Pantami Unveils 241 Gombe Projects, Says Tech Key To Nigeria’s Future

A former minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, has unveiled a compendium documenting over 241 transformative legacy projects executed in Gombe State, alongside over 700 employments and appointments facilitated across federal government establishments.

At the event, Pantami described the projects as strategic interventions aligned with the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, emphasising the critical role of digital technology and artificial intelligence in addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic and security challenges.

“We are now in an era driven by technology, particularly artificial intelligence. I strongly believe that there is a technological solution to every challenge Nigeria is facing—from insecurity to unemployment,” he said.

According to Pantami, advancements in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity present vast employment opportunities, with millions of jobs already emerging globally in the sectors.

He argued that Nigeria can tap into these opportunities to tackle unemployment and enhance economic growth.

The former minister also used the occasion to underscore his performance in office, stating that beyond the 241 projects in Gombe, he delivered over 4,600 projects, programmes, and policies nationwide within a four-year period.

He maintained that his record in public service remains untainted by corruption allegations.

“This is not the time for empty promises. It is the time to present a verifiable scorecard. I have been tested and trusted, and my achievements speak for themselves,” Pantami said.

Reviewing the compendium, a lecturer at Federal University Kashere, Dr. Ibr Adamu, described the body of work as extensive, citing thousands of projects and policies executed under Pantami’s leadership.

Other speakers at the event commended Pantami’s contributions to human capital development.

Professor Stephen Audu praised his intellectual capacity and achievements, expressing optimism about his future leadership prospects.

Similarly, Dr. Abubakar Mohammed, also of Federal University Kashere and a beneficiary of Pantami’s appointments, lauded him for creating opportunities for many indigenes of the state and Nigerians through strategic placements in government institutions.

Professor Pantami is one of the prominent figures eyeing the governorship seat in Gombe State to succeed Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya in 2027.

Observers believe that the unveiling of the compendium is part of the strategic move to reinforce his credentials.