The debate on Gombe’s development

First, agreed that the erstwhile governor of the state, Sen. Goje, contributed in his own way towards uplifting the state. For whatever it is worth, Goje did his best as the governor of Gombe State for the eight years (2003 -2011) he spent as governor. For incumbent Governor Dakwambo, the baton of serving the people […]

First, agreed that the erstwhile governor of the state, Sen. Goje, contributed in his own way towards uplifting the state. For whatever it is worth, Goje did his best as the governor of Gombe State for the eight years (2003 -2011) he spent as governor.

For incumbent Governor Dakwambo, the baton of serving the people of the state has fallen in his hands and we can clearly see the mindset, purpose and focus he has for the state. His, it must be said, is a leadership that promises to be rooted in masses’ service.

One mistake the likes of Fulani are making is in comparing Dankwambo to Goje. A clear view of the approach, manner, character and bite that Dakwambo brings along will show a humane leader that is not in the ‘show’ business of politics. What Dankwambo is in, is the serious act of governance as the intellectual that he is demands, just as he accords all politicians in the state their due respects. Dankwambo’s programmes and policies are masses-driven. For instance, his recent intervention in the agricultural sector remains one acute response to the dwindling fortunes of the agric sector, not just in the state, but in the north and country at large. In practical terms, we have seen a governor within three months in office mapping out a clear cut blueprint for his administration. The best we could do is to watch and see his approach.

The tractors and fertilizers bought and delivered across the state to farmers is fresh in our minds, just as is the numerous roads projects that have kicked off in the state. This signifies that Dankwambo is not taken to making noise.

More so, N1 billion is being disbursed to small scale enterprises in Gombe State with the state’s counterpart fund of N500 million, in collaboration with the Bank of Industry. The poultry production unit in the state that was comatose for almost 13 years is about to be resuscitated to not only employ 500 youths but also serve as a skill acquisition centre. For a firm that was producing over one million birds and eggs for export and got abandoned for over nine years, it only takes a leader with a purpose to see the opportunities inherent in this sector if revived.

I agree with the proposal though that a declaration of a state of emergency be made on the Gombe State education sector. How best can one describe a situation where the state government paid N150 million for West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO) examinations for 18,000 students, out of which 99 percent failed with only 17 candidates passing with the minimum requirement for going into the university?

Now, clearly there is a challenge. A way out of situations like these is the extra-mural classes organised by the state government in collaboration with the University of Maiduguri, which has commenced in Kwami and Akko local governments with between 500 to 1000 students to be enrolled into the university afterwards.

I am sure that under the current administration, no primary or secondary school will be renovated to become a higher institution when primary schools are in a very despicable shape. This is not the approach. It is imperative to know that there are only five science teachers teaching in the entire secondary schools in the state.

Total overhaul of the educational sector in Gombe State, from primary to tertiary institution, should be a major priority for the Dankwambo administration. To achieve this, intensive renovation of schools as well as massive recruitment of teachers with added incentive has to be sustained as it has already started.

Let those making comparisons between the present and past governor of the state be reminded that Governor Goje has spent eight years as the number one citizen and has played his part. It is only proper that we allow Dankwambo to do his part.

Dodo wrote from Jekadafari, Gombe