Gombe - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Lydia Beshel
Jun, Tue, 2025

Suspected employment fraudster hands self to EFCC

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Suspect
By Isaac Aregbesola
A suspected employment fraudster, Idris Adamu, has handed himself over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Gombe State over alleged impersonation and obtaining by false pretence.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Oyewale explained that there was a mild drama at the EFCC Gombe Zonal Directorate, when the middle-aged man walked into the office premises and reported himself over the alleged offences.

He said that the self-confessed suspect cited the fear of the EFCC for his action.

“The suspect, Idris Adamu, walked into the office of the EFCC at about 1300hrs and requested to see the Acting Zonal Director, Deputy Commander of the EFCC (DCE), Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad.

“He said he wanted to confess some hidden truths about the crimes he had committed in the past,“ he said.

According to him, while at the Directors office, the suspect said,” I came to repent of my sins and to confess to the EFCC.

“In the past, I have obtained the aggregate sum of N9 million through my bank account from different individuals in the guise of offering them employment opportunities in Federal Government agencies which was false.

“I have changed but I am afraid of the EFCC,“ he quoted the suspect as saying.

Oyewale said the acting zonal director after listening to his confession, thanked him for speaking to the EFCC.

According to him, Sa’ad therefore, directed that the self-confessed suspect be taken to the investigation department for a thorough investigation of the case. (NAN)(www.nannnews.ng)

Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

Tosin Kolade
May, Fri, 2025

Economy/Business

BoI disburses N2.25bn to Gombe MSMEs

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By Peter Uwumarogie

The Federal Government, through the Bank of Industry (BoI), has disbursed N2.25 billion to support 16,696 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Gombe.

Dr Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BoI, confirmed this during a town hall meeting held in Gombe on Friday.

The meeting aimed to sensitise the Gombe business community about the N200 billion Federal Government Loan Scheme for MSMEs and manufacturing enterprises.

Olusi said the Federal Government, through BoI, had disbursed over N107 billion to nearly 900,000 beneficiaries across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.

“Out of this, over 16,696 beneficiaries, valued at N2.25 billion, are from Gombe State,” he said.

Represented by Mr Mohammed Maina, North East Regional Manager of BoI, Olusi described the fund as a landmark initiative of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He stated that the initiative aims to empower MSMEs and revitalise Nigeria’s manufacturing sector as part of a broader economic growth strategy.

According to him, the scheme represents a strong investment in Nigeria’s future and a commitment to unlocking the business sector’s potential.

“MSMEs bring life to the local economy. They create jobs, provide livelihoods, and drive innovation across sectors,” Olusi noted.

He added that MSMEs account for 96 per cent of Nigerian businesses, 84 per cent of employment, and nearly half of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Olusi said President Bola Tinubu envisions an economy where local industries thrive, meet global standards, and every enterprise is empowered to succeed.

BoI, he said, is working to ensure the scheme becomes a catalyst for jobs, innovation, and prosperity, especially among young entrepreneurs.

He commended Gombe State Government’s support and urged MSME owners, community leaders, and youth groups to champion the intervention.

Mr Abdulwahab Sabo, Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Inuwa Yahaya on MSMEs, praised President Tinubu for positively impacting Gombe’s local economy.

Sabo stated that MSMEs remain the backbone of the state’s economy by creating jobs and fostering entrepreneurship, especially among women and youths.

He said the Yahaya-led administration is committed to supporting initiatives that empower women and youths while encouraging business growth.

Abbas Abdul, Chairman of the Tea and Bread Association in Gombe, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the financial support.

Abdul, who received N50,000 six months ago, said his business has grown to N300,000, and he now plans to open a mini restaurant.

Adamu Abubakar from Dukku LGA, who engages in fabrication and welding, said the intervention saved him from high commercial bank interest rates.

Abubakar received a N5 million loan at nine per cent interest per annum and now plans to expand and employ more young people.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the town hall included a question and answer session on accessing loans and challenges faced by MSMEs. (NAN)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo