Governor Muhammadu Yahaya has urged the indigenes of Gombe State to embrace 2024 with a renewed hope, determination, and common sense of purpose.
In a statewide broadcast to mark the New Year, Governor Yahaya urged everyone to carry forward the lessons learned in 2023.
He said “his administration’s focus would be on building a state that carried everyone along, as articulated in the recently passed 2024 budget codenamed the “budget of continuity and consolidation.”
“We will continue to invest in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, job creation, peace and security. We shall continue to harness our human and natural resources in order to put Gombe State on the path of sustainable progress and all-inclusive development,” Governor Yahaya said.
Meanwhile, the Governor has granted clemency to 39 convicted inmates in the custodial centres, out of which, he said, 26 inmates would be granted unconditional pardon, while the remaining 13 would have their sentences commuted to shorter periods.
He said “the move was prompted by the spirit of the New Year and based on the recommendation of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, while calling on the beneficiaries to turn a new leaf and embrace the opportunity for a fresh start.”
The Governor therefore appealed to the traditional rulers, religious leaders and the general public to lend their guidance, cooperation and prayers for the prosperity and security of Gombe State and Nigeria at large, for the lasting peace and security in the communities.
Governor Yahaya also called on everyone to join hands and ensure that peace and harmony become the cornerstone of the shared existence of Gombe State.
He said, “despite the enormous challenges ahead and the increasing levels of economic and political uncertainties, Gombe State Residence should actively join hands with his administration for the task ahead.”
“Your advice, prayers, and support are vital as we work together in order to shape the destiny of Gombe State. Let us strive for excellence, build resilience, encourage innovation, and foster a sense of collective ownership and shared aspirations,” Governor Yahaya said.
According to Governor Yahaya, Gombe State the year 2023 has been a remarkable one for the people of Gombe State and Nigeria at large, especially the removal of fuel subsidy, which resulted in a rising cost of living and economic hardships among Nigerians.
He, however, said over the past 6 months, the government had introduced policies like wage grants to civil servants, food and agricultural support, and other palliative measures aimed at cushioning the side effects of the resulting economic shocks.
“The first phase of our food palliative intervention which was rolled out in August 2023 targeted 420,000 poor and vulnerable people among us. Tomorrow, we are rolling out the second phase of our palliative food distribution program, targeting about 90,000 beneficiaries across the state. Already a committee has been set up under the chairmanship of the Deputy Governor, with representation of various stakeholders to take charge of this responsibility,” Governor Yahaya said.
While commending the people for their resilience and understanding during the trying times, Governor Yahaya urged them to brace up for tougher challenges in 2024, even as the government begins to invest the gains of fuel subsidy removal in areas that deliver long-term growth and inclusive development.
He said he was confident that together shall shall weather the storms and emerge stronger.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
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