-By Umar Yahaya
Certainly! Here are some of the remarkable achievements of Governor Mallam Umar A. Namadi FCA during his first year in office as the Governor of Jigawa State:
1. Creation of Jigawa State Youth Employment and Empowerment Agency : Governor Namadi established an agency dedicated to youth employment and empowerment, aiming to enhance economic opportunities for young people in the state.
2. Reduction of Fertilizer Prices: Recognizing the importance of agriculture, he reduced fertilizer prices by 40%, making it more accessible and affordable for farmers.
3. Severance Allowance for Former Supervisory Councilors: Governor Namadi ensured that 171 former supervisory councilors across the 27 local government areas received their severance allowances.
4. Retiree Benefits: He disbursed N2.02 billion in terminal benefits to 746 retired civil servants*, providing financial relief to those who have served the state.
5. Empowerment Programs:
- Women Empowerment: Governor Namadi empowered *l1,000 women with ₦50,000 each to support their businesses.
- Youth Empowerment: He also supported 1,500 youths with ₦50,000 each to improve their entrepreneurial ventures.
6. Education and Scholarships:
- Increased the actual feeding cost by 40% across boarding schools.
- Ensured timely payment of scholarships to Jigawa State students.
- Paid N725 million in SSCE registration fees for 41,358 final year students.
7. Infrastructure and Development:
- Approved a ₦44.7 billion supplementary budget for the completion of various projects.
- Signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zinder State in Niger Republic on integrated livestock and pastoralism.
- Trained 240 youths in different skills and provided them with start-up kits.
- Revived skills acquisition centers across the state.
8. Health and Social Services:
- Deployed the *Integrated Payroll and Personnel Management System (IPPMS) to improve service delivery.
- Distributed engagement letters to 1,000 J-Teach graduates beneficiaries.
- Supported primary healthcare facilities with direct financing.
9. Agriculture and Environment:
- Procured 54 tractors for local government areas to empower local farmers.
- Constructed over 100 km of embankments* around flood-prone communities.
- Dragged over 50 km of Hadejia River to enhance water management.
10. *Economic Development:
- Secured commitments from 50 companies to invest in the state's agro-business and mining sectors.
- Facilitated the establishment of a Bank of Industry (BOI) branch in Dutse.
- Collaborated with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) to train youth in various skills.
These achievements reflect Governor Namadi's commitment to improving the lives of Jigawa State residents across various sectors. His proactive approach and tangible results demonstrate his dedication to progress and development in the state.
To be continued....
