By Ndahi Marama, Damaturu

The Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, on Monday unveiled numerous projects executed and completed by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) which were handed over to Governor Mai Mala Buni and other beneficiaries.

Among the projects are modern ICT centres across the three senatorial districts located at Federal University Gashua (Yobe North) and Federal College of Education (Technical), Potiskum (Yobe Central) and a 250-seater auditorium at Yobe State University, a modern facility aims to provide a conducive environment for academic and cultural activities.

Just last week in Borno state, 13- people-oriented projects undertaken by the Commission were handed over to Borno state Government, as more other states of Adamawa, Gombe, Taraba and Bauchi will follow suit.

During commissioning, Minister Ahmadu appreciated NEDC under the Chairman Board, Major General Paul Tarfa (Rtd), and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Alhaji Mohammed Goni Alkali for living up to expections.

“Today marks a major milestone in the Commission’s commitment to expanding access to digital tools, technical education, and inclusive innovation in Yobe State”. He said.

The Minister who was accompanied by Chairman House Committee on NEDC, Hon. Usman Zannah (Gubio/Kaga/Magumeri federal constituency, Borno state), other management and staff of the commission pledged that the federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue to give the desired support for NEDC in its Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement of victims of insurgency in the region.

Giving highlights of the exercise, the Managing Director, Alkali said, each of the ICT Centre is equipped with 75 high-performance desktop computers, 50 computer tables and chairs and 6 LG Jet Cool air conditioners.

More so he said, 2 projectors (3,000 ANSI lumens), non-interactive whiteboards, a smartphone repair lab with 25 complete kits, Laboratory workbench, Colour printer, scanner and dedicated 3KVA Generator were provided.

“These ICT hubs are designed to be more than just learning spaces, they are launchpads for skills, jobs, and innovation.

“At the Gashua Centre alone, over 900 youths have already been trained, with several beneficiaries now running their own ICT-based businesses and creating jobs for others, a powerful testament to the long-term impact of the Commission’s interventions.

“Through these centres, the NEDC is not just investing in infrastructure but in people, equipping the next generation with tools to thrive in a digital economy and contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development of the region”. The MD stated.

Governor Buni who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Baba Mallam Wali while responding on the projects commissioned, commended NEDC for complement efforts of the State Government in its post- insurgency era.

He explained that the Commission under MD Alkali has impacted positively in the area of education, agriculture, health, jobs creation and empowerment in the state.

He however appealed for the Commission to construct trans-sahara road and other roads linking Gaidam and Damasak considering it’s economic potentials.