Gombe 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.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Gombe State Executive Council has approved the revitalization of 82 primary healthcare facilities across the state’s 11 local government areas to ensure affordable and quality healthcare for all citizens.

The Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Ethical Orientation, Mijinyawa Ardo Tilde, announced this after the 41st Executive Council Meeting presided over by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Babu Habu Dahiru, explained that the approval was aimed at providing at least two primary healthcare facilities in each of the state’s 114 political wards.

This initiative, according to the Commissioner, will complement the 64 facilities revitalized under the World Health Organization’s Impact Project and the additional 10 facilities supported by UNICEF.

The revitalization efforts will include equipping facilities, drilling boreholes, installing solar power, and renovating infrastructure, including staff quarters.The Executive Council also approved N1.1 billion for the transportation and logistics of medical equipment donated by the World Medical Relief in the USA to Gombe State.

Furthermore, the Council ratified the 2025-2027 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), encompassing the Economic and Fiscal Update, Fiscal Strategy Paper, and Budget Policy Statement.

The Commissioner of Finance, Mohammed Gambo Magaji, explained that the MTEF would serve as the basis for preparing the 2025 appropriation bill.Additionally, the Council approved a Monitoring and Evaluation framework to measure and assess performance across government agencies, staff members, and the Executive Council.

The Council authorized the payment of N265 million as promotion arrears to staff of Gombe State University (GSU).The Executive Council also approved N394 million for the completion of projects at the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, including fencing, gully erosion control, and consultant payments.

Also, the Commissioner of Energy and Mineral Resources, Sanusi Ahmad, announced the approval of N575 million as counterpart funding to construct a mini-hydroelectric power station at Balanga Dam. This station, according to him, will generate 320 kilowatts of electricity for irrigation and rural electrification, to be implemented in collaboration with the European Union.

The Commissioner of Works, Housing, and Transport, Engr Maijama’a Kallamu, said the Executive Council approved N2.23 billion for the construction of a 7.5-hectare mechanic village near the recently commissioned Ibrahim Dankwambo Mega Motor Park. This project includes land procurement, infrastructure development, and other essential facilities.

The Commissioner also announced Council’s approval of N779 million for the installation of additional solar-powered streetlights in the state capital.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, led a delegation from the Gombe State government, including the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, to Ningi town in Bauchi State to offer condolences following the demise of the Emir of Ningi, Dr. Yunusa Muhammad Danyaya.

In his remarks at the Emir’s palace, Governor Inuwa described the late monarch’s death as a profound loss, not only for the Ningi Emirate and Bauchi State but for the entire northern region and Nigeria as a whole.

Reflecting on the deep ties between his family and the late Emir, as well as the broader relationship between the Ningi Emirate and Gombe State, Governor Inuwa said, “Death has indeed separated us from a father, a guardian, and, to a great extent, a statesman whose monumental loss will be felt across the entire nation. May Allah grant his soul eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus.”

The Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, CFR, also spoke, describing the late Ningi Monarch as a foundational figure whose fatherly guidance among community leaders significantly shaped the direction of traditional leadership. He noted that the late Emir Danyaya had been a close ally of the Gombe Emirate for over four decades, dating back to his service as Area Manager with the former Northern State Marketing Board in the late 1970s.

“Emir Danyaya’s death is deeply mourned by the Gombe Emirate and the entire Gombe State community because we have lost a close ally,” Dr. Abubakar added. He also prayed for the repose of the late soul of the late traditional ruler.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya was also at the Bauchi Government House where he extended the condolences of the government and people of Gombe State to Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed over the sad event.

In his response, Governor Bala Mohammed expressed gratitude to his Gombe counterpart for standing with the Ningi Emirate and the Bauchi State Government in this moment of grief.

He praised Governor Inuwa for his capable leadership in managing the affairs of both Gombe State and the Northern States Governors’ Forum.

“We were confident that you would stand with us during this challenging time, and we are not surprised you have come. As our leader across the nineteen northern states, you consistently meet expectations, demonstrating your leadership zeal whenever the need arises.”

The Gombe delegation included the Chief of Staff, Government House, Abubakar Inuwa Kari; Commissioners of Trade, Industry and Tourism and Budget and Economic Planning, Nasiru Mohammed Aliyu, mni, and Salihu Baba Alkali, respectively, among other government functionaries and aides.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has announced his intention to pay the ₦70,000 new national minimum wage to workers in the state.

