Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, earlier today joined the family of the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba at the wedding reception of the IGP’s son, Maina Usman Baba in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The event, which was also attended by the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, Federal Lawmakers among other dignitaries, followed the wedding fatiha which took place earlier at the palace of Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi.
Governor Inuwa was accompanied by member, representing Akko Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, APC chieftain, Alhaji Abubakar Muazu ( Yariman Kashere), Hon. Farouk Adamu Aliyu, Alhaji Mala Sheriff and Special Adviser, Abuja Liaison, Hon. Usman Aliyu Garry.
Photo Credit: Abdul No Shaking ( SA New Media)
Ismaila Uba Misilli DG ( Press Affairs) Government House Gombe
Mona community in Balanga Local Government Area of State were earlier at the office of the Secretary to the Gombe State Government to register their gratitude to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for delivering his campaign promise of constructing the Kutere/Mona road.
Leading a delegation from the community, the district head of Mona Mr. Monday Suwa said for decades the road has eluded them as successful administration tends to look the other way especially when approach with the issue of the road which is less than 10 kilometers.
The district head of Mona said before the construction of the road, many sick people from the community have died while been transported for medical attention.
Mr Monday Suwa however commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for constructing the Mona road and equally appeal to the Governor to consider extending the road to link other contiguous communities in Dadiya Chiefdom.
The district head of Mona thereafter conferred on the Secretary to the Gombe State Government the traditional title of CHIKANSORON MONA in recognition of his contribution to the growth of the State in particular and humanity in General.
Responding the Secretary to the Gombe State Government Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi thanked Mona community for recognising the modest achievement of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya towards linking their community with road network.
“Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya is more than just a politician each time he makes a promise he sees to its fulfillment and that has continuously distinguishes him from his peers”
On the request that the newly constructed Mona road should be extended to contiguous communities, the SSG promise to relay their concern to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
Professor Njodi equally use the occasion to express his gratitude to Mona community for finding worthy to honoure him with the traditional title of CHIKANSORON MONA.
While thanking the community for maintaining the peace the SSG enjoin the community and by extension the entire State to maintain vigilance and report any suspicious behaviour or movement to security agencies for prompt action.
The Gombe State Chairman of Mona Community Development Association Mr. Nabari Timothy assured Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of the community’s continuous support and loyalty.
Governor Yahaya who was represented by Comissioner Science Technology and Innovation Dr Aishetu Umar Maigari while playing host a delegation of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) from Abuja, said the State welcomes the collaboration to train about Five thousand entrepreneurs as part of effort to create Jobs for the teaming Youth across the State.
While appreciating the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) for Collaborating with the State to established a world class skills acquisition Centre in the State, Governor Yahaya assured that his administration is poised to take advantage of the Centre to create more employers of labour through skills and enterprenurship training.
The Governor also expressed optimism that the collaboration will be a lasting one as the state governments ten year development plan largely focuses on human and economic development of citizens of the State to make them Job and wealth creatures.
Earlier in a an address, the Director General of National Directorate of Employment NDE represented by Isa Abdu said the delegation is in the State to inspect the skills acquisition Centre in furtherance of collaboration of the Directorate with the State Government to train young people in various vocations to make them self reliant.
Isa Abdu also said the Directorate having closely studied the State Governments delibrate plans for women and Youth in terms of empowerment was motivated to partner in training young ones with a view of taking them off the streets for the good of the Society and Commended the Governors foresight of iniciting the Programme.
In a remark, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s), Bashir Tukur said, in line with the State Government Ten Year Development Plans, effort is being intensified to make optimum utilization of the skills acquisition Centre to better the lives of people of the State especially the young persons.
Joshua Danmalam Information officer SSG’S Office. 24/1/22
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has again call on the People of the State to remain security conscious in the wake of the on-going security challenges facing the Country.
The Governor made the call at a Civic reception organised by the Mai Kaltungo Engineer Sale Mohammed in honour of the State Acting Chief Judge, Justice Joseph Ahmed Awak at his Palace in Kaltungo.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya maintained that the only catalysts for meaningful development in any society is peace and tranquility.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, Governor Yahaya equally challenge Traditional, Community and leaders of thought to deepen Community Policing in addition to conventional Security Architecture to guarantee the desired peace in the State.
While congratulating the Acting Chief Judge on his well deserved appointment, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya enjoined him to live up to his calling assuring him that his administration will do everything possible to ensure effective autonomy of the Judiciary.
In his comment, the elated Justice Joseph Awak appreciated Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for finding him worthy of the appointment assuring that he will do his best to justify the confidence reposed in him.
