Gombe State

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has signed a bill into law creating 13 new Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

Speaking during the signing ceremony at the Government House on Monday, Governor Yahaya explained that the initiative aligns with the 1999 Constitution and was designed to address the growing population while promoting grassroots development.

The new LCDAs and their administrative headquarters are: Akko North (Amada), Akko West (Pindiga), Balanga South (Bambam), Billiri West (Taal), Dukku North (Malala), Funakaye South (Tongo), Gombe South (Bolari), Kaltungo East (Wange), Kwami West (Bojude), Nafada South (Birin-Fulani), Pero-Chonge (Filiya), Yamaltu East (Dadinkowa), and Yamaltu West (Zambuk).

Governor Yahaya stressed that the long-term advantages of creating the new councils outweigh the costs involved.

He said, “Like the creation of Gombe State in 1996, these LCDAs will usher in a new era of progress for our communities and the state at large.”

An interim management committee and a transition technical team led by the deputy governor will oversee the establishment of the councils.

By Anwar Usman

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 21 suspected internet fraudsters in Bauchi State.

The operation was conducted by the commission’s Gombe Zonal Directorate on Saturday, March 15, 2025, following acredible report on the suspects’ alleged involvement in cybercrime.

According to a statement from the EFCC on its X handle, the suspects were arrested on Monday in the Kaure New Government Reservation Area and Awala, Maiduguri Road, in Bauchi.

During the operation, several luxury vehicles were recovered, including a BMW car and a Toyota Camry, among others.

The EFCC reiterated that the suspects would be prosecuted when investigations are completed. 

“Items recovered from them at the point of arrest include one BMW and Toyota Camry cars, three PlayStation 5, 30 expensive phones, one flat-screen television set, six Point of Sale, POS, machines, four iPads, and five laptops,” the statement further revealed.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, participated in the National Cybercrime Summit held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja earlier today. 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC) and the European Union, organized the summit, which focused on enhancing digital skills as a strategy to combat cybercrime.

The event’s theme was “Alternative to Cybercrime: Optimizing Cyber Skills for National Development,” a demonstration of commitment to building digital resilience and ensuring a secure online environment for sustainable national development.

 The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, officially inaugurated the summit and launched a new Rapid Response Centre to address cybercrime emergencies.

Speaking to journalists after the event, Governor Inuwa Yahaya emphasized the importance of collaboration in combating the growing threat of cybercrime. 

The Governor commended the EFCC for organizing the National Cybercrime Summit, recognizing the event as a timely initiative to address the growing challenge of cybercrime. 

He emphasized the importance of multi-level cooperation, including leveraging technology and youth involvement, to promote positive alternatives to cyber activities.

“We appreciate the EFCC for bringing this important issue to the forefront. My government is ready to partner in this endeavour because we recognize that combating cybercrime requires partnership.

“We need to work together with the federal government, EFCC, and other relevant bodies to address this global challenge. Our youths must also be involved, as they are both the drivers of technology and the leaders of tomorrow.”

The summit brought together prominent figures, including the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, Governors of Katsina and Zamfara, members of the National Assembly, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Saad Abubakar III, and other traditional rulers and diplomats.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has approved the appointment of a new Chairman and Board Members for the Gombe State Housing Corporation to strengthen efforts in tackling housing challenges and providing affordable housing solutions for the people of the state.

The Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi who conveyed the Governor’s approval, indicated that the newly constituted leadership of the Corporation includes representatives from the three senatorial districts of the state and key ministries. Those appointed are as follows:

Arc. Mohammed Habu Shinga – Executive Chairman

Mohammed Gurama Dukku – Representative, Gombe North (Member)

Saleh Ahmed Danmasani – Representative, Gombe Central (Member)

Abubakar Hussaini Cham – Representative, Gombe South (Member)

Representative from the Ministry of Housing – Member

Representative from the Ministry of Finance – Member

Similarly, the Governor has approved the reorganization of Gombe United Football Club with appointment of new leadership to align with the government’s objective of repositioning the football club for better performance and improving the management of sports in the state.

The SSG announced the new appointees as follows:

Mallam Anas Bamusa – General Manager

Mr. Ishaya Usman – Team Manager

Comrade Abubakar M. Maina (Dameji) – Secretary

Governor Inuwa Yahaya expects the new appointees to bring innovative ideas and leadership, as well as work in synergy with stakeholders to support the government’s agenda in housing and sports sectors respectively.