The position of the governor was presented by the Deputy Governor, Manassah Daniel Jatau, PhD, who is also the Chairman of the Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage Negotiation, Gombe State, during a press briefing at the conference hall of the Deputy Governor’s Office, Gombe.

Represented by the State Head of Civil Service, Alh. Ahmed Kasimu Abdullahi, during a Press briefing ,the Deputy Governor explained that the governor is highly committed to ensuring that civil servants in the state enjoy the 70, 000 new national minimum wage so that they can put in their best in serving the state.

He said, the governor has set a machinery in motion and the standing committee has been fine-tuning to see to the implementation of the new minimum wage.

“Government has set the machinery for the implementation of the new national minimum wage in Gombe State. Let me assure you that His Excellency the Governor is fully determined to pay the minimum wage. Unlike what you have been hearing in some quarters that the governor said he won’t pay. No, not at all. His Excellency is one of the governors in the fore front of payment of the new minimum wage”.

He said Governor Inuwa Yahaya has been magnanimous enough to willingly pay a 10,000 palliative in form of a wage award since September last year, across board to all civil servants in the state to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal which, automatically brought the minimum wage to 40,000 naira when other states couldn’t pay the 30,000 minimum wage.”

In the magnanimity of the Governor to alleviate the hardship occasioned by fuel subsidy removal, he approved the payment of 10,000 across board to all civil servants without anyone putting any pressure on him in order to make the civil servants feel better in the discharge of their duties. The additional 10,000 naira was because of his concern, feeling and regard to civil servants and it has made the minimum wage 40,000 instead of 30, 000 even when other states couldn’t pay the 30,000″.

He however pointed out that the negotiation committee has decided to separate the monthly salaries from the 10,000 palliative pending when conclusion is reached in order to prepare the Civil servants on knowing their exact salaries when the minimum wage is finally agreed upon.

“Effective from this month of August, the normal salary will be paid, then after two days the ten thousand naira palliative will be paid to help the worker know his actual salary and this will continue until the new minimum wage is agreed upon. We are now waiting for the salary table from the federal government before we commence the negotiation. Once we reach an agreement the implementation will begin and the 10,000 naira palliative will stop”.

The Nigeria Labour Congress Chairman, Mr. Yusuf Aish confirmed that this was the position reached at the tripartite committee meeting on the new minimum wage.” we had a brief discussion during our negotiation in the last 30,000 naira minimum wage due to some balance of some payment where we have agreed that this committee is a standing committee of minimum wage negotiation in the state. As a result this same committee met to begin negotiation on the new 70,000 naira national minimum wage. However,in our tripartite committee meeting we have agreed to wait for the time the new minimum wage table as approved by the federal government will be released. Whenever it is released we will start full negotiation with a view to reaching an agreement on what is to be paid in Gombe State”.

He also explained that civil servants will receive two alert messages beginning from this month of August, being the normal salary and that of 10,000 naira palliative urging the civil servants to be patient pending when the negotiations will be concluded.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Gombe State has made a significant stride in its investment drive by becoming the first state in Northern Nigeria to benefit from the Nigeria Investment Promotion Certification programme, which is being implemented by the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC). The programme is funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). 

This was disclosed by the UNDP representative, Adejumobi Fashola, at the opening session of a three-day workshop for officials of the various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in Gombe state on building the state’s competence to provide information capable of attracting investment for sustained economic growth and development.

According to Fashola, the selection of Gombe as the first beneficiary in Northern Nigeria underscored the state’s strategic importance and the potential it holds for attracting both local and foreign investments, emphasising sectors such as agriculture, solid minerals, and renewable energy, which have been identified as key drivers of the state’s economic growth.

“The goal of this programme is to build the capacity of state MDAs to effectively engage with investors and create a conducive environment that will encourage sustainable investment. 

“Gombe State has demonstrated a strong commitment to this process, and we believe the outcomes of this workshop will significantly enhance the state’s investment profile,” the UNDP representative said.

“The Nigeria Investment Promotion Certification Process (NIPC) aims to standardise and enhance the capabilities of MDAs at state levels in promoting and facilitating investments by equipping them with the necessary skills, tools, and knowledge to create a more conducive and attractive environment for both local and foreign investors. 

It focuses on improving the efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness of investment promotion activities, ensuring that states become competitive and preferred destinations for investment in Nigeria”, he added. 

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary/Sole Administrator of the Gombe State Investment and Property Development Company Limited, Mohammed Abubakar Bello Kumo, expressed Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s commitment to transforming Gombe into an investment hub, noting that the state government has been working tirelessly to improve the business climate by implementing reforms and infrastructure projects that will attract investors.