The Acting Chief Judge used the occasion to call on parents to keep watch over their wards, so that they don’t engage themselves in social vices such drug abuse.
The Acting Chief Judge also harps on unity among the people of Kaltungo Chiefdom and the State at large irrespective of tribe or religion.
In their respective remarks the Chairman Kaltungo and Shongom Local Government Councils Faruk Aliyu and Yohanna Nahari appreciated Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for honouring the people of Kaltungo Chiefdom by appointing Justice Joseph Awak as the Acting Chief Judge of the State and Commended the appointee for attaining the feat.
The two Local Government Chairmen also lauded the Mai Kaltungo Engr Sale Mohammed for putting up the reception which they said,will serve as motivation to the Acting Chief Judge in the discharge of his responsibilities.
The occasion had in attendance the Majority Leader of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Commissioners, High Court Justices, Head of MDA’s traditional rulers and well wishers. Cultural displays added colour to the event.
Joshua Danmalam Information Officer SSGs office. 22/1/22
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.”
–Aristotle, Greek Philosopher
The utility of the above summation by the great Aristotle emphasizes the need for political leaders to, above all, recognize the prime essence of performance and excellence for posterity while in public office rather than being consumed by the flame and obsession of politics. This is indeed the disposition of Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya ( Dan Majen Gombe)
It is a well known fact that every where in the world, awards are given to individuals who have distinguished themselves either as leaders or professionals in their chosen fields of endeavours. These recognitions or awards as the case may be, are usually conferred on personalities not just for the fun of it but as a means of encouraging them in what can best be described as “To whom much is given much is expected”.
Since coming into office more than two and half years ago, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has received so many awards, accolades and recognitions from different reputable national and International bodies, including some famous national dailies such as Business Day, Blueprint and Daily Indendent newspapers among others. The list of these awards is endless.
However, two of the most recent awards bestowed on Governor Inuwa Yahaya readily come to mind. These awards are the ones by Leadership newspaper which recognised the Gombe State Governor as the 2021 Leadership Governor of the Year and Vanguard newspaper which declared Inuwa Yahaya as its 2021 Personality of the Year under governors category. Both high profile recognitions came almost in quick succession in brazen admittance of Governor Inuwa’s giant strides in the social, economic and infrastructural development of the State.
So what are these clinical deliverables that the two National Dailies saw in Governor Inuwa Yahaya to warrant the honours. For Leadership newspaper, the award was premised on the Governor’s leadership acumen which has always been tailored towards repositioning Gombe State on the path of sustainable economic growth, rebuilding the state’s decrepit infrastructure, constructing roads with spread across the state, providing job opportunities for youths and women as well as empowering the people of the State with his agricultural transformation agenda. Leadership newspaper recalled that on assuming office on May 29, 2019, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya (Dan Majen Gombe) was not new to the challenges facing the now 25-year-old state, having meritoriously served as the state’s commissioner for finance and economic development. He left no one in doubt that he already had his job well cut out for him: to propel Gombe State towards the path of rapid development. The accountant and pragmatic leader was burning in an unquenchable desire to deliver on his campaign promises. The National tabloid remarked that true to the people’s hopes, the governor has not disappointed them. Governor Yahaya, according to the national daily, has brought his vision, passion, humanity, pedigree, and above all, his dexterity and Midas touch to bear on governance in the state’s socio-economic landscape. Across the 11 local government areas of the state, there is a congruence of opinion that Governor Inuwa is indeed the right man for the job. He has so far met the expectations of the people through his visionary leadership. Within two and half years of his being in office, even his staunch critics would not hesitate to disavow their rather ill-informed criticisms of the Gombe State government on his watch. The cumulative effect of Governor Yahaya’s prudence, leadership character and credibility is the coming of various development partners to the state, and the results are so far remarkable. Gombe is now the best state in the ease of doing business in Nigeria and has been adjudged the safest and most peaceful state in the North-East geopolitical zone of the country.
As for Vanguard newspaper, the tabloid recalled that after about 25 years of existence, Gombe State, the Jewel in the Savannah, is now clearly set on the path of a new dawn under a transformational leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya. The current administration which ushered in the new era is barely two and half years old when the impact of transformational leadership began to gain traction while Vanguard Newspapers findings show strong foundation for a sustained growth across the socio-economic landscape of the state in the medium to long term. Vanguard maintained that most governance analysts have often excused many governments’ failures on the premise of the impact of COVID-19 on the national and sub- national economies, but Gombe seems to have created a different narrative; that challenges berth creativity and ultimately superlative performance. According to Vanguard Newspaper, Governor of the Year awards go to few selected state governors that managed to distinguish themselves in the circumstances of the operating environment. For Gombe the environmental circumstances were even more daunting, judging from the obviously difficult financial and socio-political liabilities inherited by the Inuwa Yahaya administration. Vanguard Newspaper findings show that upon assumption of office, the administration was confronted with a treasury in distress, burdened with about N124 billion in Loans/Bonds, Pension/Gratuity arrears and contractors’ liabilities.
