The Adamawa State Executive Council has approved contracts and procurements worth ₦5,039,519,581.77 for projects and programmes covering education, agriculture, infrastructure, security and other areas across the state.
The approvals were among the major decisions reached at the 13th meeting of the State Executive Council, presided over by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri at the Council Chamber, Government House, Yola.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Barrister Leader Leneke, said the approvals were aimed at strengthening critical sectors and improving the living conditions of residents.
He said Council approved ₦1.75 billion for the construction of office blocks at the Adamawa State Post Primary Schools Management Board in Yola.
According to him, the contract was divided into four lots and awarded to four contractors to replace and improve existing structures at the institution.
Leneke explained that some of the buildings currently occupied by the board date back to the colonial era and are no longer adequate for modern administrative operations.
The Council also approved ₦627.69 million for the construction of internal road networks, drainage systems, culverts and other infrastructure at the Mega Science and Technical Secondary School in Hong Local Government Area.
The Commissioner said the project forms part of the state government’s plan to establish Mega Science and Technical Secondary Schools across the three senatorial districts to improve access to science, technology and technical education.
In agriculture, Council approved ₦2.19 billion for the procurement of 46,300 bags of assorted fertilisers to support the state’s dry season farming programme.
Leneke said the intervention would provide farmers with essential inputs to increase production during the dry season, stressing that the government was committed to maximising agricultural opportunities throughout the year.
Another ₦78.95 million was approved for the procurement of herbicides and pesticides to support farmers in controlling weeds and pests and improving crop yields.
On security, the Commissioner disclosed that Council approved ₦381.65 million for the engagement of a consulting firm to provide pre and post construction services for a counter terrorism base in Madagali.
He said the project would strengthen the state’s security architecture and improve the capacity of security agencies to respond to emerging threats, particularly in communities that have previously experienced security challenges.
Leneke also disclosed that Council considered and approved a memo from the Ministry of Mineral Resources on the renewal of the state’s mining licence.
He said the government remained committed to harnessing Adamawa’s mineral resources for economic development while ensuring proper regulation of the sector.
On flooding, the Commissioner said Council directed relevant authorities to intensify public sensitisation following flood predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the National Emergency Management Agency.
He said communities along the River Benue and River Gongola were particularly vulnerable and urged residents in flood prone areas to remain vigilant and relocate to safer locations when necessary.
Leneke also called on the media to intensify public enlightenment on flood risks, recalling the devastating flooding experienced in the state last year.
On security developments, he said Council expressed concern over recent reports of killings and other suspected security breaches in parts of the state.
He, however, maintained that the restoration and sustenance of peace remained one of the major achievements of the Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri administration, saying improved security had enabled residents to pursue their businesses and other activities with greater confidence.
The Commissioner urged residents to remain security conscious and promptly report suspicious persons, movements and activities to security agencies.
He stressed that maintaining peace and security was a collective responsibility and called on citizens to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in preventing crime and other threats.
Leneke said the approvals at the 13th Executive Council meeting demonstrated the administration’s continued commitment to investing in critical sectors.
He said the projects were expected to improve educational infrastructure, boost agricultural production, strengthen security and enhance infrastructure, thereby contributing to the socio economic development of Adamawa State.
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