“We are honoured to be the first state in Northern Nigeria to benefit from this programme. This is proof of the ongoing efforts of Governor Inuwa Yahaya to make Gombe State a business-friendly environment. This workshop will equip our MDAs with the necessary skills to attract and retain investment, which is crucial for the economic development of our state”, Kumo stated.

He also acknowledged the role of UNDP and NIPC in supporting Gombe State’s development agenda, particularly in fostering partnerships that will lead to job creation, poverty reduction, and improved living standards for the people of Gombe.

Some of the participants who spoke at the event expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to learn from industry experts and engage in practical sessions that will help them apply the knowledge gained in their respective MDAs. 

They noted that the training provided them with valuable insights into how the state can leverage its unique resources to attract investment.

by Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, inspected the 200-bed-capacity ultramodern General Hospital in Kumo, Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.  

The hospital replaced an earlier dilapidated facility and is designed to provide comprehensive healthcare services as a referral centre.

Governor Inuwa said, “The complete reconstruction of this hospital is part of our larger plan to provide quality and affordable healthcare services to the people. We inherited a completely moribund General Hospital that could not provide the required healthcare services due to a lack of necessary equipment. We had no choice but to rebuild it from the ground up.”

“We built the hospital to international standards so it can function as not only a general hospital but also a facility that can provide tertiary health services,” the governor added.

He explained that the state government has also established similar hospitals in Kaltungo and Bajoga and revitalised at least one primary healthcare facility in each of the state’s 114 political wards.

“Our performance in the health sector, from human resources to infrastructure, is evident for all to see”. 

Strategically located, the Kumo General Hospital will serve the local population and travellers along the Gombe-Yola road. 

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, conducted the governor around the facility and said it can handle complex medical cases, including heart surgeries and other medical complications.

He highlighted its modern equipment and potential to become a leading healthcare centre in the state and across the Northeast.

“In this theatre, multiple operations can be performed simultaneously, making it ideal for emergency situations and life-saving interventions,” he noted.

The Governor inspected the well-equipped laboratories, wards, maternity unit, accident and emergency complex, mortuary, powerhouse, and mini water treatment plant, among other facilities.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A massive crowd of youths enthusiastically welcomed Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya with the green-white-green Nigerian flag during his visit to Kumo, the Headquarters of Akko LGA.

The display of patriotism was a stark contrast to recent events in other parts of the country where some youths were seen waving foreign flags.

The governor was received by a jubilant crowd from the outskirts of Kumo, who accompanied him throughout his visit, expressing gratitude for the development projects undertaken in the area.

Governor Inuwa, who inspect the newly completed ultra-modern general hospital, commission road projects and flag-off new ones, commended the youths for their patriotic spirit.

“While in some places you see the flags of other countries being raised, here, you see support and love from the people,” he said, expressing optimism about the nation’s future with such a positive youth demography.

“The enthusiasm and patriotism displayed by these young people today give me great hope for Nigeria’s future. Peaceful and patriotic youths are indeed the bedrock upon which a brighter Nigeria will be built,”Gov. Inuwa asserted.

He called on the people to maintain peace and harmony, assuring them of the government’s commitment to improving their lives.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Gombe State government has dispatched truckloads of essential food items to all 11 local government areas of the state for onward distribution to the most vulnerable persons. 

This follows the approval of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who has continued to demonstrate commitment to the welfare of the people. 

Each LGA has been allocated 1,000 bags of 50 kg sorghum, 1,000 bags of 25 kg rice, and 1,000 cartons of spaghetti pasta. 

Beyond the distribution to the 11 LGAs, an additional 5,000 bags each of rice and sorghum and 5,000 cartons of spaghetti pasta will be distributed to a wide array of groups, including faith-based organizations, civil society groups, trade unions, student unions such as the Gombe State Students Association (GOSSA) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), and Tsangaya and Almajiri schools. 

Special consideration has also been given to youths and women groups, and people living with disabilities, as directed by the Governor to ensure that the relief package reaches those who are mostly in need, especially in the face of the current economic hardship. 

This distribution is just one of many efforts by the government to support the citizens during difficult times. 

Governor Inuwa Yahaya remains committed to implementing effective measures to support the citizens and ensure their resilience, fostering social stability amid economic challenges.

The Governor also remains grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his numerous interventions and initiatives to address the economic challenges facing the nation in this challenging period.