All the appointments are with immediate effect.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has congratulated Professor Ibrahim Hassan Garba on his appointment as the new Vice-Chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi.

Prof. Garba hails from Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State. His appointment, which takes effect from today, October 10, 2024, was approved by the ATBU Council at its 30th Special Meeting on October 9, 2024.

Reacting to the development, Governor Inuwa Yahaya praised Prof. Garba’s exceptional career and his commitment to academic excellence.

“We are proud of this illustrious son of Gombe whose elevation to this prestigious office brings honour not only to him but to our entire state. His wealth of experience and academic leadership will undoubtedly steer ATBU towards greater achievements, particularly in promoting innovative research, academic excellence, and international collaborations. We are confident that under his stewardship, ATBU will continue to be a citadel of knowledge and innovation in Nigeria and beyond”.

The Governor also assured the new Vice Chancellor of the solidarity and goodwill of the people of Gombe State, expressing confidence that Prof. Garba’s tenure will bring positive changes to the university and strengthen its reputation as a leading institution of learning in Nigeria.

Prof. Garba, a 1992 graduate of the University of Maiduguri and a renowned professor of biochemistry, has held various key positions at ATBU, including serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) on two occasions, Chairman of the Academic Staff Union, and most recently as the Center Leader of the ATBU-World Bank collaborative program, SPESSE.

Dear Sir,

I hope this message finds you well. I write to bring to your attention the constant road traffic accidents at the Malam-Inna junction along Gombe State University’s second gate. 

Sir, in less than two days, I’ve witnessed about two fatal road traffic accidents at that junction. Although no life was lost, the degree of injuries was sustained by the casualties. Some were taken to hospital in a stupor. 

Within my few weeks of staying in Gombe, I observed that Malam-Inna junction isn’t the only place witnessing incessant road traffic accidents but an extensively considerable number of roads in Gombe. This is because of motorists’ high rate of reckless driving in the city of Gombe. 

Motorists are driving at high speed, jeopardising people’s lives and properties daily. However, most road users in Gombe drive aggressively and don’t care about committing traffic offences. These problems are escalating daily, and if care isn’t taken, they will become a calamity to the good people of Gombe state. 

Sir, as a father and commander in charge of the affairs of Gombe State, I believe you have a responsibility to protect your people. Protection of people isn’t limited to exterminating criminality in society but also to eradicating every act that will likely affect the well-being of the people. Road safety legitimately falls into this category.

To sum up, your Excellency needs to create a legislative framework that will govern the behaviour of road users in Gombe State. This should be done by establishing a new agency that will be saddled with the responsibility of enforcing traffic laws among road users in Gombe State. 

The new agency should develop practical traffic laws that align with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSCN) to curtail reckless driving and traffic offences and enhance both motorists’ and pedestrians’ safety in Gombe State.

The creation of this agency will help promote a culture of respect and responsibility between road users. The agency should be charged with punishing traffic law offenders using fines, license seizure, and prosecution. This will improve adherence to traffic laws and, subsequently, the state’s IGR.

When established, the new agency will create jobs among the Gombe youths and play a vital role in managing the flow of vehicles and busy roads in Gombe State.

Traffic rules are necessities that governments must enforce to ensure a secure and orderly atmosphere for their people. 

Road safety is paramount. As a concerned leader who genuinely cares for his people, I am optimistic that you’ll urgently investigate this matter and take the necessary action. 

Thank you, and God bless.

Sunusi Abubakar Birnin Kudu wrote from Arawa B. Gombe State via muhammadsunusi29@gmail.com.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Gombe State Internal Revenue Service’s weekly training, with the aim of strengthening staff members for service delivery, is taken to heart.

The training, which is a weekly activity in the service, is well-received by the staff members. Their dedication and submissiveness during the training are quite commendable.

The Gombe State Internal Revenue Service, focusing on improving staff efficiency through consistent training, is indeed second to none.

These sessions, led by the Human Resources and Intelligence Department, seem to be making a significant impact on the staff’s commitment and performance. The continuous dedication to training will probably enhance the overall service delivery in the state.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Gombe State Government has donated ₦50 million to aid victims of the recent terror attack in Mafa, Tarmuwa Local Government and the devastating flood disaster in Yobe State. 

