Inuwa Yahaya

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. 

Kumo youths welcome gov Inuwa with enthusiasm, patriotism

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.

Protest: Governor Inuwa inspects damaged infrastructure, facilities in Gombe

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has on Friday, toured some damaged facilities to assess the level of destruction caused by the violent protest in Gombe metropolis.

During the visit, Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed concern over the extensive damage inflicted on both public and private properties while assuring the people of the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the state.

“I have gone round to personally assess the extensive damage caused by the violent protest. From what I have seen, the destruction is enormous. Not just public facilities, businesses were also affected”, the Governor lamented.

He said it’s of utmost importance to preserve peace in Gombe, a state known for its stability.

“Gombe is known for its peace, and we must preserve it. We cannot allow actions that threaten our stability. We have no state other than Gombe. We understand that there are challenges and hardships in the land, but we must not resort to violence and destruction of our state to express our feelings or concerns”, the Governor said.

“Let me make it clear: we are not against peaceful protest. We know that democracy and our laws grant the right to express oneself, but yesterday’s event contradicted democratic principles and violated the law.

“We are ready to support any peaceful demonstration, and the police are ready to give protesters the maximum protection to exercise their constitutional rights once they follow the laid down rules. What we cannot allow, let me re-emphasize, is the breakdown of law and order”, the Governor added.

Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr. Ado Ibrahim, mourned by Northern governors

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Northern Governors’ Forum has expressed its deep sadness over the passing of the revered Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr. Abdul Rahman Ado Ibrahim.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, the Chairman of the Forum, expressed heartfelt condolences over the demise of this iconic monarch. 

Mr. Yahaya, in a statement, praised Dr. Ado Ibrahim’s legacy of peace, unity, and cultural preservation in Ebiraland.

He extended his sympathies to the people of Kogi State and the entire Ebira community, urging them to uphold the late monarch’s values. 

In this time of mourning, the Northern Governors’ Forum stands in solidarity with the family of Dr. Ado Ibrahim, honouring his contributions to the region’s heritage and praying for his soul’s eternal peace.