The Jigawa State Executive Council has approved contracts worth ?12.68 billion for the construction, supply and general renovation of selected senior secondary schools (SSSs) in the state.
The contracts, awarded to 26 contractors, cover major infrastructure interventions in more than 50 senior secondary schools.
This was contained in a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Youth and Sports, Sagir Musa Ahmed, following the council’s meeting.
The intervention is aimed at addressing critical infrastructure gaps in the schools, improving teaching and learning conditions, reducing pressure on existing facilities and providing students and teachers with better learning environments.
The investment is also designed to improve the quality, accessibility and standard of educational infrastructure in the state.
The statement said the initiative was anchored on the 12-Point Agenda of Governor Umar Namadi, which places emphasis on strengthening education, human capital development and creating the conditions necessary for sustainable socio-economic development.
The council also approved a proposal for the state Ministry of Health to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), in collaboration with UNICEF, GAVI and other development partners, under the Direct Delivery of Routine Immunisation Vaccines (DRIVE) and other essential Primary Healthcare commodities Initiative.
The initiative is expected to strengthen the direct delivery and distribution of routine immunisation vaccines and other essential primary healthcare commodities to health facilities and communities across the state.
The statement noted that the partnership with UNICEF, GAVI and other development partners will enhance technical cooperation and coordination in strengthening Jigawa’s primary healthcare system.
It added that the initiative will promote the efficient and equitable utilisation of available resources.
The council consequently approved the signing of the MoU and directed relevant authorities to ensure that its implementation complied with the agreed terms and conditions and served the best interests of the people.
The statement described the approval as a significant step towards building a more responsive, equitable and efficient primary healthcare commodity distribution system in the state.
In another development, the council approved the ratification of the purchase of 18,000 bags, equivalent to 30 truckloads, of NPK 20:10:10 fertiliser by the state government under the Renewed Hope Farmers Initiative at a cost of ?615.6 million.
The fertiliser is to be distributed to women, youths and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) engaged in farming in the state through the National Women in Agricultural Business Cooperative Society Limited.
The statement said the intervention was part of the government’s efforts to promote inclusive agricultural development and strengthen support for vulnerable and priority groups in the agricultural sector.