”The love is infectious. It’s as if we shouldn’t go. The affection shown to us in this state is overwhelming. Gombe will continue to grow in leaps and bounds. Your Governor is doing great, the best is yet to come.”
-Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, during her two-day working visit to Gombe State.
In just two days in Gombe State, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, left indelible footprints in the hearts of its people, especially women and girls, instilling in them hope, courage, and confidence to face the future with renewed optimism.
Although her visit was somewhat impromptu, the First Lady was delighted to come. According to her, the President is pleased with the remarkable progress being recorded in Gombe State, particularly under the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, whom she said holds a special place in her husband’s heart.
“When I was leaving this morning, my husband said: ‘Greet Inuwa Yahaya for me. Send him my love and tell him I am proud of his achievements so far.’”
Senator Tinubu came to Gombe not as a politician, but as a mother of the nation. She came with no long speeches or written notes, only a heart full of love, compassion and purpose. At every event, she spoke extemporaneously, yet her words carried wisdom, warmth and sincerity that resonated deeply with everyone present.
Her simplicity and motherly disposition were evident throughout her engagements. She spoke directly and meaningfully, inspiring both young and old. The joy on the faces of the students who attended the launch of her flagship initiative, “Flow with Confidence” , said it all. As they left with gifts and renewed enthusiasm, it was clear they had encountered not just the First Lady, but a national mother dispensing hope and encouragement.
One of the First Lady’s first assignments in Gombe was to declare open the maiden Gombe Health Summit. She performed the duty with grace and poise, commending Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his bold, visionary reforms that have repositioned the state’s health sector as a model for others to emulate.
She described the Governor’s policies as “transformational and trailblazing,” citing the expansion of primary healthcare centres, the modernization of hospitals across the three senatorial districts and the innovative approach to combating child malnutrition as clear evidence of his administration’s commitment to building a resilient and sustainable health system.
“What I have seen today is truly impressive. Even Bill Gates once attested to Gombe State’s problem-solving mindset and commitment to results. We see that again here today, and we are proud of what Governor Inuwa Yahaya is doing. I believe Mr. President is equally proud,” she said.
Senator Tinubu further lauded the Governor for improving health workers’ salaries, describing the gesture as “a mark of transparent and accountable leadership.” She expressed confidence that the Governor’s legacies in the health sector would endure for years to come.
While in Gombe, the First Lady commissioned several landmark projects, including the Federal Medical Centre, Kumo; the College of Nursing Sciences; and the 100-bed Mother and Child Specialist Hospital. She also launched her pet project, Flow with Confidence, met with traditional rulers and religious leaders and attended a state-organized banquet.
During the Health Summit’s opening session, she also unveiled the Gombe State Health Workforce Strategic Development Plan (2025–2030), a document that will guide health manpower planning and deployment across the state.
Her visit ended on a celebratory note when the Emir of Akko, Alhaji Umar Muhammad Atiku, conferred on her the revered traditional title of “Sarauniyar Yakin Akko” , in recognition of her service, compassion and motherly role in national development.
While speaking at the commissioning of the 100-bed hospital named in her honour, Senator Tinubu said:
“This hospital has opened doors to life, hope and a brighter future for women and children of Gombe and beyond. It is my belief that this facility will provide quality healthcare services, reduce maternal and infant mortality, and bring relief to countless families.”
She expressed heartfelt gratitude to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, his wife Hajiya Asma’u Inuwa Yahaya, and the people of Gombe State for their warm reception and the honour bestowed on her, describing Gombe as a state on the rise and a model of healthcare transformation in Nigeria.
– Saliu is a Journalist and Public Affairs Commentator
