State Broadcast by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON (Dan Majen Gombe)
On the Occasion of the 6th Anniversary of His Administration
Date: Thursday, May 29, 2025
My dear people of Gombe State,
It is with profound gratitude to Almighty Allah and a heart full of appreciation that I address you today, marking six years since you entrusted me with the mandate to lead our beloved state. In 2023, you renewed that trust with an even greater mandate — a gesture for which I remain deeply humbled and eternally grateful.
Reflecting on the Journey So Far
As we celebrate this milestone, we must also acknowledge that 75% of our time in office has passed. The remaining years will be focused on consolidating the gains we have made and ensuring that Gombe emerges stronger, more prosperous, and better positioned for the future.
When we began this journey, we promised transformation — and today, that promise is visible in every corner of our state.
Healthcare Transformation
In 2020, we launched an ambitious healthcare revitalization program, successfully delivering one fully equipped Primary Healthcare Center (PHC) in each of the 114 political wards, recruiting 440 PHC workers and 145 midwives strategically deployed to underserved communities.
We have embarked on a second phase, which will add another 114 PHCs — making a total of 228 modern health facilities statewide. At the secondary level, we upgraded the Gombe Specialist Hospital, renovated Bajoga and Kaltungo General Hospitals, and built a state-of-the-art General Hospital in Kumo, now elevated to a Federal Medical Center by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
To address manpower challenges, we established a 1,000-capacity School of Nursing Sciences, enrolled over 369,000 residents under Go-Health, and created key institutions like Go-Pharma and GODMA. Immunization coverage rose from 18% in 2018 to 49% in 2023, making Gombe a national benchmark.
Education Sector Reforms
Following our 2019 state of emergency in education, we constructed/renovated over 1,600 classrooms in 350 schools and hired 1,000+ qualified teachers. The BESDA program integrated over 350,000 out-of-school children into formal education.
To support Almajiri education, we are building Integrated Tsangaya Centers across LGAs and planning a dedicated Almajiri Commission.
In secondary education, five legacy schools became Mega Colleges, and mock examinations are now mandatory. Pass rates improved from 22% in 2019 to 76% in 2024 for students with five credits, including English and Mathematics.
At the tertiary level, we expanded Gombe State University, establishing new faculties in Dukku (Environmental Sciences) and Kwami (Agricultural Sciences) to tackle food security and urban planning challenges.
Infrastructure and Road Development
Under the Network 11/100 Project, we constructed over 900 kilometers of roads, connecting rural communities and boosting economic activities. Highlights include:
- Degri–Talasse
- Bambam–Tula Yiri
- Malala–Zange
- Mona–Kutare
- Kuri–Lambam
In Gombe metropolis, we opened up communities like Tumfure, Nayinawa, Mallam Inna–Kagarawal, and Arawa. All roads feature solar-powered streetlights for safety.
The Gombe Northern Bypass, a 20km strategic project, will enhance regional connectivity, linking the Gombe–Potiskum and Gombe–Biu roads.
Industrial and Agricultural Growth
Gombe is now a premier industrial hub with the 1,000-hectare Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park. We are unlocking irrigation potential in Dadinkowa and Balanga Dams and preparing to launch a 184-hectare Agro-Industrial Hub, featuring:
- International Grains Market
- International Livestock Market
- State-of-the-art Commercial Abattoir
Agriculture remains central. We’ve supported farmers and herders through fertilizer distribution, animal vaccination, and irrigation projects. Gombe’s inclusion in the Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ) initiative marks another milestone.
Urban Development and Governance
With institutions like GOGIS and GOSUPDA, we are modernizing land administration. Urban renewal efforts in Shehu Abubakar District exemplify our commitment to planned urbanization.
Gombe’s consistent top ranking on the PEBEC Ease of Doing Business Index (2021 & 2022) reflects our progress. The signing of the Gombe State Electricity Law is opening up the energy market, while the Gombe State Investment Promotion Agency attracts investors and drives pro-business reforms.
Environment, Water, and Sanitation
Our Gombe Goes Green (3G) campaign has planted millions of trees. Through NEWMAP and ACReSAL, we’re combating erosion in sites like FCE(T), GSU, Doma, and Hayin Kwarin Misau.
We constructed over 900 boreholes and expanded the Gombe Regional Water Supply Scheme. Sanitation has improved via public toilets, waste facilities, and the strengthened operations of GOSEPA.
Public Service and Workers’ Welfare
We paid over ₦21 billion in inherited gratuity obligations and implemented the new minimum wage. Civil service reforms are underway, with training, digitization, and infrastructure upgrades.
Projects like the Three-Arms Zone—comprising a new State Assembly Complex, High Court, and Secretariat—will leave a lasting institutional legacy.
Peace, Security, and Heritage
Gombe remains one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states. We achieved this through equity, fairness, and community-based peace mechanisms, supported by:
- Ministry of Internal Security
- GOSTEC
- Support to security agencies with vehicles and logistics
We’re also preserving our heritage, renovating traditional palaces and restoring cultural sites across the state.
The Road Ahead
Our journey over six years has been one of resilience, unity, and transformation. Together, we’ve faced a global pandemic, economic shocks, and regional instability — yet emerged stronger. This progress belongs to you — the resilient people of Gombe State.
As we approach the final stretch, our vision remains bold. We will focus on:
- Commercial and agricultural competitiveness
- Renewable energy innovation
- Youth empowerment and job creation
- Sustaining transparency and institutional reform
Appreciation and Final Thoughts
I extend my deepest appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support and leadership. I also thank the Gombe State House of Assembly, State Judiciary, traditional and religious leaders, security agencies, political stakeholders, and civil society for their continued partnership.
We have come too far to turn back. The foundation is strong, but there is still work to do. Let’s push forward—united, determined, and inspired—to build a Gombe State that shines as a beacon of hope and opportunity in Nigeria.
Thank you for your support. May God bless Gombe State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON
Governor, Gombe State
Dan Majen Gombe
May 29, 2025
End