Gombe State

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.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Six indigenes of Gombe State made the list in the 200 Scholarship Award of the African Union Development Agency in the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), of the First Lady, Senator Remi Tunibu.

The commissioner of education, Prof Aishatu Umar Maigari, stated this on Thursday in Abuja while leading the successfully selected students from Gombe State to the award presentation.

The program according to the commissioner was designed to support secondary school graduates particularly from the less privileged families to further their education at the tertiary level.

Speaking at the unveiling, held at the Banquet Hall of the State House Abuja, the First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration will continue to prioritize education as evident in the various policies and programmes been implemented in the sector since inception.

Senator Tinubu also emphasised that education and empowerment of the Nigerian girl-child will consistently be given priority attention to fill the gap with their male counterparts in receiving comprehensive formal education, which she said has brought about the need for the establishment of Alternative High Schools For Girls across the country.

In a remark, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, described the First Lady as an Education champion who is always concerned about the education of the younger generation and commended her initiatives under the Renewed Hope Initiatives, which are geared toward complementing the educational policies of the Tinibu-led administration.

The successful students to benefit from the initiative from Gombe State as approved by the office of the First Lady, Senator Tinubu, include Abdullahi Abubakar, Kamal Abdulsalam, Elisha Eglah, Muhammad Abdul-Azeez, Hajibukar Mohammed and Yunusa Umar Farouq.

They have since been inaugurated with others across the country and presented with their Award letters in a colorful event.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad 

Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, former Honourable Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, an Islamic sheikh, and a UK-trained Ph.D. holder, has found himself in a triangular situation: an Islamic sheikh, a politician, and an academic. This revered status means any issue that affects his personality will always be a hot topic and attract public scrutiny.

Pantami’s full transformation into a politician who is eyeing the ‘ballot box’ was noticed during this year’s Ramadan Tafsir; his style of delivery and the content of his messages were noticeably altered. Traditionally known for his sticking to religious contents during tafsirs, this time, the sheikh took every opportunity to showcase his extensive knowledge of the economy, geography, and global politics. This shift did not go unnoticed by the audience and observers.

Pantami’s discussions were peppered with references to economic policies, geographic strategies, and the intricacies of international relations, signalling a significant change in his focus and priorities. Pantami continues to align himself more closely with political aspirations, and his body language has also evolved to reflect this new ambition. 

Recently, controversies, debates, and discussions have emerged about Pantami’s books, Skills, Rather than Just a Degree and A Scholar’s Journey: Navigating the Academia. These books trended for a while and reignited old controversies about how he obtained his professorship. This situation has also awakened Pantami’s political adversaries, who view his behind-the-scenes early efforts to enter the Gombe state governorship race as an encroachment on their territory.

Many politicians, especially in his home state of Gombe, are upset with Pantami because they view him as an outsider who seized opportunities to occupy their ‘slots,’ first as the Director-General of NITDA and later as a federal minister representing Gombe State. However, after eight years of working independently, he now seeks their support to establish himself in their domain.

Conversely, the majority of Pantami’s critics regarding his appointment as a professor are academics. In contrast, most of those who backed the critics were Pantami’s political opponents and their supporters.

One of Pantami’s critics was reported to have penned this: 

“Mr. Pantami was only for the most part a Lecturer 1 or 2 where he first served and didn’t spend a whole working career in the university system or in a university’s employment,” he was “made” a Professor by a university where he never worked, taught, sat in its Senate, worked in its committees, never examined or marked UG or PG exam scripts, and his whole promotion papers were never processed at the departmental and faculty levels, and, indeed, he never had a payroll number… Mr. Pantami was thus never a scholar in the classical or academic sense of that word. I wonder whether he’s now teaching or giving classes or seminar papers at any university after his leaving office in May 2023.”

On the other hand, supporters of Pantami’s professorship encompass academics with a fondness for him, members of religious groups, his students, and his political associates. 

In fairness to Pantami, having held a ministerial position, he is already entrenched in politics. Moreover, the criticisms in his books predominantly consist of one-off comments rather than comprehensive analyses or academic discourse. Furthermore, Pantami’s challenge for a debate on his book is yet to take place. 

The debate about Isa Pantami’s books, professorship, and foray into politics has three divides: his adherents, his opponents, and those sitting on the fence. The views of his followers and critics are well known and are often based on their perspectives. However, those sitting on the fence have, on many occasions, provided valid points both for and against Pantami.

Isa Ali Pantami’s transition from an Islamic scholar to a politician and professor has sparked both controversy and applause. His political opponents view his entry into politics as an intrusion into their territory, while his academic critics regard his professorship as ‘unearned.’ On the other hand, his supporters perceive his multifaceted identity—as a sheikh, a politician, and a professor—as exceptional among his peers.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Muhammad Umar Shehu

The recent budget allocation by Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has sparked concerns among citizens, particularly regarding the disproportionate allocation of funds. While a significant portion of ₦43.130 billion is earmarked for constructing a new governor’s residence, high court, and house of assembly complex, only ₦10 billion is allocated for road construction. This disparity raises questions about the state’s priorities and resource allocation strategy.

It is disheartening to witness such a large sum allocated to luxurious infrastructure projects while essential infrastructure like roads receives comparatively meagre funding. This allocation pattern reflects a misplaced sense of priorities and neglect of critical needs in the state.

As responsible citizens, it is imperative that we hold our leaders accountable and challenge decisions that do not align with the people’s best interests. We cannot afford to stand by idly while our state resources are mismanaged and squandered on unnecessary projects.

The people of Gombe deserve transparency and accountability in governance. We must demand greater scrutiny of budgetary allocations and ensure that public funds are effectively used to better our communities.

There is an urgent need to reallocate priorities to address pressing needs such as infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation. Our leaders must be reminded of their duty to serve the people and prioritise projects that have a tangible impact on the lives of ordinary citizens.

As concerned citizens, we must unite and advocate for a more equitable distribution of resources to meet the needs of all residents of Gombe State. Together, we can hold our leaders accountable and work towards a brighter future for our state.

May Gombe State and Nigeria as a whole prosper and thrive. Amin.

Muhammad Umar Shehu wrote from Gombe via umarmuhammadshehu2@gmail.com