The Yobe State Executive Council (SEC) has earmarked N8.88 billion for the execution of various projects in the health, roads and infrastructural sectors of the economy. The completion of capital projects will ensure smooth running of governance to deliver social services to the people. While announcing the new approvals for projects execution Tuesday in Damaturu, the State’s Information Commissioner, Abdullahi Bego disclosed that; “The Council led by Governor Mai Mala Buni has approved and ratified several capital projects and services to the people at N8.88 billion.” According to him, the 25.5km Damaturu/Kalallawa dual carriage way to the international cargo airport be completed at N1.71 billion.
He said that the road would also serve farming and herding communities along the 185-kilometre Damaturu/Gashua highway. Bego further disclosed that the procurement and installation of runway lighting of the cargo airport tarmac will gulp N1.23 billion. On heath sector’s approvals, he said: “For the supply of medical equipment and furniture for the Medical College of Yobe State University (YSU), N1.2 billion was approved by the state council.
He said the procurement of electronic medical records and training of staff of Yobe State University Teaching Hospital and Specialist Hospitals at Damaturu, Potiskum and Gashua are also to be executed. Continuing, he added: “The sum of N327.14 million was set aside to construct 200-bed capacity isolation center and a story building comprising 30-room apartment.” He said that the apartments are to be allocated to doctors of the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital (YSUTH).
He noted that the remodeling and conversation of a three-star hotel to the clinical section of hospital will gulp N278.6 million. He explained that the earmark also include the supply of furniture to the clinical section of hospital. Besides, he said: “The sum of N288.998 million was approved for the construction of 1.5-kilometre road through direct labor at the Dr. Shehu Sule College of Nursing and Midwifery, Damaturu.” Other capital projects to be executed; include the rehabilitation of Kaliyari/Bayamari and Jakusko/Garin Alkali roads through direct labour at N388.74 million. According to him, the Yobe Radio FM/AM, is to be ‘synchronized and digitalized’ at the total cost of N145.7 million.
He said to procure 20 units of Toyota Land Cruiser patrol vehicles for the vigilante groups will also cost the State Government N765 million. He further disclosed that to complete the Nguru Modern Market (NMM) with additional works, N1.23 billion are to be released to the contractor handing the project. On renaming the Ministry of Higher Education, Bego said: “The Council has also approved the change of name of the Ministry of Higher Education to the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology.” The new logo of Ministry that would be unveiled at a later date; represents the history, culture and the socioeconomic outlook of the state.