The fiscal stress could be gleaned from the recurrent obligations amounting cumulatively to about N900.4million monthly to service the liabilities. But the administration has gone ahead to demonstrate determination to achieve positive results. It is the usual practice for new administrations in Nigeria’s governance space to abandon uncompleted projects inherited from previous administration, especially if the new administration is not an extension of the previous. But Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya chose the road less travelled. Determined to salvage and possibly turn-around the tax payers’ money into viable assets, the administration embarked on completing those projects.
Already, the Mega Motor Park is costing the state about N3billion to complete and when Vanguard Newspaper visited the location, extensive work was ongoing to get the park ready for commissioning. The project was one of the several of such that compelled the current administration to draw up a well thought out robust financial plan to deal with the fiscal implications. Prior to the advent of the current administration, the 11 local government areas of the state had to borrow N1.3billion monthly to pay salaries. Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya administration had, within the first three months of its coming into office, stabilised the LGAs financially and are now able to pay their salaries and pensions as at when due on their own. At the backdrop of the foot-dragging that have marked the implementation of the minimum.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya also believes a good network of roads is critical to the economic revival and development of the state. Being an agrarian state in spite of the ongoing ambitious work to industrialize the state, we have come to see a new Gombe where the various parts are now well linked up via good roads, starting from the initial Network 11-100 Project, (100 kilometers of roads in each of the 11 local governments) to the mega revolution in the construction of over 150 other strategic roads across the state till date.
Some of the road projects include: the 25km Billiri-Gujba road, the 15km Sabonlayi-Ayaba road, the 15km Ladongor-Fubawure road, the 17km Kumo-Kalshingi road, the 10km Kutare- Mona road, the 10km Kundulum-Mallam Inna- Kurba road and the16km Marraraban-Jarkwami- Daniya roads as well as the Industrial Cluster road networks. These projects, Vanguard learnt, have since been completed and are being enjoyed by the people. Other road projects being completed by the present administration under the same funding arrangement include Dukku-Kalam-Dokoro, Dukku-Jamari, Bambam-Tula-Yiri, Kwanar-Rugaji- Kuka-Bakwai-Galgaldu and Bajoga township roads, among others. The Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya administration also initiated and completed the 15.2km Jabba- Garin Wada, the 21km Degri-Talasse and 16km Malala–Dukkuyel regional roads with the same funding. These are aside the township road projects in Gombe metropolis. Vanguard also learnt that over 340 classroom blocks have either been constructed or renovated and equipped with modern teaching and learning materials. The government has also succeeded in ensuring the total overhaul of our 114 Primary Healthcare Centres, PHCs, across 114 wards in the state. So also the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project/ World Bank, NEWMAP/WB, erosion control project for N2.9billion has already been completed and has greatly assisted in reducing the menace of erosion and flooding in the state capital especially in the Gombe State University to Mallam Inna area. The provision of ultra-modern solar powered street lights on all roads – both double and single lanes – covering over 114km of roads, is another giant stride by the Inuwa Yahaya led administration.
At present, a new N1.8billion General Hospital is under construction in Kumo, while three other hospitals are being renovated and upgraded. These include those in Bajoga, Kaltungo and Kuri. It is the desire of the Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya administration to bequeath a better and more economically viable State.
The justification by the two national dailies to have the name of the Gombe State Governor engraved in thier respective halls of fame is not only systematic but pragmatic given the Governor’s legendary leadership disposition to place Gombe State on the path of sustainable social economic and infrastructural development.
Misilli is Director-General ( Press Affairs) Government House, Gombe
I find it absolutely expedient to interrogate the mid-term score card of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya given the long list of accomplishments attributed to his administration which I find rather unbelievable to swallow at face value. However, the long list of the milestones contained in the mid-term score card accompanied by pictorial evidence makes it almost impossible for me to look the other way or harbour any form of doubts in my mind as to its veracity. While I clearly understand the place of propaganda and make belief in our local politics, I therefore made it a point of duty to deligently unravel the truth about these projects juxtaposing them with the Governor’s campaign promises and what is contained therein in the mid-term score card.
