Inuwa Yahaya

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Minister of Transportation, Senator Saidu Alkali, formally resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet on Tuesday, paving the way for his anticipated entry into the race for the Gombe State governorship.

His exit, announced by the State House media office, came hours ahead of the March 31 deadline set by the President for political appointees nursing elective ambitions to step down.

Alkali, a native of Gombe State, met with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday evening before finalizing his resignation. He is widely expected to contest for the state’s top seat in the 2027 general elections, aiming to succeed Governor Inuwa Yahaya, whose second term is set to conclude in May 2027.

The former minister’s departure adheres to a directive issued by the President through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on March 17, which mandated all appointees seeking public office to vacate their positions by the end of March.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has expressed concern over the safety of children in Gombe State, revealing that no fewer than 48 minors have gone missing under suspected cases of abduction and trafficking.

The governor made this known on Friday during the launch of the state’s Ramadan palliative distribution programme in Gombe.

He described the situation as a serious security and humanitarian issue that demands urgent attention from both authorities and residents.

According to him, official data gathered by the state government shows that the missing children are mostly between the ages of two and five. He added that the victims were allegedly taken to unknown locations, while their parents remain in the state.

“Available information before us shows that 48 children from Gombe State within the age bracket of two to five years have been taken away to unknown destinations,” the governor said.

“Their parents remain here, but we cannot say where the children are or whether they will be found.”

The governor did not give details about when the incidents occurred or the specific communities affected. However, he noted that the pattern of the disappearances points to organised criminal activity.

He also referred to a recent abduction in the Orji Estate area. He linked the incident to emerging security gaps following the partial easing of the state’s motorcycle restriction policy. Although the kidnapped child in that case was later rescued, he said the development highlights the risks children face.

Governor Yahaya called for collective efforts to tackle the threat. He urged residents to stay alert and provide useful information to security agencies.

“We must collectively confront these emerging threats if we want peace restored,” he said.

“There was a time Nigerians lived more peacefully. We must ask ourselves what has changed and take decisive steps, no matter how difficult.”

He further appealed to community leaders, parents, and residents to support ongoing government efforts aimed at safeguarding lives, especially those of vulnerable children.

The disclosure has heightened concerns among residents and civil society groups. Many have called for stronger child protection systems and more effective measures to combat human trafficking across the country.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has expressed profound sorrow, and extended heartfelt condolences to his Jigawa State counterpart, Mallam Umar Namadi, over the loss of his son, Abdulwahab Umar Namadi.

Abdulwahab, aged 24, tragically lost his life on Thursday, December 26, 2024, in a ghastly motor accident along the Dutse-Kafin-Hausa Road.

This devastating incident occurred barely hours after the family suffered the loss of Governor Namadi’s mother, Hajiya Maryam.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya, in a statement, described the losses as heart-wrenching and profoundly saddening.

He noted that the tragedy of losing two loved ones in such a short period is an extraordinary test of faith, urging his Jigawa counterpart to find solace in the divine words: “What Allah takes belongs to Him, and what He gives is also His, for everything occurs at its appointed time according to His will”.

He prayed for Allah’s mercy and forgiveness upon the souls of Abdulwahab and the late Hajiya Maryam, asking Allah to grant them Aljannat Firdaus as well as give strength and patience for the bereaved family during this difficult period.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has praised teachers in Gombe State and across Nigeria for their dedication, resilience, and hard work, acknowledging their efforts in molding the next generation.

In his goodwill message to mark the World Teachers’ Day, today, Governor Inuwa Yahaya noted that teachers are not just educators, but key stakeholders in the development of society.

This year’s theme, “Valuing Teacher Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education,” underscores the vital role teachers play in shaping the future of education and the necessity of incorporating their voices into policy decisions.

“In a world that is constantly evolving, the input of teachers in shaping educational policies is important. The theme of this year’s celebration is a call for all of us to recognize the importance of teachers and to ensure that their voices are heard in decision-making processes,” he said.

Reflecting on the efforts of his administration to improve the welfare of teachers, Governor Inuwa Yahaya highlighted several initiatives that have been implemented under his leadership.

