The Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of citizens by approving the disbursement of N9.7 billion to retirees and students across the state.
The Governor flagged off the payment of N8.2 billion in gratuities to 3,204 retirees from both state and local government services, alongside the release of N1.5 billion in scholarship allowances to 18,750 Gombe State students studying in various institutions of higher learning nationwide.
Speaking at separate ceremonies in Gombe, Governor Yahaya said both initiatives reflected his government’s holistic approach to social welfare, supporting those who have served the state diligently, as well as empowering the younger generation to secure a prosperous future.
“Our goal is to ensure that every citizen of Gombe, whether a retiree or a student, enjoys the dignity and opportunity they deserve. We remain firmly committed to clearing all outstanding gratuities by 2027 and to sustaining regular scholarship payments for our students,” Governor Yahaya said.
Clearing Gratuity Backlogs
At the gratuity flag-off, the Governor said that N8.2 billion had been earmarked to settle accumulated gratuities for both state and local government retirees, including N6.6 billion for state retirees covering 2021 to 2023.
Also, he said; “N1.57 billion would cater for 162 retirees from the 11 local government councils, explaining that the next phase will address gratuities for 2024 and 2025 retirees, with the ultimate goal of achieving zero backlog by 2027.”
“By the first quarter of 2027, every retiree in Gombe State will have received their full entitlements. No one will be left waiting,” the Governor promised.
Since assuming office in 2019, the administration has paid N33.826 billion in gratuities and pension-related liabilities — a record-breaking achievement in the state’s history.
The State Auditor-General and Chairman of the Gratuity Payment Committee, Mohammad Buba Gombe, described the payments as “a reflection of fiscal discipline, transparency, and compassion.”
In an emotional response, one of the beneficiaries, Adamu Muhammad Salama, expressed gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries to Governor Yahaya for what he described as “a new dawn” for pensioners in Gombe State.
“In the past, retirees died waiting for their entitlements, and their children had to collect payments on their behalf. Today, that sad history is changing. We thank the Governor for restoring our hope and dignity,” he said.
Salama noted that the regular payment of gratuities had lifted many retirees out of hardship, allowing them to face the future with renewed optimism.
Speaking during the disbursement of the scholarship allowances ceremony, Governor Yahaya announced that the scholarship payment would be disbursed as scholarship allowances to 18,750 students of Gombe State origin.
The payment, he noted, followed the 100% upward review recently approved by his administration, in recognition of the rising cost of living and the need to support students’ academic pursuits.
“This scholarship payment is part of our deliberate strategy to support our younger generation, improving the learning outcomes and empowering our youths for a better future,” the Governor stated.
He said beneficiaries of the scholarship would be for both fresh and returning students, with some receiving consolidated allowances covering up to four academic sessions.
Persons with disabilities also received special support packages in addition to the regular scholarship benefits, depending on their academic level and course of study.
Governor Yahaya reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that every Gombe citizen, regardless of background or gender, has access to quality education and the opportunity to fulfil their potential.
In appreciation of his administration’s consistent investment in education and students’ welfare, representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Students and the GOSSA President presented a special gift of honour to Governor Yahaya.
They described him as a leader who keeps his promises and restores hope to students.