The Adamawa State Executive Council has approved contracts and procurements totaling five billion, thirty-nine million, five hundred and nineteen thousand, five hundred and eighty-one naira, seventy-seven kobo for projects and programmes covering education, agriculture, infrastructure and security across the state.

The approvals were among the decisions reached at the thirteen meeting of the State Executive Council, presided over by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri at the Council Chamber, Government House, Yola.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Leader Leneke, said the Council approved the construction of offices blocks at the Adamawa post primary school management board Yola at the cost of one billion, seven hundred and fifty-two million, ninety-six thousand, eight hundred and fifty-seven naira, three kobo.

He said the contract was divided into four lots and awarded to four contractors, noting that some existing structures date back to the colonial era and require urgent replacement and improvement.

The Council also approved six hundred and twenty-seven million, six hundred and ninety-five thousand, six hundred and sixty-two naira, seven kobo for the construction of road networks, drainage systems, culverts and other internal services at the Mega Science and Technical Secondary School in Hong Local Government Area.

According to the Commissioner, the project is part of the state government’s programme to establish Mega Science and Technical Secondary Schools across the three senatorial districts.

The Council further approved two billion, one hundred and ninety-eight million, one hundred and nineteen thousand naira for the procurement of forty-six thousand, three hundred bags of assorted fertilisers for the state’s dry-season farming programme.

Barrister Leneke said the fertiliser procurement would support farmers as the state continues to take advantage of both rainy-season and dry-season agricultural activities.

The Council also approved three hundred and eighty-one million, six hundred and fifty-five thousand, seven hundred and eighty-one naira, twenty-four kobo for the engagement of a consulting firm to provide pre- and post-construction services for a counter-terrorism base in Madagali.

He said the decision was aimed at strengthening security and preventing future terrorist activities, particularly in areas that have previously experienced security challenges.

Another approval was granted for the procurement of herbicides and pesticides at the cost of seventy-eight million, nine hundred and fifty-two thousand, two hundred and eighty naira, to support agricultural activities across the state.

The Commissioner also disclosed that Council approved a memo from the Ministry of Mineral Resources concerning the renewal of the state’s mining licence.

He said the renewal of the mining licence was among the major decisions approved at the Council meeting, describing it as part of the key outcomes of the meeting.

On the threat of flooding, the Commissioner said the Council directed relevant authorities to intensify sensitisation of residents following predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, and the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA.

He said Adamawa is among states expected to experience flooding this year, particularly communities located along the River Benue and River Gongola.

Barrister Leneke therefore called on residents of riverine communities to remain vigilant and heed government warnings to relocate to safer areas whenever necessary.

He also urged the media to intensify public enlightenment campaigns to ensure that residents, especially those living in flood-prone areas, are adequately informed and prepared.

The Commissioner recalled the devastating flooding experienced in Adamawa last year, expressing hope that a similar situation would not occur this year.

On security, Barrister Leneke said the Council expressed concern over recent developments in some parts of the state, including reports of killings and other suspected security breaches.

He said the restoration of peace and security remains one of the major achievements of the present administration, which has enabled residents to conduct their businesses and sleep peacefully.

He urged residents not to ignore unfamiliar persons or suspected criminals within their communities, stressing that citizens have a role to play in supporting security agencies to maintain peace and stability.

The Commissioner said the various approvals and decisions reached by the Council demonstrate the administration’s continued commitment to improving education, agriculture, infrastructure and security across Adamawa State.