Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has highlighted his administration’s achievements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture and other key sectors as the state marked its 30th anniversary with an international conference and symposium.
The event, held on Wednesday at the International Conference Centre in Gombe, brought together former governors, traditional rulers, scholars, development partners, visiting government officials and other dignitaries to reflect on the state’s journey since its creation in 1996.
The symposium was themed “Reflecting on Our History, Consolidating Progress, and Charting the Future.”
Governor Inuwa Yahaya described the anniversary as an opportunity to honour the sacrifices of the state’s founding fathers, recognise successive administrations and develop a sustainable vision for future generations.
He paid tribute to the late General Sani Abacha, who created Gombe State on October 1, 1996, and acknowledged the contributions of successive leaders, including the pioneer Military Administrator, Group Captain Joseph I. Orji, the late Colonel Mohammed Inuwa Bawa, the late Alhaji Abubakar Habu Hashidu, Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje and Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo.
The governor said the state’s development over the past three decades had been driven by collective sacrifice, leadership and sustained commitment to progress.
“Leadership in a young state like ours is a relay, not a sprint. Each generation receives the baton from those who came before it, carries it as far as circumstances and resources permit, and passes it on with the expectation that those who follow will advance the journey,” he said.
Inuwa Yahaya Lists Achievements Since 2019
Reviewing his administration’s performance since assuming office in 2019, the governor highlighted projects and programmes implemented under the state’s 10-Year Development Agenda, known as DEVAGOM.
In education, he said the government had constructed or renovated more than 2,000 classrooms across over 400 schools and brought 350,000 out-of-school children into the education system.
He added that integrated Almajiri and Tsangaya schools had been established across the state’s 11 local government areas.
In the health sector, Yahaya said his administration had constructed or renovated 228 primary healthcare centres across the state’s 114 wards.
He also cited the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre in Kumo and the expansion of the GoHealth scheme, which he said now covers more than 400,000 beneficiaries.
On infrastructure, the governor disclosed that over 1,000 kilometres of roads had been constructed or rehabilitated across the state.
He further highlighted the development of the 1,000-hectare Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, the ongoing Renewed Hope Agro-Industrial Hub, and investments in electricity, water supply and housing.
Regarding workers’ welfare, Yahaya said his administration had paid more than N44 billion in gratuities, implemented the N70,000 minimum wage and created 13 Local Council Development Areas to strengthen grassroots administration.
Gombe’s First Administrator Commends Transformation
The pioneer Military Administrator of Gombe State, Group Captain Joseph I. Orji (retd.), expressed satisfaction with the state’s transformation since its creation.
Orji commended the pace of infrastructural and socioeconomic development, particularly under the leadership of Governor Inuwa Yahaya, whom he praised for advancing the vision of the state’s founding fathers.
He rated the governor’s leadership as “Excellent,” according to the statement.
Speaking on behalf of visiting deputy governors from Bauchi, Plateau and Yobe states, Yobe State Deputy Governor, Idi Barde Gubana, conveyed congratulations and goodwill to the government and people of Gombe on the anniversary.
The celebration also featured a recorded goodwill message from the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J. Mohammed, who congratulated the state on three decades of statehood.
Governor Calls for Peace Ahead of 2027
Looking ahead to the 2027 political transition, Inuwa Yahaya urged political leaders and citizens to prioritise peace, unity and continuity of development over individual and partisan interests.
“The future of Gombe State must always be greater than the ambitions of any individual or political party,” he said.
The governor expressed optimism that the next 30 years would bring greater prosperity, stronger institutions and expanded opportunities for residents.
The symposium featured keynote presentations by Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar, Professor Rufa’i Ahmed Alkali and Professor James Saliba, who examined the state’s historical evolution, governance experiences, development and future prospects.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, acknowledged the contributions of successive administrations and praised Yahaya’s leadership and development initiatives.
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of a commemorative book titled Gombe State: Thirty Years of Promise and Progress, 1996–2026, which documents the state’s journey from its creation to its present-day development.
The book was reviewed by Professor Sani Abba Aliyu of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
The anniversary symposium formed part of activities to commemorate Gombe State’s three decades of existence and assess its development priorities for the future.
Ismaila Uba Misilli
