Gombe @30: Gov Yahaya Reaffirms Commitment To Accelerated Development

Gombe State governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to accelerating development, expanding economic opportunities and consolidating investments in critical sectors as the state marks its 30th anniversary alongside Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

In a special anniversary message issued by his director general, Press Affairs, Ismaila Uba Misilli, on Thursday, Governor Yahaya said the twin celebrations offered an opportunity to reflect on Gombe’s transformation since its creation on October 1, 1996, while charting a new course for sustainable growth.

He attributed the state’s development trajectory to strategic planning and the implementation of the Gombe State 10-Year Development Plan, DEVAGOM, which prioritises human capital, infrastructure, economic growth, environmental sustainability and improved quality of life.

The governor said his administration had recorded interventions across education, healthcare, roads, agriculture, industrialisation, environmental restoration, public-sector reforms and youth and women empowerment.

He highlighted the revitalisation of 228 Primary Healthcare Centres, recruitment of teachers and health workers, construction and rehabilitation of more than 1,000 kilometres of roads, and the development of the 1,000-hectare Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park as some of the major initiatives.

According to him, investments in agriculture through the Agro-Livestock Development Zone, alongside erosion-control projects and the Gombe Goes Green initiative, were also aimed at strengthening food security, environmental sustainability and economic diversification.

Yahaya further said his administration had maintained prompt payment of workers’ salaries while clearing inherited liabilities, including outstanding gratuities owed to retired civil servants.

“As we celebrate these milestones, we remain conscious that the journey ahead demands even greater commitment,” he said, pledging to strengthen peace and unity, promote inclusive growth and expand opportunities for residents.

The governor, who is also Chairman of the Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum, congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians on the Independence Anniversary, urging citizens to renew their commitment to unity, peace, justice and democratic development.

“Despite the challenges along our journey, our faith in Nigeria remains strong. We must continue to strengthen our unity, deepen our democracy, promote peace and justice, and work together to build a nation worthy of the sacrifices and aspirations of those who came before us,” he added.