14th Jan, 2025.

 

 

The Gombe State L-PRES Project Coordinator, Professor Usman Bello Abubakar has reiterated the project’s commitment to fostering collaboration with communities to ensure the long-term sustainability of projects implemented within their respective areas.

 

The project coordinator made the assertion in Shamaki/Bajoga Ward of Gombe LGA while addressing stakeholders on the roles and responsibilities of the Grievance Redress Committees (GRCs).

 

Represented by the Social Safeguard Officer of the Project, Barr. Mwalin Naomi Abdu, the Coordinator highlighted the critical importance of greater community involvement in project implementation and decision-making processes.

 

“Following the provision of crucial infrastructure for livestock farmers and other value chain actors within your community, it is imperative for community leaders to actively engage stakeholders in safeguarding these vital assets,” the coordinator emphasized.

 

Barr. Abdu outlined the project’s significant achievements, including the construction and rehabilitation of boreholes, the upgrade of the Gombe Veterinary Clinic into a full-fledged hospital, and the establishment of a disease surveillance laboratory to enhance animal health services across the state.

 

She urged community leaders to mobilize stakeholders to take ownership and responsibility for the long-term sustainability of these projects.

“The Grievance Redress Committees (GRCs) play a crucial role in this endeavor by effectively resolving conflicts and addressing grievances at all stages of project implementation,” she noted.

 

The L-PRES coordinator further emphasized that the GRC’s can provide invaluable feedback on project implementation, enabling the project team to identify areas for improvement and ensure that interventions are responsive to the evolving needs and concerns of the community.

 

In his remarks, the District Head of Shamaki/Bajoga Ward, Alhaji Usman Shamaki Muhammad, expressed his sincere appreciation to the Gombe L-PRES Project and extended his commendation to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for initiating such a laudable initiative.

 

He assured the L-PRES team of the community’s support to ensure the successful achievement of all Project Development Objectives.

Similarly, the L-PRES team also visited the palace of the District Head of Herwa Gana/Kumbia Kumbia Ward, Alhaji Inuwa Lamido, in Gombe metropolis to sensitize stakeholders on the importance of community participation in ensuring the proper sustainability of projects implemented in their communities.

Speaking at the palace, the Project Coordinator commended community leaders for their continued support to the L-PRES Project, which he said has contributed significantly to creating greater public awareness and acceptance among the populace.

 

He explained that the Project has undertaken general facility rehabilitation at the Gombe Township Slaughter Slab, including the rehabilitation of boreholes, construction of culverts, drainages, toilets, the erection of fly shades and overhead tanks to improve sanitation and hygienic working environments for butchers in the state capital.

 

In his remarks, the District Head of Herwa Gana/Kumbia Kumbia, Alhaji Inuwa Lamido, who also holds the title of “Iyan Gombe,” expressed satisfaction with the efforts of the project in providing such essential facilities in his community.

 

He commended the foresight of State Governor Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for the laudable initiative to transform the livestock sector.

He stressed the importance of hygienic beef as essential for a healthy society and assured the L-PRES team of his readiness to take the lead as the Chairman of the GRC in sensitizing the public on protecting community interventions against vandalism and misuse, which he noted has become a significant challenge in many of our communities.

 

The team comprised of the Social Safeguard Officer, Barr. Mwalin Naomi Abdu; the Animal Health Officer, Dr. Mohammed Umar Yuguda; the Gender/GBV Officer, Amamatu Usman Abubakar; the Communication Support Officer, Baba Umar Kumo; and other members of the project team.

 

Baba Umar Kumo

Communication Support Officer