By Hussaini Hammangabdo Yola
The Adamawa State Executive Council (SEC), at its 22nd meeting, has approved the upward review of the contract sum of N243,660,096 for the electrification of So’o and Mapio communities in Jada Local Government Area of the state.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. James Iliya, disclosed this to journalists shortly after the SEC meeting, which was presided over by the State Deputy Governor, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, at the Government House, Yola, on Wednesday.
Mr. Iliya said the review became necessary in view of the government’s determination to complete the project for the benefit of the two communities.
He further announced that the Council approved N168,210,310 for a solar training programme at the Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yola, to be executed by Premplus Limited. The project, according to him, aims to develop the capacity of youths and staff of the institution in renewable energy technology.
Additionally, the Council ratified an administrative approval of N2,780,127,511 for scholarships granted by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri to sponsor 100 indigenous candidates from Adamawa State to pursue Master’s degrees in Turkey.
Speaking on the approvals, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Umar Garba Pella, explained that the solar power training programme was conceived to harness the state’s energy potential and position Adamawa as a leading hub for solar energy development in the North-East.
Dr. Pella noted that short-term courses have already been designed at the Polytechnic to produce qualified solar power experts.
On the scholarship scheme, he disclosed that beneficiaries will specialize in four key disciplines: Engineering, Architecture, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) especially Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Medical Sciences.
He added that the programme will provide beneficiaries with international exposure, as the state government plans to engage them in the College of Medical Sciences at Adamawa State University, Mubi, upon completion of their studies.
Meanwhile, the SEC also received a report on the cholera outbreak that has claimed 13 lives in Mubi North and Mubi South Local Government Areas.
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Chief Felix Tangwami, attributed the outbreak to contaminated sources of drinking water in the affected areas.
He disclosed that out of 236 reported cases, 13 fatalities were recorded, while 21 patients are currently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre and General Hospital, Mubi.
According to Chief Tangwami, about 50 health workers and officials from the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHCDA) have been trained, while case management teams have been activated to contain the spread.
He urged residents of the affected communities to promptly report new cases to the nearest health facility.
The Commissioner also revealed that an additional outbreak was detected in Numan, assuring that the government is taking necessary measures to clean up water sources and continue active surveillance to prevent further spread.
Sahel Reporters News
