North East Development Commission (NEDC), in collaboration with the Yobe State Government, has commenced the reconstruction of the 77-kilometer Damaturu–Gujba–Magza road, a strategic route expected to enhance security, ease transportation, and stimulate economic recovery across Yobe and neighbouring states.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held on the outskirts of Damaturu, was performed by Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni.

He described the road—often referred to as the Sambisa Forest corridor—as a critical link connecting Yobe to southern Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, and parts of the Southeast.

According to Governor Buni, the 52-year-old road has deteriorated significantly over time due to increasing traffic and years of wear, necessitating urgent intervention. He recalled that the route had previously undergone reconstruction during the administration of former Governor Ibrahim Geidam, but growing usage had since overwhelmed its capacity.

“We cannot overstate the importance of this road,” stated Governor Buni. “It is not only vital for economic activities but also crucial for security operations in the region.”

He explained that sustained engagements with NEDC leadership led to the mobilization of resources for the project. “Our earlier discussions this year with the Managing Director of NEDC have yielded positive results, and today we are seeing the outcome,” he added.

The governor emphasized that the completed highway would significantly improve the movement of troops involved in counter-terrorism efforts across the Northeast while also enabling farmers to access their farmlands and transport produce to markets more efficiently. He noted that improved infrastructure remains central to post-insurgency recovery and long-term development.

Buni expressed appreciation to the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for its continued support for the state and the region. He urged host communities to cooperate with contractors to ensure smooth and timely completion of the project.

In his remarks, NEDC Managing Director Mohammed Alkali commended the governor’s persistence in pushing for the road’s reconstruction, describing it as a major step toward safer travel and regional integration.

Alkali assured residents that the commission is fully committed to delivering the project without delay. He disclosed that the reconstruction would be executed in two phases, with Phase I already underway. The first phase covers 25 kilometers, and contractors have since been mobilized to the site.

The Damaturu–Gujba–Magza road is widely regarded as a lifeline for communities across Yobe and Borno states, and stakeholders believe its rehabilitation will strengthen security coordination, boost commerce, and accelerate recovery efforts in Nigeria’s Northeast.