NASS NUJ Honours Gombe Governor With Excellence In Leadership Award

The National Assembly Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has conferred an Award of Excellence in Leadership on the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, during its 2025 Press Week held at the Senate Conference Room 231, Abuja.

The event was chaired by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, represented by his Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Eseme Oyibo.

It drew attendance from Senators, Members of the House of Representatives and top management of the National Assembly, including the Clerk to the National Assembly, Barr. Kamoru Ogunlana, who was represented by the Director of Printing, Mr. Alex Onachukwu.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s award was presented by Senator Nasiru Sani Zangon Daura, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Integration and Cooperation in Africa, alongside Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa and other lawmakers.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Governor, the Director-General (Press Affairs), Government House, Ismaila Uba Misilli, conveyed the Governor’s profound appreciation, describing the honour as humbling and inspirational.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya commended the NUJ National Assembly Chapel for its professionalism and commitment to public interest journalism.

He acknowledged the role of the National Assembly leadership and the Directorate of Information and Research in promoting transparency, informed debate and effective communication within the nation’s highest legislative institution.

Highlighting the achievements of his administration, the Governor said Gombe State has recorded significant strides in infrastructure expansion, social development and economic growth.

He cited the Network 11-100 road initiative as a game changer that has enhanced mobility and opened up rural and urban communities.

He also noted that the state’s urban renewal drive has transformed Gombe into one of the fastest-growing and best-planned cities in northern Nigeria.

In the health sector, Governor Inuwa Yahaya referenced ongoing upgrades of medical facilities, expanded primary healthcare coverage, and reforms under the state health insurance scheme. He pointed to new partnerships with international organisations aimed at strengthening medical equipment supply and boosting energy infrastructure for critical services.

On education, he emphasised deliberate programmes to reduce the number of out-of-school children, improve learning outcomes and support community-based interventions to keep children in school.

The Governor further reiterated Gombe State’s position as the number-one in ease of doing business, as rated by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council. He attributed this to reforms in investment facilitation, the state’s stable regulatory environment and major projects such as the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, which continues to attract local and foreign investors.
Describing the NUJ recognition as a significant honour, Governor Inuwa Yahaya said it strengthens his administration’s resolve to sustain impactful governance.

He pledged continued support for the media, stressing that journalists remain strategic partners in deepening democracy and promoting accountability.

The 2025 NUJ Press Week featured panel discussions on information management within the National Assembly and the evolving role of the media in democratic governance.