The Gombe State Ministry for Local Government and Community Development has held its October 2026 Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) meeting, commending local government chairmen and development partners for their contributions to grassroots development.
The meeting, presided over by the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, Barrister Sani Ahmed Haruna (Wakilin Arewa Gombe), brought together executive chairmen, heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and development partners to review progress and strengthen collaboration across the state.
Speaking at the meeting, Haruna appreciated the efforts of local government chairmen in promoting development at the grassroots, while commending Rotary International for its contributions to the End Polio Now campaign.
He also acknowledged the contributions of government agencies and other stakeholders, urging them to sustain their collaboration towards improving citizens’ welfare across Gombe State’s 11 Local Government Areas and 13 Local Council Development Areas.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Professor Abdullahi Bappah Garkuwa, acknowledged the contributions of government agencies and development partners to local government administration and service delivery.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Musa Idi Batari, welcomed participants and encouraged stakeholders to maintain cooperation in achieving the state government’s development objectives.
The meeting also featured a presentation by the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Alhaji Salisu Baba Alkali, who outlined the ministry’s responsibilities in promoting livestock production, supporting farmers, improving animal health and providing veterinary services.
He disclosed that arrangements had been made to distribute animal vaccines to all local governments and LCDAs to strengthen disease prevention and support livestock farmers across the state.
On polio eradication, Rotary International representative, Mohammed Dantata Ndus, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to community mobilisation, public awareness and collaboration with government agencies to achieve a polio-free society.
The NYSC State Coordinator, Miss Chinwe Nnenna Nwachuku, also commended some local governments and LCDAs for supporting corps members serving in their respective communities.
She, however, appealed to local government authorities to provide adequate accommodation, allowances and other necessary welfare support, particularly for corps members posted to rural areas.
Nwachuku further commended the state government for its efforts in addressing security challenges, describing Gombe as a peaceful and welcoming state.
Similarly, a representative of the State Director of the National Population Commission, Malam Abubakar Haruna, emphasised the importance of electronic birth registration in providing children with official birth records and improving population data.
He urged local government chairmen to address transportation and communication challenges affecting registration, particularly in rural communities.
The meeting also received the September 2026 project progress report presented by Babayo Abubakar of the Ministry’s Inspectorate Department.
According to the report, 102 projects were monitored across local governments, with more than 100 reportedly completed.
The projects covered several sectors, including education, agriculture, health, water and sanitation, as well as other development areas.
The report showed that water and sanitation accounted for 26 per cent of the monitored projects, education 25 per cent, agriculture 10 per cent, health five per cent, while other sectors accounted for 36 per cent.
The Inspectorate Department emphasised the need for effective monitoring, accountability and proper documentation to ensure that government projects meet established standards and deliver the intended benefits to communities.
The meeting was attended by executive chairmen of local governments, the Permanent Secretary, directors and other officials of the ministry, representatives of MDAs and development partners.
