The Gombe Stpate Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has reaffirmed the importance of safeguarding Nigeria’s unity, peace, and shared prosperity.
Govenor Yahaya said that national cohesion remains “the only viable path to the country’s sustainable development.”
The Governor made this known at a banquet held in honour of the National Defence College (NDC) Course 34 participants in Gombe.
The event was organised to showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage, history, and unique diversity.
Governor Yahaya highlighted the cosmopolitan nature of Gombe, describing it as a model of unity in diversity where people from various ethnic, religious, and regional backgrounds coexist peacefully.
He said; “Gombe is a mini Nigeria and a replica of Africa’s diversity. Despite our differences, we live harmoniously, without ethnic, religious, or regional prejudice. This is precisely the direction our country must take if we truly wish to thrive as a multicultural and multi-ethnic nation.”
Govenor Yahaya attributed Gombe’s stability to its rich history, cultural blend, and strategic geographical position, noting that “the state’s exemplary unity could serve as a blueprint for reinforcing Nigeria’s national cohesion.”
Expressing concern over calls for the country’s disintegration, Governor he described such agitation as misguided and lacking proper appreciation of Nigeria’s deeply intertwined history, shared sacrifices, and cultural fusion shaped by the nation’s founding fathers.
Govenor Yahaya urged the NDC delegation, comprising senior military officers and strategic leaders, “to remain steadfast in promoting patriotism and defending Nigeria’s sovereignty.”
“As trained military personnel, you must study history and probe deeper. Nigeria’s unity and sovereignty must be protected at all costs. We must not allow room for divisive sentiments to flourish,” he cautioned.
The Governor stressed that Nigeria’s identity and global standing remain in the hands of its citizens.
“It is we who must tell the world who we are. The responsibility lies with us,” he said, proudly noting that the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, hails from Gombe, an indication of the state’s global relevance.
Re-emphasising Gombe’s economic potential, he pointed to the state’s abundant mineral resources and emerging petroleum prospects, saying “over one billion barrels of oil reserves have been confirmed within the region.”
Govenor Yahaya called for increased investment and resource mobilisation to support both the state’s advancement and Nigeria’s broader development agenda.
He thanked the NDC delegation for choosing Gombe for their study tour, expressing confidence that their experience reflects the peaceful and progressive Nigeria that citizens aspire to build.
“I believe what you have seen in Gombe is the Nigeria we all desire: a united, peaceful, and prosperous nation,” he said.
The delegation leader, Brigadier-General Olumide Adeleke Ojo, commended the pace of development in Gombe, affirming that the state is on course to become one of Nigeria’s most prominent subnational economies within the next five to ten years.
“With the scale of investment Governor Inuwa Yahaya is making in key sectors, Gombe State will soon be one of the states to reckon with in this country,” he said.
Brigadier-General Ojo further promised that he would recommend the Governor’s inclusion in the National Defence College’s list of strategic leaders in recognition of his outstanding contributions to governance and development.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Colonel T. J. Abdallah, from Kano State, thanked Governor Yahaya for approving the tour and for the warm hospitality extended to the team throughout their stay.
He noted that “the interactions and field visits provided deep insights into the state’s developmental achievements.”
“We have enjoyed our stay across all sites visited. One remarkable thing about His Excellency is that at every location—from the Industrial Park to Ashaka, Maiganga Coal Mine, and the Dadinkowa Power Plant—we saw your footprint; we saw genuine vision, foresight, and commitment,” he said.
Colonel Abdallah said that although the delegation arrived with modest expectations, they would depart Gombe with “unforgettable memories” that would enrich their professional knowledge and enhance their national security operations.
“His Excellency is truly a strategic leader—cosmopolitan, inclusive, and open-minded. He has demonstrated that Gombe State belongs to everyone, and all are represented. Perhaps this is the secret behind the peace enjoyed in the state,” he noted.
In appreciation of the Governor’s hospitality, the delegation presented special recognitions to individuals assigned by the state government to support their tour.
Award recipients included the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi; Commissioner for Special Duties and Regional Integration, Alhaji Shehu Yerima Abdullahi; Special Adviser on Security, Abubakar Aminu Musa; Senior Special Assistant on Security, Yusuf Musa Dan Bayo; and Joshua Dan Malam, Information Officer in the SSG’s Office.
The event featured vibrant cultural performances by indigenous troupes, showcasing the state’s unique heritage through displays of farming traditions, hunting skills, war dances, and other social and economic expressions reflecting Gombe’s rich cultural identity.