Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has presided over the 8th meeting of the Joint Project Development Council, with the council approving the upgrade of the Gombe Emir’s Palace and additional facilities to support the smooth takeoff of the state’s 13 newly established Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
The meeting, held on Saturday, was the first since the creation of the 13 LCDAs and marked another step in the state government’s efforts to integrate the new administrative structures into its broader development planning and project delivery framework.
The Director-General of the Joint Project Development and Essential Services Agency (JPDESA), Bldr. Mahmoud Yusuf, PhD, disclosed the decisions reached at the meeting.
He said the council approved a number of projects and additional works aimed at addressing emerging infrastructure needs and improving the functionality of public facilities across the state.
One of the major approvals was the upgrade of the palace of the Emir of Gombe, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, CFR.
According to Yusuf, the intervention is part of the Inuwa Yahaya administration’s commitment to preserving and strengthening traditional institutions while providing facilities that reflect their importance and status.
He said the upgrade would improve the appearance, functionality and general environment of the palace.
The JPDESA boss added that the decision also recognises the important role traditional rulers play in maintaining peace, promoting unity, strengthening community engagement and supporting government development initiatives.
The council also approved additional infrastructure and facilities for the newly constructed LCDAs across Gombe State to facilitate their effective takeoff.
Yusuf explained that although physical structures had already been provided for the new councils, the government considered it necessary to provide complementary infrastructure and essential services to ensure that the LCDAs could commence operations without unnecessary delays.
Among the approved facilities are solar power systems, solar-powered boreholes and surveillance systems, in addition to other essential installations.
He said the solar power systems would provide a more reliable electricity supply to the new council facilities, while the solar-powered boreholes would provide sustainable access to water for administrative activities and other basic needs.
The installation of surveillance systems, he added, would strengthen security around the council facilities, safeguard public assets and provide a safer environment for staff and residents accessing government services.
The Director-General said the meeting also reviewed ongoing projects across the state and considered additional interventions required to sustain the pace of infrastructure development.
The meeting is expected to further strengthen coordination among relevant government agencies as Gombe State moves to operationalise the 13 LCDAs and improve the delivery of public services at the grassroots.
The decisions, according to the JPDESA, form part of the state government’s broader approach to strategic planning, coordinated development and efficient execution of public projects.
