By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe
GOMBE — The Director-General of the Gombe State Joint Projects Development and Essential Social Services Agency, JPDA, Dr Mahmood Yusuf, has highlighted the agency’s projects across the state in his three years in office, describing the period as one of institutional growth, leadership experience and grassroots development.
Yusuf, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Building, FNIOB, also expressed appreciation to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for the opportunity to serve in the position.
The agency, formerly known as the Gombe State Joint Projects Development Agency, has expanded its mandate to include essential social services and developmental interventions across the state.
Reflecting on his stewardship, Yusuf said his three years in office had provided valuable lessons in leadership, public service, accountability and human relations.
“Working directly under His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has made me understand that leadership is ultimately about the impact one makes in the lives of others,” he said.
He said the experience had broadened his understanding of public service, particularly the importance of prudence, effective communication and listening to diverse opinions.
According to Yusuf, the agency has executed projects across the state’s 11 local government areas, covering infrastructure, grassroots administration, markets, traditional institutions, security facilities and renewable energy.
In Akko Local Government Area, he listed the reconstruction of the local government secretariat and Gona Emir’s Palace, installation of solar streetlights in Kumo and Tumfure, and construction of the Akko West LCDA Secretariat in Pindiga and Akko North LCDA Secretariat in Amada.
In Balanga, the agency provided a one-megawatt solar mini-grid for Tallasse and Swa communities and constructed the Balanga South LCDA Secretariat in Bambam.
Billiri benefited from the reconstruction of the Gada-Uku-Sansani Bridge, construction of a police outpost at Amtawalam, reconstruction of Kantoma Market, construction of the Billiri Grains Market and the Billiri West LCDA Secretariat at Tal.
In Dukku, projects included a motor park, grains and cattle market, solar streetlights and the Dukku North LCDA Secretariat at Malala.
Yusuf said Funakaye received the reconstruction of the Emir’s Palace and 12 district head palaces, construction of 66 shops in Bajoga, solar streetlights in Bajoga and Ashaka, and the Funakaye South LCDA Secretariat in Tongo.
In Gombe Local Government Area, the agency reconstructed the Idi Shopping Complex and Gombe Emir’s Palace, as well as constructed the Gombe South LCDA Secretariat in Bolari.
Projects in Kwami included the reconstruction and furnishing of 11 district head palaces, solar streetlights in several communities and the Kwami West LCDA Secretariat in Bojude.
In Kaltungo, the agency reconstructed the local government secretariat, constructed market stalls and built the Kaltungo East LCDA Secretariat at Tula Wange.
Nafada Local Government Area benefited from the construction of its local government secretariat, solar streetlights in Nafada and surrounding communities, and the Nafada South LCDA Secretariat at Birin Fulani.
In Shongom, projects included part of the local government secretariat, seven district head palaces, a 650KWH solar mini-grid in Filiya and the Pero-Chonge LCDA Secretariat.
In Yamaltu/Deba, the agency provided fencing, solar streetlights and a solar-powered borehole with four fetching points at the National Agricultural Land Development Authority, NALDA, Market in Kwadon.
Solar streetlights were also installed in Deba, Dadin Kowa, Hinna, Kwadon, Wajari, Gwani, Shinga and Wade, while the Yamaltu East and Yamaltu West LCDA secretariats were constructed at Dadin Kowa and Zambuk respectively.
Yusuf further disclosed that the construction of the Gombe State Council of Emirs and Chiefs Secretariat had reached about 95 per cent completion.
He said the project, when completed, would provide a befitting institutional structure for traditional leadership in the state.
The JPDA boss attributed the achievements to the support and guidance of Governor Inuwa Yahaya, as well as the cooperation of stakeholders, staff and communities.
He expressed optimism that the agency would continue to contribute to the implementation of projects aimed at improving the living conditions of residents.
“I sincerely thank everyone for their unwavering support throughout this journey. The achievements recorded are a product of collective effort, and I hope we will continue to work together to move our dear state forward,” Yusuf said.
The post Gombe JPDA DG highlights three years of projects appeared first on Vanguard News.