World Bank Hails Gombe as Benchmark for Impactful Governance

By Jamila Muhammad, Gombe

The World Bank has praised Gombe State for its exceptional performance in executing development projects, describing the state as a shining example of results-orientated governance in Nigeria.

This commendation came during an official visit to Gombe by the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mr Matthew Verghis, who applauded the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for demonstrating strong leadership and commitment in driving development initiatives.

Verghis noted that Gombe stands out among states benefiting from World Bank-supported programmes, with projects not only progressing steadily but also delivering impressive outcomes.

According to him, the state’s success is largely driven by the active involvement of its leadership, particularly the governor, whose hands-on approach has strengthened project delivery and accountability.

He explained that the World Bank has recently adopted reforms that place greater responsibility on state governments in implementing projects. This approach, he said, has enhanced transparency, improved performance, and ensured sustainability.

Under the current system, he added, access to funding is tied to a state’s readiness and ability to meet set performance benchmarks.

Despite limited resources, Verghis observed that Gombe has consistently delivered strong results, proving that effective leadership and commitment can overcome financial constraints.

He further highlighted the World Bank’s evolving development strategy in Nigeria, which now emphasises results-based financing and increased collaboration with the private sector to expand the impact of interventions.

The Country Director also commended Gombe’s efforts in early childhood development, particularly in areas such as maternal health, child survival, nutrition, and education, describing them as critical to long-term growth.

In his response, Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its continued partnership, noting that the collaboration has significantly boosted development across key sectors in the state.

He revealed that Gombe is currently implementing several World Bank-backed projects, with additional interventions expected in the near future.

The governor pointed out that although Gombe receives relatively low federal allocations, strategic partnerships have enabled the state to deliver meaningful projects that directly improve the lives of its residents.

He also highlighted ongoing efforts to expand healthcare access, stating that all 114 wards in the state now have at least one functional primary healthcare center, and many areas are already benefiting from additional facilities.

Reaffirming his administration’s focus on human capital development, Yahaya stressed the importance of investing in healthcare and nutrition, particularly for children, in line with global development priorities.

He assured the World Bank of the state’s steadfast dedication to transparency, accountability, and sustainability in all projects.

According to the governor, every intervention undertaken by his administration is designed to enhance the well-being of citizens and ensure lasting development outcomes.

The visit further reinforced the strong partnership between Gombe State and the World Bank, with both sides expressing readiness to deepen collaboration for sustained growth.

UNICEF Urges Ethical Journalism to Protect Children, Promote Healing in Crisis-Hit Regions

By Auwal Ahmad

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged journalists covering Nigeria’s North-East and North-Central regions to adopt ethical reporting practices that prioritise the safety and dignity of children and other vulnerable groups affected by conflict.

Sussan Akila, a Communication Specialist with UNICEF, made the call during a two-day training for journalists drawn from the regions, where insecurity and humanitarian crises continue to shape news coverage.

While acknowledging the risks and limitations journalists face in accessing conflict areas, Ms Akila commended media practitioners for their persistence in informing the public despite the challenges. However, she emphasised that journalists have a responsibility that extends beyond breaking news, acknowledging that the way they report stories can have a significant impact on the lives of victims.

According to Ms Akila, the media plays a powerful role in shaping public discourse and influencing how society responds to crises. She warned that careless reporting, particularly involving children, can expose victims to further harm or stigma. Ms Akila cautioned that we must handle elements like photographs, video footage, and headlines with caution, as they have the potential to either protect survivors or worsen their situation.

“Journalists have the power to shape narratives. The way we tell stories can make survivors feel safe or put them at risk,” she said.

She urged reporters to reflect on the consequences of their choices, especially when dealing with sensitive issues such as sexual violence or abuse involving minors. Emphasising empathy, Ms Akila encouraged journalists to consider how they would handle stories involving their children or family members.

She questioned the ethics of publishing identifiable images or details of child victims simply to attract attention or boost readership. “Would you publish the face of your child in such circumstances? These are the questions we must ask ourselves,” she said, adding that ethical reporting begins with recognising the humanity of those affected and treating them with respect.

Ms Akila further noted that while journalists may move on after filing a story, the consequences of their reporting often remain with victims for years. She warned that exposing a child’s identity or sharing sensitive details could have lasting effects, including stigma and psychological trauma that may follow the individual into adulthood.

“The story may end for the reporter, but its impact continues in the life of the victim and within the community,” she said.

She described journalists as more than observers, noting that they also have a role to play in supporting recovery and healing in communities affected by violence. According to her, responsible reporting can help reduce stigma, promote understanding and encourage support for victims, particularly children and women.

The training, she explained, is designed to help journalists examine how their work affects individuals and communities and to improve standards in reporting sensitive issues. Participants are expected to engage in discussions and share experiences aimed at developing safer and more responsible reporting approaches.

Ms Akila expressed optimism that the sessions would equip journalists with practical tools to tell stories without causing additional harm.

“Ethical reporting is not only about accuracy. It is about doing what is right for children and for society,” she said.

UNICEF has continued to partner with media organisations to promote child-sensitive journalism, especially in regions affected by conflict, where reporting can either contribute to recovery or deepen existing wounds.

NSCDC Deploys 700 Personnel to Secure Gombe for Eid-el-Fitr Celebrations

By Auwal Ahmad

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Gombe State Command, has mobilised 700 officers and personnel to ensure adequate security during the 2026 Eid-el-Fitr celebrations scheduled for March 19 to 21.

Chief Superintendent of Corps Buhari Saad, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, issued a statement disclosing this information.

The statement indicates that the personnel will strategically deploy across the state to maintain peace and protect lives and property throughout the festive period.

The operation will cover Eid prayer grounds, Hawan Durbar routes, recreational centres, markets, motor parks, and other public places. It will also include the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, both public and private.

The NSCDC said its personnel would work closely with other security agencies to guarantee a smooth and incident-free Sallah celebration across the state.

State Commandant, CC Jibrin Idris, has directed all officers to carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and vigilance. He stressed the need for discipline and commitment in ensuring public safety during the celebrations.

He also extended warm Eid-el-Fitr greetings to Muslims in Gombe State and across Nigeria, urging them to celebrate peacefully.

The Commandant further appealed to residents and visitors to remain law-abiding and report any suspicious activities to security agencies. He reassured the public of the Corps’ readiness, alongside its partners, to safeguard lives and property throughout the festive period.