On the whole, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya had while campaigning for the coveted seat in the State, made the following observations: “We noted the majority of people in the eleven Local Government Areas of Gombe State do not have access to quality health services due to inadequate infrastructure and lack of basic medical equipment and manpower”. Consequent upon that, the Governor promised to “Proactively implement strategies to achieve universal health coverage in Gombe State using primary health care as the cornerstone by increasing access to efficient, qualitative and affordable healthcare services and ensuring availability of essential drugs and vaccines throughout the State. Today, through the 11 point campaign manifesto of Governor Inuwa Yahaya for the health sector, a lot has been achieved and a vast majority of the people of the State believe that there has been a noticeable improvement in the provision of quality healthcare facilities and services, especially during the last two and half years. It is instructive to state at this juncture that, of the 11 points campaign promises to holistically revitalize the health sector, the administration of Governor Inuwa Yahaya has been able to deliver up to 10, while only one is ongoing. For example the Governor promised to revitalize at least one Primary Health Care Centres in each of the 114 political wards of the State to deliver quality health care to the people at the grassroots level. Today that promise has not only been fulfilled but surpassed, especially with the upgrade, remodeling and modernization of the State Specialist Hospital as well the general hospitals in Bajoga, Kumo and Kaltungo towns, representing the 3 senatorial districts.
Some other promises that have already been delivered by the administration of Governor Inuwa Yahaya include: Free maternal, new-born and child health care services to the less- previledged and vulnerable people in the State. This, the Government was able to achieve through the enrolment of twenty five thousand five hundred hundred and sixty five individuals, including women and children into the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund. The present administration in Gombe State is equally being consistent in the payment of counterpart funds to donor and partner projects in the State where required. The Gombe State Government under the leadership of Governor Inuwa Yahaya has also increased and strengthened collaboration cum commitment with multilateral, bilateral, national and international organisations through new partnerships to strengthen the health care system in the State. Aside from transforming the State Specialist Hospital into a model and reference point for similar facilities across the country, the Gombe State Government has also facilitated the commencement of internship training for graduate Doctors.
Perhaps, one of the fulfilled campaign premises that has so far endeared so many citizens of Gombe State was the provision of financial protection against catastrophic health expenditures through the creation of a contributory health insurance scheme and community based health insurance for the informal sector in the State. This, the Governor was able to achieve through the establishment of the Gombe State Contributory Health Scheme, popularly referred to as GoHealth.
Other landmark achievements by the administration of Governor Inuwa Yahaya include, but not limited to, the establishment of the Hospital Service Management Board for the effective management of secondary health facilities in the State and strengthening the activities of the Gombe State Primary Health Care Development Agency through increased funding. Suffice it to say that the transformation witnessed in the health sector in Gombe State is to say the least, mind blowing given the limited resources at the disposal of the present administration occasioned by the novel Coronavirus and the general economic meltdown. It is however no longer news that the challenges inherent in the health sector in Nigeria are multi-faceted and have continued to be a subject of intense scrutiny given Government huge expenditure in the sector on one hand, and the continuous medical tourism the country has continually witnessed on the other. The leadership sagacity and dexterity so far exhibited by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya towards repositioning the health sector for effective and efficient service delivery is indeed noble and heartwarming, particularly at a time when health matters are fast, but steadily occupying the agenda at the local, national and international arenas.
The National Union of Kaltungo and Shongom Students (NUKALGOSS) had earlier in the day splash a suprise Birthday party on the Secretary to the State Government Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi who turns 63 today been the 13th of January 2022.
The suprise birthday splash which took place at the conference hall of the SSG office complex, had in attendance top appointees of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and and staffs in the Chief scribe office.
The President National Union of Kaltungo and Shongom Students NUKALGOSS comrade Malachi Silas Saidu explains that the union decided to organise the birthday splash in appreciation of Professor Ibrahim Njodi immense contribution to the academic development of the youths in particular and humanity in general.
He described Professor Njodi as an iconic figure who have raised the youths in so many diverse ways saying the fatherly disposition of the SSG gave many young individuals from Gombe South and the entire State the opportunity to gain admission into the University of Maiduguri.
The NUKALGOSS National President therefore use the occasion to pay tribute to the SSG describing him as a man of honour, a great leader, a lover of peace whose devotion to the course of and his community and the State is legendary.
While wishing the SSG many fruitful years in service to human the National President of the Union encourage Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi not to relent in his quest to build a better and a just society.