These include the recruitment of new teachers to address manpower shortages, regular payment of salaries and entitlements, teacher training and capacity-building programmes, as well as improvements in school infrastructure to create better working conditions for educators.

“Our administration is committed to ensuring that teachers in Gombe State are well-supported and motivated. We understand that quality education cannot be achieved without investing in the well-being and professional development of our teachers. This is why we have consistently prioritized their welfare, from timely salary payments to providing opportunities for training and career advancement,” the Governor stated.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has approved the appointment of Abdulmalik Suleiman Abubakar as Senior Special Assistant (SSA 1) and Focal Person for the Solution for the Internally Displaced and Host Communities (SOLID) Project.

The Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, who conveyed the Governor’s approval, said in his new role, Abdulmalik will be responsible for spearheading the SOLID Project.

The project focuses on providing sustainable solutions to improve the living conditions, welfare, and integration of displaced populations, while simultaneously strengthening the socio-economic capacities of host communities across Gombe State.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya expects the new appointee to bring to bear, his wealth of experience, to ensure efficient coordination between government agencies, NGOs, and international partners involved in SOLID project to deliver tangible results.

This appointment is with immediate effect.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of ASP Yusuf Balami, who until his death served as the Personal Assistant to the Commissioner of Police in Gombe State.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya described the late ASP Balami as a fine gentleman and an exemplary officer whose commitment to duty left a positive mark on the command and the state.

“ASP Yusuf Balami was a humble and committed officer who served with distinction. He was well known and respected for his dedication to his professional duties and the well-being of Gombe State,” the Governor said.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the late officer, his colleagues in the Gombe State Police Command, and the entire Nigerian Police Force.

He prayed for Allah’s comfort and strength for the bereaved, and for Him to grant the deceased Aljannat Firdaus.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Gombe State Government under the L-PRES Project has distributed 800 kilograms of fodder seeds and shrubs materials to livestock farmers to encourage the production of pasture for livestock feed in the state.

The intervention targeted verified livestock farmers with 20 different varieties of fodder seeds and shrubs materials across the 11 local government areas of the state.

Distributing the materials on behalf of the L-PRES Project Coordinator Professor U.B. Abubakar, the Animal Health Officer to the Project Dr. Mohammed Umar Yuguda charged the beneficiaries to ensure optimal use of the materials provided to enhance the quality and nutritional content of livestock feed.

He said the fodder seeds when planted have the capacity to produce large quantities of feed with high nutritional value that can be used and preserved as supplementary feed during the dry season for improved production of beef and dairy products.

Speaking on the essence of the intervention, the Animal Husbandry Officer to the Project Mohammed Bukar Gadam said, plans are also underway to provide crop residue crushing and fodder chopper machines to livestock cooperative societies in the state.

He highlighted that the project is in the process of turning waste into wealth with the introduction of such facilities farmers will through their cooperatives process and package animal feed thereby reducing wastage of crop residue and further increase the rate of consumption in livestock which he said would increase both the quantity and quality of beef and dairy produced by their livestock.

In a vote of thanks on behalf of the beneficiaries theChairman Koutal Hore Socio Cultural Association Gombe State Branch Ardo Chindo Abubakar expressed appreciation to Gombe L-PRES Project for its numerous support programs to livestock farmers in the state.

He commended the State Governor Alhaji Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya for his laudable initiatives to transform the livestock sector into a modern industry and assured the project of their continuous support achieve its objectives.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has congratulated Senator Monday Okpebholo, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for his victory in the just-concluded Edo State governorship election.  

Okpebholo emerged victorious after a keenly contested race, defeating his main rivals—Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party. 

Governor Inuwa Yahaya, who is also the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, noted that the APC candidate’s triumph underscores the growing popularity and confidence the people of Edo State have in the APC. 

He stated that the overwhelming support for Okpebholo reflects the party’s achievements and its commitment to governance rooted in the needs of the people. 

