*when some stigmatize, chase us away, Governor Inuwa embraces, shows us love, respect – Alarammas
By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has hosted more than three hundred members of Jama’atu Haffazul Qur’an Wal Ilim, comprising of Alarammas, Almajiris (tsangaya pupils) and other great custodians of Tsangaya Schools to a fast breaking (Iftar) at the New Banquet Hall, Government House, Gombe.
Speaking during the Iftar session, the governor, who was overwhelmed with joy, thanked the custodians of the Tsangaya Schools for honoring his invitation despite the short notice given.
A statement signed by the Director-General ( Press Affairs) Government House Gombe, Ismaila Uba Misilli, said that he explained that in consonance with the ideals of democracy and good governance, his doors are open for all categories of people, and as such everybody will be carried along without discrimination.
“During our campaign we promised to run an all-inclusive government and today you are witnesses that we fulfilled that promise. We have invited you the way we did to other top government officials and dignitaries.
“Our doors are open for all, we don’t show any form of discrimination. You elected us to serve you and that is exactly what we are doing”, he added.
He assured to give equal treatment to all citizens of the state irrespective of religion, tribe or social class.
“When our son’s were repatriated from other states during corona, we welcomed and accommodated, took good care of them to make them feel at home. They are our own children and we could not abandon them”, he said.
The governor urged the Tsangaya teachers to support government policy of incorporating western education in Tsangaya System. This, according to him will enable them to participate in national issues, citing himself and current Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Pantami as concrete examples.
“when we were young, we used to attend both western and Tsangaya Schools altogether. The school was about three kilometers away but everyday we had to trek that distance.
“When you combine the two, you achieve a lot in life – you can become ministers, Governors or even President. It is possible and achievable”, he added.
The governor maintained that without the support and cooperation of the tsangaya teachers and their students, good policies like Better Education Service Delivery for All, BESDA programme would not have been successful in the state.
He therefore sought for more prayers and support from the attendees for the success of his administration and for peace to reign in the country
Speaking on behalf of all the attendees, the Chairman, Jama’atu Haffazul Qur’an Wal Ilim, Goni Muhammad Sadisu Mai Babban Allo thanked Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for considering them in the series of this Ramadan Iftar, saying that this is the first time they were honoured to break fast with a sitting governor. He maintained that “It is a great honor and a show of respect to Qur’an and its people”.
He commended the governor for building about 25 tsangaya schools across the state for the welfare of Tsangaya teachers and their pupils. The gesture that he said has helped in creating conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning.
“We equally thanked you for introducing BESDA programme. Many of our Alarammas are benefiting from the monthly allowance and our students can now read and write in English and have also learnt some basic arithmetics.
“His Excellency is also building a structure that could be the largest tsangaya in the whole of Nigeria. we are indeed elated”, he remarked.
In his goodwill message, the Spokesperson of the organization, Goni Murtala Musa praised the concern of Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya towards tsangaya people.
He said, ” when others were disowning us, chasing us away, governor Inuwa has embraced us and showed us love and respect”.
He therefore called on all members to reciprocate the gesture by supporting the good policies of this administration for more dividends of democracy to the people.
All the attendees were given sallah packages where each went home with yards of brocade and cash as happy sallah from the Governor.
The Iftar session pulled attendance from across all the eleven local governments of Gombe State and was also graced by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, Chief of Staff Government House, Alh. Abubakar Inuwa Kari, Hon. Victor Mela Dan Zariya, Member Representing Balanga/Billiri Federal Constituency, APC Stalwart, Alh. Abubakar Habu Mu’azu among others.
Qur’anic recitation and prayers were offered during the session for peace and prosperity of the state and the country.
