The Director-General, Media and Communications to the governor, Mr Solomon Kumangar, made this known Friday while briefing newsmen in Yola.
Kumangar said that many people have encroached and build on primary and secondary school lands across the state, particularly in Yola, Mubi and Michika Local Government Areas.
Kumangar said the administration, which was committed to the revamping of education in the state, has directed the payment of matching grant to UBEC to access N8.2 billion basic education stimulus.
“As a prequel to declaring free and compulsory education to shore up enrollment and halt the high level of dropouts, the government has set as a target, the rehabilitation of 5,000 schools in the next six months.
“Governor Fintiri has not only ensured free feeding for nine junior and senior secondary schools within the state capital but the programme will be expanded to cover 58 boarding secondary schools beginning from September,” he said.
In area of agriculture, Kumangar said Fintiri has approved the establishment of stock shops in all the 21 local government areas (LGAs) where farmers could access farm inputs easily.
In area of security, Kumangar said that the state government supported the recent arrest of 68 kidnappers and 252 gang members known as “Shila Boys” terrorising residents of Yola.
“The government has also initiated dialogue between farmers and herders aimed at ending the incessant disturbances, especially in southern part of the state.
“In addition, a law to impose harsh punishment on all categories of criminals terrorising the state, is before state assembly, to provide the necessary legal bite for enforcement,” Kumangar said.
While reiterating the administration’s commitment to full autonomy of the of local government, Kumangar said the governor had directed the Director of Administration in local governments to clean up their wage bills.
He said they have been directed to remove ghost workers and block all leakages affecting development at the third tier. (NAN)