In a gesture of solidarity and compassion, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, sent a high-level delegation led by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, to Yobe State to convey the heartfelt condolences and support of the government and people of Gombe State.

Dr. Manassah Jatau, speaking on behalf of Governor Inuwa Yahaya, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident in the community, calling it both sad and unfortunate. 

“We stand with you in this moment of grief as you face the double tragedy of the attack on the Mafa community and the devastating floods that claimed lives and destroyed homes and farmlands across the state,” he stated.

He said the N50 million donation will help the state government provide much-needed assistance to the affected victims.

While receiving the delegation, the Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, CON, expressed profound appreciation for the support.

 He described the visit as demonstrating a strong bond of brotherhood and love between Gombe and Yobe States.

He emphasized that while the financial aid will significantly help the victims, solidarity and care in such trying times will be remembered as a remarkable show of unity between the neighbouring states.

Governor Buni noted that the donation and the visit are a source of immediate relief and a lasting symbol of the friendship and cooperation between the people of Gombe and Yobe.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Gombe State Government has donated 2 Bulls, thirty (30) Bags of fifty (50) kg of Rice, twenty (20) Jericans of Ground nut oil, and ten (10) Bags of Beans to Corps members of the 2024 Batch B Stream two Orientation Course.

In a message, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya CON, represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development Adamu Inuwa Pantami, said that the donation will augment the feeding of Corps members at the Camp and cushion the effect of the rising cost of food items.

The Governor, who wished the Corp members well, informed them that Gombe is hospitable, noting that the peace-loving people of Gombe state are eagerly waiting to receive them after orientation camp. 

While receiving the items at the National Youth Services Corp (NYSC) Temporary Orientation Camp, Amada, the State Coordinator NYSC Gombe State, Mrs Chinwe Nnenna Nwachuku, expressed gratitude to the Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for the kind gesture. 

She said that she would inform the Director General and top Management of the Scheme of the Governor’s love and untiring support to the NYSC.

The elated State Coordinator also pledged to continue to work hard for the interest of the scheme, Gombe State and the nation at large.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has been appointed Chairman of the Committee on Polio Recurrence Mitigation in several states across the country.

This was announced during the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, where key national issues were deliberated.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, Ph.D., who represented Governor Inuwa Yahaya, stated that the governor’s appointment was driven by his leadership as the Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum and his remarkable achievements in the health sector, particularly in vaccination efforts.

Dr. Jatau explained, “During the NEC meeting, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, we addressed critical issues affecting the states and the nation, including the resurgence of polio in five states—Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi. With Bill Gates and Aliko Dangote in attendance, the gravity of the situation was recognized, and it was decided to establish a polio committee, with the Governor of Gombe State appointed as chairman.”

He added that the meeting also tackled the destruction of roads and bridges caused by recent flooding.

The Vice President directed states to submit detailed reports of the damages, including photographs, by Monday next week.

Dr. Jatau used the opportunity to share insights from Gombe’s inclusive governance approach, where traditional, religious, and community leaders, alongside stakeholders, play active roles in decision-making and implementation to ensure more efficient and effective outcomes.

“When the discussion on vaccines arose, I highlighted our commitment in Gombe, where we apply a system theory approach by involving traditional rulers, religious and community leaders in healthcare efforts to achieve comprehensive coverage. Engaging these leaders builds public trust, leading to stronger support for health programs,” he noted.

He also addressed the challenges posed by “socially hard-to-reach groups,” where cultural, philosophical, and ideological barriers limit access to vaccination.

The Deputy Governor emphasized the importance of addressing these barriers to ensure optimal vaccine coverage and called for research into local herbal remedies as a pathway to affordable healthcare.

“I urged donor agencies to sponsor research into the production of vaccines and medicines from indigenous plants. Since many imported medicines are derived from plant and animal products, and we have similar resources in abundance, tapping into our local potential would be a better solution.”

On nutrition, the meeting emphasized identifying local food sources that can provide balanced diets to reduce malnutrition. Dr. Jatau stressed that proper nutrition is vital to public health, which in turn supports the growth of other sectors of the economy.