N35m Lifeline: GOGIS DG Empowers 500 Residents with Cash, Food, Education Support in Gombe

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The Director General of the Gombe Geographic Information Systems (GOGIS), Dr. Kabiru Usman Hassan, has rolled out a ₦35 million empowerment package benefiting over 500 residents across Gombe State.

The intervention, which combined cash grants, food distribution, and other forms of financial assistance, is aimed at strengthening small businesses, easing economic hardship, and supporting education at the grassroots.

At the empowerment event, 200 beneficiaries received cash support ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦150,000 to expand their businesses and improve their means of livelihood. In addition, 265 people were given food items such as rice, spaghetti, and grains to cushion the effects of rising living costs.

Demonstrating further commitment to social welfare, Dr Hassan sponsored house rent payments for 20 individuals, while 15 others were supported with tuition fees to enable them to continue their studies without disruption.

The programme attracted key stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. The Gombe State APC Chairman was represented by the State Publicity Secretary, Amb. Moses Kyari. Party executives from Bolari West and Bolari East, alongside youth and women’s groups, social media influencers, ward executives, and community members, were also in attendance.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Hassan said the initiative was part of an ongoing effort to uplift communities and would not be a one-off intervention. He assured that more empowerment programmes would be introduced to reach a wider segment of the population.

He noted that the gesture complements the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and aligns with the development-driven leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya in Gombe State.

The GOGIS boss also highlighted the impact of ongoing infrastructural projects in the state, describing them as catalysts for economic growth. He referenced the Federal Government’s ₦120 billion support for the development of the Livestock Industrial Zone along Bajoga Road as a clear demonstration of collaboration between the state and federal authorities.

In his remarks, Amb. Moses Kyari commended Dr Hassan for what he termed remarkable strides in grassroots empowerment. He emphasised that such initiatives reflect the APC’s commitment to improving the living standards of citizens.

One of the beneficiaries, Shuaibu Usman, expressed gratitude for the timely support, pledging to make good use of the assistance. He also reaffirmed his loyalty and continued support for the administration of Governor Inuwa Yahaya.

Troops neutralize five terrorists, rescue 3 abducted children in Borno

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Troops of the Northeast Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have neutralised five Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists at the Sabsawa village of Borno state.

The Sector 1 troops during their offensive and aggressive operations on 20th and 21st February, 2026 also rescued three abducted children on the outskirts of the Subsawa terrorists’ hideouts.

OPHK Media Information Officer Lt Col Sani Uba on Saturday in Maiduguri via a statement disclosed, “Our ground troops successfully foiled a terrorists’ attack, killing five of them, before rescuing kidnapped civilians in a separate operation conducted over the weekend.

Besides the rescue of the abducted children, Uba added: “In a major encounter, troops of Sector 1, while on a fighting patrol, made contact with suspected terrorists around Sabsawa village by responded with an overwhelming superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to flee in disarray.”

The lieutenant colonel revealed also that during troops’ exploitation of the area, five terrorists were neutralised.

In a related development across the theatre, Uba stated that the troops under Sector 1, deployed at Ngurosoye in the Bama Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, rescued three abducted children.

He said the rescued teenagers included Abba Abba, 12; Fatima Abba, 8; and Aisha Abba, 6, of the same family in the Subsawa village.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were abducted about two months ago along the Gubio axis by suspected terrorists before being moved to Bula-Daloye,” said Uba.

According to him, the rescued teenagers have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for necessary further action.

Meanwhile, troops also recorded the surrender of an 18-year-old terrorist suspect, Abubakar Abubakar, at Geidam in Yobe State, where he is currently in the custody of Army for profiling.

The military high command commended the troops for their sustained morale and fighting efficiency, assuring that pressure on terrorist elements will be maintained until lasting peace and economic stability are achieved in the Northeast.

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.