“It is with immense pleasure that I warmly congratulate our candidate in Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo and indeed our great party for recording an emphatic victory. This success is a clear validation of the people’s trust in the APC-led administration and further solidifies the party’s influence across Nigeria, reaffirming its position as the party trusted by the people to drive national growth and transformation”. 

The Governor expressed confidence in Senator Okpebholo’s leadership capabilities, adding that his election represents an opportunity to rebuild and reposition Edo State towards sustainable development. 

He called on members of the opposition to graciously accept the olive branch extended by the Governor- elect, urging them to contribute positively to the future of Edo State. 

The NSGF Chairman also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting a transparent and fair election that provided a level playing field for all contestants.  

He also applauded the nation’s security agencies for maintaining peace and order throughout the process, as well as the electorate for their peaceful and orderly participation in what was a highly anticipated election.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, yesterday, visited the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering at the Michigan State University (MSU) in the United States of America.

During the visit, the Governor met with the university’s authority and agricultural experts, with discussions focused on exploring avenues for collaboration that could enhance the agricultural value chain in Gombe State.

One of the key areas of focus is the introduction of appropriate mechanization technologies that are tailored to the specific needs of smallholder farmers who form the backbone of the state’s agricultural economy.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed optimism that this partnership would lead to the adoption of cost-effective and sustainable solutions that can enhance food security and promote rural economic growth in the state.

In addition to mechanization, smart agricultural practices—such as precision farming and water-efficient irrigation systems were also discussed.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has reaffirmed the collective concerns of northern governors regarding the rising insecurity in the region, and emphasized strong commitment to partnering key stakeholders to tackle the issue effectively.

The Governor restated this on Monday while receiving a comprehensive report of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) put together by the Experts’ Committee on insecurity in Northern Nigeria as part of the outcomes of the recently conducted roundtable meeting held in Abuja.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya noted the growing impact of insecurity on the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians, particularly in the agricultural sector, which has led to hike in food prices affecting not only the Northern states but the entire nation.

He emphasized that the governors are committed to tackling the insecurity that has plagued the region, which has hindered farming activities, exacerbated the inflation of food commodities and general economic challenges faced by the country.

“As Governors, we are deeply concerned about the security situation in Northern Nigeria. This region has the largest portion of the country’s population and is endowed with mineral resources and fertile soil ideal for farming. The region’s agricultural strength plays a significant role in ensuring food security in Nigeria. Unfortunately, the current insecurity is disrupting these activities, contributing to the rising cost of food commodities, which affects all Nigerians, not just those in the North”, the Governor stated.

As part of the NSGF’s response under his leadership, Governor Inuwa Yahaya announced plans to convene an expanded meeting which will bring together all relevant stakeholders, including past and present leaders, traditional rulers, security chiefs, and civil society organizations, to discuss and implement strategies aimed at restoring the glory of the region.

“This time around, we want to take a collective approach to the insecurity issue. This report is timely. We will study it and work together towards its implementation. We are currently planning to convene an expanded meeting with all critical stakeholders in the region to further explore how we can come together to propose solutions that will genuinely address these problems completely”, the Governor said.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya also commended the leadership of the CNG for its detailed analysis, acknowledging their role in addressing the region’s most pressing issues.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation and Chairman of the Committee of Experts on security component of the CNG, Bashir Yusuf Ibrahim, explained that the report presented to Governor Inuwa Yahaya is a culmination of a long and painstaking process looking at the changing faces of insecurity in Northern Nigeria with a view to proffering workable solutions.

Highlighting some content of the report, he acknowledged the imperative of All Society Approach introduced by the group which will establish synergy among stakeholders across the spectrum of Northern Nigeria in tackling insecurity.

He said the group has already submitted the same report to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the office of the National Security Adviser NSA for onward processing.

While acknowledging the peace and tranquility of Gombe State, the leader of the delegation however, explained that no state is totally immune from criminal activities so long as contiguous states are confronted with incidences of crime and criminality.

The Governor was joined in receiving the group by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, the Head of Service, Alh. Ahmed Kasimu Abdullahi as well as Commissioners and Special Advisers.