Inuwa Yahaya

World Teacher’s Day: Teachers at heart of our education reform—Gombe governor

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.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya appoints SSA/SOLID project focal person

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.

Governor Inuwa condoles with Gombe Police Command over passing of ASP Yusuf Balami

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.

Gombe L-PRES Project distributes fodder seeds to livestock farmers

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.

Gombe Governor congratulates Senator Okpebholo on emerging winner in Edo governorship election

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.

Governor Inuwa to collaborate with US varsity on modern farming practices

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.

Northern governors concerned over rising insecurity, pledge unified action to tackle it

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.

World Bank hails Gombe as model of development success, exemplary project implementation

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The World Bank has described Gombe State as a model for other states in Nigeria for its remarkable achievements in implementing numerous development projects and programmes. 

The World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr Ndiame Diop, made the commendation during a courtesy visit to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya at the Gombe Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.

Dr Diop, who appreciated the commitment of Gombe State to executing World Bank-supported projects across critical sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, environment, agriculture, and water resources, noted that Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s approach has not only accelerated development but has also demonstrated a clear example of effective governance and accountability in the utilization of funds.

Among the standout projects mentioned by the WB country director were the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme, the Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP), the SPTAS and the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH), which he noted have significantly improved the well-being of citizens by enhancing infrastructure, increasing access to clean water, and boosting economic opportunities.

Dr Diop emphasized that Gombe’s commitment to these projects has set a high standard for other states in Nigeria, adding that the World Bank now sees the state as a successful model of partnership that effectively addresses local challenges while fostering sustainable growth and development.

Dr. Ndiame Diop, however, also pointed out areas where the state could further strengthen its efforts, especially as some of the ongoing projects are approaching completion.

 He emphasized the need for sustained momentum and strategic planning to ensure that the impact of these projects continues to be felt even after they wind down. 

He stressed that Gombe must take proactive steps to consolidate the gains already made by institutionalizing reforms and integrating them into the state’s development agenda. This, he noted, would ensure that the benefits of these programmes are not only sustained but scaled up for greater long-term impact. 

He assured that the World Bank remains committed to supporting Gombe State in these efforts and encouraging the government to explore new avenues for collaboration that would address emerging challenges and ensure the continuity of progress in key areas.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya acknowledged these observations in his remarks and reassured Dr. Diop that his administration is fully committed to restrategizing.

He expressed optimism that with continued partnership and innovation, Gombe State would maintain its developmental trajectory and deepen the successes achieved through ongoing and future projects.

He highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships with international organizations like the World Bank in driving progress and providing much-needed services to the people of Gombe State in line with his Development Agenda. 

Governor Inuwa Yahaya emphasized that the state’s priorities are fully aligned with its development agenda, and Gombe remains committed to leveraging World Bank projects and initiatives from other development partners to achieve its goals. 

He pointed to the Network 11-100 project, which is being executed in collaboration with RAMP, the ACReSAL project and the SPTAS programme, as clear examples of the state’s success through its strong partnerships with the World Bank.

He reiterated that his government will remain focused on impactful projects that improve the quality of life for all citizens, especially in areas such as education, health, agriculture, infrastructure and human capital development.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya attends National Council of State meeting

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has attended the National Council of State meeting presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The meeting which held at the Council Chamber of the State House Abuja, had in attendance former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari.

Former Heads of State, Generals Gowon Yakubu and Abdulsalami Abubakar joined virtually.Also present were; the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Apart from Inuwa Yahaya, other Governors were also either physically present at the meeting or joined virtually.

This is the first meeting of the National Council of State to be held since President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.

The Council of State is an advisory body that comprises the President, Vice President, all former Presidents and Heads of State, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, all State Governors, and the Attorney-General of the Federation.

CAS applauds Governor Inuwa’s achievements in security, infrastructure, others

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON has received the Chief of Air Staff ( CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, on a courtesy visit at the Government House, Gombe on Saturday.   

The visit was part of Air Marshal Abubakar’s one-day official engagement in Gombe in furtherance of the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to enhancing security and strengthening the formidable collaboration with the Gombe state government. 

Receiving the CAS, Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Air Force for its role in maintaining peace and security in Gombe State and the Northeast region, particularly on the sustained fight against insurgency, banditry and other criminal acts that threaten the peace and stability of Nigeria.  

The governor attributed the state’s relative peace and stability to the synergistic efforts of the military and other security agencies, assuring of his administration’s continued support to the NAF and other sister organisations.  

“Your visit today reaffirms the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force to the safety and security of our people. We are grateful for the continued support and partnership, which have been crucial in safeguarding Gombe State and by-large, the entire Northeast sub-region against security threats such as insurgency, banditry and other criminal acts”, Governor Inuwa Yahaya stated. 

He reiterared his government’s commitment to providing necessary logistics and infrastructure to aid the operations of the Air Force in Gombe State.  

“I assure you that we will continue to support the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies operating in Gombe State. At the NAF base, we will assist in building additional structures to accommodate your personnel and the facilities you deploy”, the Governor added.  

Responding to the requests made by the Chief of Air Staff on the need to create a buffer zone of at least 1 kilometre at all sides of the NAF Combat Reconnaissance Base, and connecting the base to the Gombe regional water expansion system, the Governor instructed the Gombe Geographic Information System (GOGIS) and the Ministry of Water Resources to fast track the process of providing the requests made by the CAS.