Gombe
Northern Governors Celebrate Dangote at 69, Applaud His Impact on Africa’s Economy
Northern Governors Celebrate Dangote at 69, Applaud His Impact on Africa’s Economy
By Jamila Muhammed
Governors from Northern Nigeria have joined voices to celebrate Africa’s foremost industrialist, Aliko Dangote, on his 69th birthday, praising his remarkable contributions to business, economic growth and humanitarian development across the continent.
The tribute was led by the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who described Dangote as a symbol of African excellence and visionary leadership.
In a goodwill message issued on behalf of the 19 Northern governors, Yahaya said Dangote’s rise from a modest entrepreneur to a globally recognised industrial giant reflected determination, innovation, and an unwavering belief in Africa’s potential.
He noted that the Dangote Group, a business magnate, has transformed the industrial landscape by building world-class enterprises that continue to boost economic growth, expand local capacity, and create employment opportunities for thousands of Nigerians.
The forum particularly commended Dangote’s strategic investments in key sectors, such as cement production, petrochemicals, and oil refining, noting that these ventures have strengthened Africa’s industrial base and reduced reliance on imports.
Yahaya emphasised the importance of the Dangote Refinery and the expansion of cement factories across the continent, characterising them as transformative initiatives that have enhanced Africa’s economic competitiveness.
According to him, Dangote’s confidence in Nigeria’s economy and his long-term investment approach serve as a model for private sector leadership and national development.
Beyond business, the governors also recognised his philanthropic footprint through the Aliko Dangote Foundation, which has supported millions of people through interventions in healthcare, education, poverty alleviation and humanitarian services.
The northern governors expressed deep appreciation for Dangote’s role in promoting youth empowerment, infrastructure development and Africa’s push for self-reliance in critical industries.
They prayed for continued strength, wisdom and good health for the business leader, urging him to sustain his contributions to Nigeria, Africa, and humanity at large.
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Inuwa Yahaya Pays Last Respect as Gombe Mourns Elder Statesman Manu Malala
By Auwal Ahmad Umar
Gombe State was thrown into mourning following the death of respected elder statesman and community leader, Alhaji Manu Malala, who passed away in Gombe after a prolonged illness.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya led top government officials and sympathisers to the Bubayero Central Mosque, the Emir’s Palace, and Gombe, where the funeral prayer (Janazah) for the late elder statesman was held.
In a condolence message, the governor described the deceased as a patriotic leader, a grassroots mobiliser, and a committed public servant whose life was devoted to service, humility, and the advancement of his community.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya said the late Manu Malala left behind a legacy of dedication and sacrifice, noting that he played key roles in public service and governance in Gombe State.
He recalled that the deceased served meritoriously in several capacities, including as local government secretary and a member of the Civil Service Commission Board, among other assignments that contributed significantly to public administration and community development.
The governor further praised the late elder statesman for his strong influence in grassroots politics and community leadership, saying his wisdom, experience and ability to unite people across political and social lines made him a highly respected figure in the state.
According to him, the passing of Alhaji Manu Malala is not only a painful loss to his immediate family but also a huge setback for Gombe State, especially for those who benefited from his guidance, counsel and commitment to public service.
On behalf of the government and people of Gombe State, Governor Inuwa Yahaya extended heartfelt condolences to the Deputy Chairman of Dukku Local Government, Hon. Umar Manu Malala, his siblings and the entire Manu Malala family for the painful loss.
He prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, accept his lifetime of service to humanity, and grant him Aljannat Firdaus.
The death of Alhaji Manu Malala has continued to draw tributes from political associates, community leaders, and residents, many of whom remember him as a man of peace, integrity, and unwavering dedication to serving society.
Experts call for action to eliminate cervical cancer
Some health experts have called for accelerated action to eliminate cervical cancer in Nigeria as a public health challenge as well as achieving the 90–70–90 targets by 2030 and placing Nigeria on a path to eliminating cervical cancer within the next century.
The call was made during a stakeholders’ engagement in Gombe on Saturday, titled “2026 Gombe HPV Forum”, which was organised by the Papillomavirus Society of Gombe Nigeria (PSGN) in partnership with the Arewa Cancer Control Coalition (ACCC), Call of Cancer Initiative (COCI), Gratefield, the APIN public health initiative, and the International Papillomavirus Society (IPVS) Nigeria.
Dr Mohammed Manga, President of the International Papillomavirus Society (IPVS) Nigeria, said that though the government has made efforts towards eliminating cervical cancer, he stressed that a lot was still needed to achieve the global target in the country.
Manga, a professor of medical microbiology, said that the efforts of the government in tackling the health challenge were commendable.
According to him, over 14 million girls within the past three years have been immunised, stating that such exercise remains unprecedented and is the largest on the African continent.
He stated that the setting up of the national taskforce on cervical cancer elimination was proof of the commitment of the government towards tackling the threat posed by cervical cancer.
He added that the initiative to have a national cancer fund where certain cancers that have been diagnosed received some support for treatment and diagnosis was good and impactful.
While calling for more awareness to dismiss the misconceptions around the HPV vaccine, Manga said that the availability of some interventions was not as optimum as they should be.
Dr. Ishaq Lawal, a gynaecologist with the Federal Teaching Hospital Birnin Kebbi and the chairman of the Board of Trustees and the Cervical Cancer Nigeria Initiative, said there were about 600,000 global cases of cervical cancer recorded annually, and over 300,000 die annually.
Lawal said the fact that over 7,000 persons die of cervical cancer in Nigeria annually showed that there was a lot more that should be done to reduce the level of cervical cancer in the country.
Dr Halimah Usman Farooq, an associate professor of gynaecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, Gombe State University, called on stakeholders to accelerate national action toward ending cervical cancer, one of the most preventable yet deadly cancers affecting women across the continent.
Farooq said a stronger commitment was needed towards ensuring that no woman dies from a disease that can be prevented, detected early, and treated.
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