Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe State has described the state’s 30th anniversary as a historic milestone for honouring its founding fathers, recognising the contributions of successive administrations and charting a sustainable development path for future generations.
The Governor stated this on Wednesday while delivering his address at an international conference and symposium organised to commemorate the anniversary at the International Conference Centre, Gombe.
The event with the theme, “Reflecting on Our History, Consolidating Progress, and Charting the Future”, brought together prominent personalities, former leaders, visiting governors and their representatives, traditional rulers, scholars, development partners and other distinguished guests to reflect on the state’s journey since its creation on 1 October 1996.
Governor Yahaya paid glowing tribute to the founding fathers whose sustained struggle culminated in the creation of Gombe State by the late General Sani Abacha, describing their efforts as the foundation upon which subsequent administrations had built.
He also acknowledged the contributions of successive administrations, including those of the state’s pioneer Military Administrator, Group Captain Joseph I. Orji (rtd); the late Colonel Mohammed Inuwa Bawa; the late Alhaji Abubakar Habu Hashidu; Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje; and Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo.
The Governor stressed that the progress recorded over the past three decades was the product of collective sacrifice, visionary leadership and a sustained commitment to development.
“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.
Development Gains
Reflecting on his administration’s achievements since assuming office in 2019, Governor Yahaya highlighted progress in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, industrialisation, energy and public service reforms, driven by the state’s 10-Year Development Agenda, known as DEVAGOM.
In education, he disclosed that his administration had constructed or renovated more than 2,000 classrooms across over 400 schools, integrated 350,000 out-of-school children into the education system and established integrated Almajiri and Tsangaya schools across the state’s 11 local government areas.
On healthcare, the Governor cited the construction and renovation of 228 primary healthcare centres across the state’s 114 wards, 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.
He also highlighted the construction and rehabilitation of over 1,000 kilometres of roads, the development of the 1,000-hectare Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park and the ongoing Renewed Hope Agro-Industrial Hub as major milestones in the state’s economic transformation.
Other achievements, he said, included investments in electricity, water supply and housing, alongside initiatives designed to stimulate industrial growth, improve livelihoods and expand economic opportunities.
On workers’ welfare and grassroots administration, Governor Inuwa Yahaya disclosed that his government had paid more than N44 billion in gratuities, implemented the N70,000 minimum wage and created 13 Local Council Development Areas to strengthen administration at the grassroots.
Unity and Continuity
Looking to the future, the Governor expressed optimism that the next 30 years would bring greater prosperity, stronger institutions and expanded opportunities for the people of Gombe State.
He urged political leaders, community stakeholders and citizens to sustain the unity and collective determination that inspired the struggle for the state’s creation.
With the 2027 democratic transition approaching, he also called on political actors and citizens to place peace, unity and continuity of development above personal ambitions and partisan considerations.
“The future of Gombe State must always be greater than the ambitions of any individual or political party,” he declared.
Governor Yahaya further described the commemorative publication unveiled at the event as an important historical resource for preserving the state’s collective memory, recognising the contributions of successive generations and providing valuable reference material for researchers, policymakers and future leaders.
Orji Applauds Transformation
In his remarks, the pioneer Military Administrator of Gombe State, Group Captain Joseph I. Orji (rtd), expressed delight at the remarkable transformation the state had witnessed since its creation three decades ago.
He commended the pace of infrastructural and socio-economic development recorded in Gombe, particularly under Governor Inuwa Yahaya, whose leadership, he said, had advanced the vision of the founding fathers and positioned the state for sustainable progress.
Orji gave the Governor an ‘Excellent’ rating for his leadership, praising his efforts to consolidate the achievements of previous administrations while pursuing further development across key sectors.
Speaking on behalf of visiting deputy governors from Bauchi, Plateau and Yobe States, who represented their respective governors at the occasion, Yobe State Deputy Governor, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana, conveyed goodwill messages and congratulated the government and people of Gombe on the 30th anniversary.
The celebration also received international recognition through a recorded goodwill message from the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Hajiya Amina J. Mohammed, which was played to guests at the event.
READ ALSO: Governor Zulum Commissions 86km Roads, Bridges in Gombe
Development Prospects
The symposium featured keynote presentations by three distinguished speakers: Dr Aliyu Modibbo Umar, Professor Rufa’i Ahmed Alkali and Professor James Saliba.
Their presentations examined the historical evolution of Gombe State, its governance experiences, developmental achievements and prospects, offering perspectives on how the state could consolidate the gains of its first 30 years and address emerging challenges.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, said Gombe had been fortunate to have leaders who contributed to its development since its creation.
He particularly commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s leadership, noting that his administration had recorded significant developmental achievements across the state.
A major highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of a commemorative book titled Gombe State: Thirty Years of Promise and Progress, 1996–2026.
The publication documents the state’s journey from its creation to its present developmental trajectory, capturing key milestones and the contributions of successive administrations over the past three decades.
The book was reviewed by Professor Sani Abba Aliyu of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
