NUJ Press Week: Journalists Applaud Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s Development Strides During Project Tour

…“Gombe is fast becoming an emerging mega city,” says Former NUJ National Secretary, Leman

Journalists under the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have expressed admiration for the sweeping development taking place across Gombe State under the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON.

During a Press Week tour of key legacy projects, the media team commended the Governor for steering Gombe into what many now describe as one of the fastest-growing and most promising states in Nigeria.

A former National Secretary of the NUJ captured the mood succinctly, declaring that “Gombe is now an emerging mega city.”

Visibly impressed by the scope and quality of projects visited, Leman said Governor Inuwa Yahaya has demonstrated exceptional foresight, commitment, and political will, which are traits that will earn the Governor a favourable place in history.

“I am happy that Gombe is gradually becoming a mega city. This is highly commendable, and I hope the governor will sustain the momentum. History will remember your governor kindly for these initiatives, and I pray he continues on this path”, Leman said.

He urged journalists in the state to support development by practicing responsible and fact-based journalism that holds government accountable while also acknowledging progress and achievements.

“It is not by being adversarial to government that we do our jobs. When leaders perform, we should commend them and encourage them to do more,” he said.

He appealed to Governor Inuwa Yahaya to complete the long-awaited NUJ Press Centre in Gombe, describing it as a critical facility needed to complement the state’s accelerating development.

“Given the pace at which Gombe is growing, a press centre is long overdue. I am confident His Excellency will listen and act accordingly,” he added.

Speaking on the newly commissioned College of Nursing Sciences, Leman described the institution as a strategic investment in the state’s health manpower development.

He emphasized the need for improved welfare and remuneration to curb the migration of trained health professionals out of the country.

The NUJ delegation toured a series of strategic infrastructure projects.

At Government Science Mega College, Principal Abubakar Sulaiman recounted how the school transformed from a dilapidated structure into a modern academic institution. He praised the Governor for providing new classrooms, hostels, staff quarters, laboratories and a Corps Members’ Lodge.

The school is one of five mega colleges built by the Inuwa Yahaya administration, each designed to accommodate over 3,000 students.

The journalists also inspected the 21-kilometre gully erosion control project executed under ACReSAL. Project officials highlighted the concrete works, bioremediation measures, and livelihood support interventions.

The project cuts across 11 communities, has protected over 200 houses, safeguarded 1.6 million people, and created more than 7,000 jobs.

Additional interventions include the provision of surface water tanks to 400 households and support for smart agriculture and small-scale enterprises.

At the Three-Arms Zone, the team visited the new Gombe State House of Assembly Complex, the High Court, and the multi-billion-naira State Secretariat.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Danladi Adamu, explained that the projects are progressing in line with contractual timelines, with the High Court projected for completion by January 2027.

Project consultant, Architect Imeh Umoh, briefed the delegation on the the technical components of the complex comprising the state-of-the-art courtrooms, auxiliary power facilities, parking lots and water infrastructures.

The team also inspected the Shehu Abubakar District Roads, the underpass, and the dualization of Ashaka Road, which connects directly to the Agro-Livestock Development Zone,one of the administration’s flagship economic initiatives.

The delegation, led by the Gombe State NUJ Chairman,  Farouk Muazu Gombe,  described the developments as a futuristic investment vital to strengthening Gombe State’s infrastructural and institutional capacity for sustainable development.