The Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has inaugurated a 38-man Special Committee on Relief and Palliatives to cushion the effect of the partial lockdown in the state due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.

The Relief and Palliative Committee, which is headed by the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji, Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, will undertake a general situational assessment and identify households and individuals that are eligible to receive palliative support.

It is to develop an equitable distribution framework for delivering relief support to the beneficiaries and ensure that relief items reach the deserving beneficiaries in all the 114 Wards of the 11 Local Governments in the State.

The Gombe State Relief and Palliative Committee is also to solicit for donations of palliative and other relief materials from the general public, private sector organizations, non-Governmental Organizations, and philanthropists to complement Government efforts in this regard, as well as undertake activities contingent upon the successful completion of the assignment and Prepare and present periodic progress reports to the Government.

Governor Yahaya said the committee was set up to ameliorate the economic hardships brought about by the restrictions imposed to control the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said his administration was obliged to provide support and relief to the people, most especially the vulnerable ones in the state, adding that his government will ensure that the palliatives reach its intended destinations.

“There is no doubt that the special measures taken to tame the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic have put our people in severe economic difficulties. We are fully aware of the hardship being experienced particularly by the daily earners whose living depends on their ability to go out and mingle with others. However, these are sacrifices that we must make to save lives,” Governor Yahaya said.

He enjoined the people of the state to persevere and continue to pray in order to win the fight against the invisible enemy, while commending the people of Gombe State for complying with the measures put in place to keep the state safe.

Governor Yahaya, however, appealed for more support and cooperation with government officials and security agencies in the enforcement of all the required guidelines and protocols.

He equally paid glowing tribute to health workers in the State, philanthropists and corporate organizations for their solidarity.

The chairman of the committee and Emir of Gombe, Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III gave the assurance to the Governor that the committee would exhibit due diligence while carrying out its assignment.

By Dominica Nwabufo