The Governor of Yobe State, Dr Mai Mala Buni, has commissioned series of landmark projects executed by the Gombe State Government under the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, in what is viewed as a significant boost to grassroots governance, infrastructure, education and economic growth.
The projects include the new Nafada Local Government Secretariat, the Nafada 4-Span Bridge and the Mega Non-Formal Learning Centre (Tsangaya School), representing strategic interventions with far-reaching socio-economic and administrative benefits for Nafada Local Government Area and neighbouring communities.
Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Yahaya, who hosted Governor Buni alongside the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters, Mr Ibrahim Kabir Masari, appreciated the dignitaries for commissioning key projects and performing the groundbreaking for new Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) secretariats.
The newly constructed Nafada Local Government Secretariat replaces a visibly dilapidated structure that had long hindered efficient service delivery and modern public administration.
The facility is expected to significantly enhance governance, improve staff productivity and strengthen service delivery at the grassroots.
Similarly, the Nafada 4-Span Bridge addresses a long-standing transportation challenge in the area. Prior to its construction, the route was virtually impassable during the rainy season, isolating communities and disrupting economic and social activities.
The bridge now guarantees year-round access, improving mobility, trade and connectivity.
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The Mega Non-Formal Learning Centre (Tsangaya School) in Nafada is designed to integrate Almajiri children into a structured and supportive educational environment, marking a major step towards reducing the number of out-of-school children, promoting social inclusion and strengthening human capital development in the state.
Also commissioned by the Presidential aide, Mr Ibrahim Kabir Masari, was the 7.5-kilometre Kwanan Rugaji–Almakashi Road, with a spur to Gargaldu, linking Funakaye Local Government Area of Gombe State with neighbouring communities in Yobe State.
The road, which previously subjected residents to severe hardship, especially during the rainy season, is expected to unlock economic opportunities, ease transportation and strengthen inter-state connectivity.
Masari further commissioned an ultra-modern 66-shop commercial complex in Bajoga, named in honour of the late Emir, Muhammadu Kwairanga.
The facility is set to stimulate local commerce, create employment opportunities and provide a conducive environment for business growth and entrepreneurship.
At the foundation-laying ceremonies for the Funakaye South LCDA in Tongo and Nafada South LCDA in Birin Fulani, Governor Yahaya described the development as a major milestone in deepening democracy and accelerating grassroots development.
“Today marks another significant milestone in our journey to deepen democracy and accelerate development at the grassroots. The creation of 13 LCDAs is a deliberate step aimed at institutionalising sustainable development and bringing governance closer to the people,” Governor Yahaya stated.
He explained that the LCDAs are designed to evolve into full-fledged Local Government Areas as their structures and administrative capacities continue to be strengthened.
According to him, future local council elections will be conducted simultaneously with the LCDAs to reinforce their democratic legitimacy.
Governor Yahaya noted that the initiative drew inspiration from the proven success of similar development models in other parts of the country, particularly Lagos State, and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his foresight in pioneering the concept.
He emphasised that the new LCDAs would prioritise security, primary healthcare, education and agriculture as key sectors critical to transforming rural communities and improving livelihoods.
In his remarks, Governor Mai Mala Buni commended Governor Yahaya for what he described as bold, visionary and strategic initiatives that are strengthening governance and accelerating development.
He stressed the importance of unity and collaboration among Northern governors in addressing shared developmental and security challenges.
Governor Buni urged the people of Gombe State to continue supporting the Yahaya administration and called for sustained prayers for peace, stability and development across the state and the nation.
Speaking earlier, the Director-General of the Gombe State Joint Project Development Agency, Dr Mahmood Yusuf, gave an overview of the jointly executed state–local government projects, assuring quality delivery and timely completion.
During visits to Funakaye and Nafada Emirates, Governor Inuwa Yahaya led his guests on courtesy calls to the traditional rulers, who expressed appreciation for the administration’s developmental strides and pledged continued support.