Gwamna urges APC unity, support for Tinubu

By Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

The consensus governorship standard bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State, Dr Jamil Isyaku Gwamna, has enjoined the people of the state to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that party unity is crucial for victory in next year’s general election.

He said that the task of building Gombe is a collective effort, recalling how he rallied round Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for the interest of the state and the people, stressing that politicians should learn to humble themselves to authority and God.

While extending a hand of partnership to fellow aspirants and their supporters, Gwamna said he remains grateful to Governor Yahaya for the able way he has been piloting the affairs of the state.

He urged those kicking against the consensus approach in the party primary to look at the overall benefit to peacebuilding as well as the cost-effectiveness, assuring them that he intends to sustain and build upon the policies and programs that have positioned Gombe as a model of progress, peace, and purposeful governance in Nigeria.

Gwamna said that his vision, which is encapsulated in the “Let’s Build Gombe Together” mantra, is rooted in inclusivity and collective responsibility, stressing that peace and unity should characterise the coming electioneering season.

While noting that he made a similar sacrifice in the past, the APC consensus governorship candidate said he will always recognize the fact that every aspirant and stakeholder played a vital role in strengthening the party and advancing the development of the state.

“We have no other home but Gombe State. Our ambitions must align with a higher purpose: to build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future for our people.

“I extend my hand of fellowship to my brothers and sisters who aspired for this position. Your ideas, your energy, and your commitment to Gombe remain invaluable. Together, we can achieve far more than any individual effort,” he asserted.

UNICEF Backs Gombe on Budget Reform, Trains MDAs on Social Protection Tracking

By Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has partnered with the Gombe State Government to strengthen public finance management through a capacity-building workshop on social protection budget tagging for key ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

Speaking during the training on Tuesday, UNICEF Social Protection Specialist Dr Yusuf Auta said the initiative is designed to improve how government investments in social protection are identified, tracked, and aligned with development priorities.

He explained that the budget tagging system would enable policymakers and stakeholders to monitor spending in critical sectors and support long-term planning, particularly for children, adolescents, and women who make up more than half of the state’s population.

According to him, social protection programmes play a vital role in breaking cycles of poverty by improving access to essential services such as healthcare, education, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and nutrition.

“Effective social protection interventions help vulnerable households meet basic needs and prevent the transmission of poverty across generations,” Auta noted.

He urged participants to maximise the three-day training, adding that the knowledge gained would be crucial to driving the 2027 budget tag process across their respective MDAs.

“UNICEF remains committed to supporting Gombe State in making informed, evidence-based investments that improve the wellbeing of its people,” he added.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Gombe State Ministry of Finance, Jalo Ibrahim Ali, who also oversees the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, said the training aligns with efforts to strengthen public financial management systems in the state.

He noted that the workshop would enhance institutional capacity, particularly in sectors such as education, health, WASH, and social protection, to ensure more effective and accountable service delivery.

Ali described the training as timely and strategic, emphasising the importance of the National Chart of Accounts in promoting transparency, uniformity, and efficiency in government financial operations.

“A properly implemented chart of accounts allows institutions to accurately classify, record, and report financial transactions in line with national standards and global best practices,” he said.

He added that improving budgeting processes, financial reporting, and expenditure tracking remains central to Gombe State’s development agenda.

“A sound financial system provides the foundation for credible planning, prudent allocation of resources, and evidence-based decision-making. It also strengthens our ability to ensure that public funds are used to meet the needs of our citizens,” he said.

Ali commended UNICEF for its continued support, noting that such collaborations are critical to building resilient institutions and improving governance outcomes in the state, particularly in enhancing transparency and accountability in the use of public resources.

May Day: Gov.  Inuwa praises Gombe workers, promises improved welfare, safer workplaces

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has commended workers in Gombe State for their contributions to governance and development, pledging sustained efforts to improve their welfare and working conditions.

In a message to mark the 2026 International Workers’ Day, the governor described the workforce as central to his administration’s achievements and future plans.

“Workers are the driving force behind governance and development in Gombe State,” he said.

The statement, issued on Friday in Gombe by the Director-General of Press Affairs, Ismaila Uba Misilli, quoted the governor as appreciating the resilience and commitment of workers across sectors.

“Today, we celebrate the determination and hard work of our workforce. Your sacrifices are the pillars of our achievements,” Mr Yahaya said.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritising workers’ welfare, noting that Gombe was among the first states to implement the national minimum wage.

“Even in the face of economic challenges, we have ensured consistent payment of salaries, pensions and entitlements,” he added.

The governor also assured that his government would clear outstanding gratuities owed to retirees at both state and local government levels.

“We are committed to clearing all outstanding gratuities owed to our retirees,” he said.

Speaking on the 2026 Workers’ Day theme, *“Ensuring Safety and Health at Work in a Changing Climate”,* the governor said the government has taken steps to improve workplace conditions.

“Our goal is to create safer, healthier and more productive workplaces for every worker,” he said.

He also acknowledged the role of organised labour in maintaining industrial harmony in the state.

“The cooperation of organised labour has been key to maintaining industrial peace in our state,” he noted.

Gov. Yahaya said his recent approval for the full implementation of the new national minimum wage for local government workers would take effect from May 2026, covering staff of the 11 local government councils, local education authorities and primary healthcare workers.

“We have achieved 100 per cent implementation of the national minimum wage for local government workers,” he said.

The governor urged workers to remain committed despite economic challenges and called on residents to maintain peace as political activities intensify.

“I urge all citizens to remain peaceful, united and responsible as we approach the political season,” he said.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to placing workers at the centre of governance while promoting fairness and inclusive development across the state.