June 11, 2025
Inuwa Yahaya: When Vision Earns Global Recognition
By Ismaila Uba Misilli, publish by alphamedia24.com
When the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohammed Fall, chose to celebrate the 2025 Eid-el-Kabir in Gombe State, it was more than a ceremonial appearance—it was a defining moment.
His presence affirmed Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s remarkable leadership and marked global recognition of Gombe’s rise as a subnational success story.
From the colorful Durbar procession to earnest conversations about sustainable development, Mr. Fall’s visit was laden with symbolism. His decision to participate in the 1446 AH Sallah prayer and attend the centuries-old Gombe Durbar reflected a rare and powerful alignment of tradition and diplomacy.
The Durbar itself is a grand showcase of Gombe’s cultural pride. Held for over two centuries, it features the Emir of Gombe leading a majestic cavalry procession of chiefs and traditional titleholders to pay homage to the Governor.
This year, however, the presence of a senior UN official elevated the celebration, transforming a traditional ritual into a platform for cultural diplomacy.
On the sidelines of the event, Mr. Fall expressed deep admiration for the progress made in Gombe. He highlighted the peaceful atmosphere, the quality of governance, and impressive development strides across education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
He described Gombe as a state that has come of age—one capable of contributing meaningfully not only to Nigeria’s development but also to global conversations on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Development is not merely about resources. It is about leadership, vision, drive, and strategic planning. It’s about discipline, commitment, and the ability to mobilize people toward shared goals that make a real difference in people’s lives. These are the qualities I have seen in His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, and they are precisely why we are committed to supporting him,” he stated.
Mr. Fall toured various parts of the state, including healthcare facilities, mega schools, historic buildings, and cultural landmarks—witnessing first-hand what he called “a remarkable and inspiring transformation.”
“I have visited hospitals, I have visited schools—not just schools, but Mega Schools. I have seen historic buildings and cultural landmarks. I have witnessed the deliberate efforts to ensure sustainable impact,” he observed.
He applauded the state government’s commitment to inclusive development and expressed the United Nations’ readiness to deepen its partnership with Gombe across key sectors.
“We are already working in the areas of healthcare, education, agriculture, energy, and others. But based on what I have seen here, we are ready to strengthen our collaboration further,” Mr. Fall assured.
Mr. Fall, a Senegalese national, described his visit as both eventful and enlightening. He said it reinforced his belief that vision and commitment can open doors to development—even in the most challenging contexts.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya, who personally conducted the UN chief around the state, welcomed the recognition and reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to deliver impactful governance guided by transparency, strategic planning, and people-centered policies.
As the United Nations begins to deepen its engagement with Gombe, one thing is clear: Gombe is no longer on the sidelines. It is leading conversations, shaping outcomes, and earning its place on the global stage.
When the United Nations came to town, it didn’t just witness a cultural festival—it witnessed a state rewriting its story, reclaiming its heritage, and rising with purpose.