Responding to the honour do to him the Secretary to the State Government Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi thank the National Union of Kaltungo and Shongom students for picking special interest in him.
Professor Njodi said he feels highly honoured and overwhelmed by the birthday organised by NUKALGOSS in honour of his 63rd birthday anniversary.
While commending NUKALGOSS for identifying with his efforts towards advancing the course of humanity especially while as Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, the Secretary to the State assured the union that he will continue to do all that is necessary for the overall good of the society.
The SSG use the occasion to enjoin members of the general public not renege in their ability to help and put smiles on the faces of people particularly those in need of one help or the other.
Speaking in solidarity with the SSG the Commissioner of Internal security Adamu Dishi Kupto said the encomiums showered on the celebrant did not come to him as a suprise given his pedigree as an astute administrator who have vigorously pursued his career to the zenith.
Also the Chairman of Shongom Local Government Area Mr. Yohana Nahari said the birthday of Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi is worth celebrating in view of his so many positive impact on humanity.
Joshua Danmalam Information officer SSG’S Office 13/1/22
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya ( Dan Majen Gombe) has described the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan as a courageous, visionary and progressive leader with uncommon penchant for the unity and stability of Nigeria.
The Governor, in a goodwill message to mark the 63rd Birthday anniversary of Senator Ahmad Lawan today, 12th January, 2022, hailed the sterling leadership qualities of Sen. Lawan in leading a united and cohesive National Assembly that is working for the progress of the country.
He commended the chairman of the National Assembly for bringing to bear his academic and political acumen in the discharge of his responsibility to the admiration of all well-meaning Nigerians.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya further said that “Mr Senate President, we in Gombe State, the North-East and indeed Nigerians as a whole are proud of your sterling leadership of the National Assembly which has helped greatly in stabilising the polity, deepening democracy and building the nation.”
The Governor added, “As your family, friends and well-wishers join you to mark your birthday, we wish you Allah’s guidance, protection and more blessings as you continue to preside over the apex legislative body and help to build a united senate and enduring legislature that will be the pride of Africa.”
Ismaila Uba Misilli Director-General ( Press Affairs) Government House Gombe
Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has commended the Director General of the State Due Process Office Babayola Mohammed Isa for his administrative ingenuity and leadership proficiency which has so far seen the office blossom in revenue generation.
In letter signed by the Secretary to the Gombe State Government Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi the Governor noted with appreciation the performance of the Director General in the area of Internally revenue generation ( IGR) particularly at the time when the global economic buoyancy is at its lowest ebb.
The letter read in part “In view of the foregoing, I commend you for the selfless service you are rendering to the Government and people of Gombe State and urge you not to relent in your effort”.
Responding the eleted Director- General of Gombe State Due Process office Babayola Mohammed Isa express gratitude to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for recognising his service to the Government and people of the State.
He said the commendation will spur him to do more for the overall growth and development of the State.
Permenent Secretary Special Services and Political Muhammad A. Umar who presented the letter congratulated the DG for the well deserved recognition.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi has challenged African Youth to start taking up responsibilities to make the Continent a better place for all.
Speaking shortly after receiving the Award of ” Icon of Youth Consultative Forum in his office, Professor Njodi noted that it is not enough for Youth forums to be recognising outstanding Personalities but instead they strive to imbibe those attributes that makes People succeed in life.
The Gombe Chief scribe therefore dedicated the Award to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, and the People of Gombe State.
Professor Njodi had while recognising the objectives of the forum, enjoined members of the Association to work in collaboration with sister organisations in the quest to make the African Continent secured and peaceful for them achieve their God given potentials.
The SSG said factors such as Coronavirus Pandemic, global warming and other environmental challenges well as wars pose serious impediment to the Continent.
He urge Youth groups to contribute towards mitigating some of these challenges for the betterment of the African continent.
Prof Njodi explained that it is a source of hope to see young people coming together for greater course of humanity assuring them of every support required of him for them to make meaningful impact with their mission.
In a vote of thanks, the special Adviser to the Governor on legal matters Barrister Caleb Ubale, Commended the forum for identifying Professor Ibrahim Njodi whom he described as a rare gem for the award.
The leader of the team Muktar Garba said the African Universal Youth Consultative Forum is a none Governmental organization with the prime objectives of creating a new path and hope for African Youth.
Muktar further explained that, the decision by the forum to honour the SSG was predicated in his record of commitment to humanity through philanthropic activities.
He also describe Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi as a model of professionalism who have attracted young and old people alike urging him to remain resolute on his mission to humanity.
Joshua Danmalam Information Officer SSGs office. 10/1/22
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