Defections Shake Gombe Politics as Senator Yaro Dumps PDP for APC

By Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

Gombe State Governor and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has welcomed Senator Anthony Siyako Yaro into the ruling party, following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The development, which unfolded late on Thursday, marks another significant shift in the political landscape of the state, as the APC continues to draw key figures from opposition ranks.

Senator Yaro, who represents Gombe South Senatorial District, is the latest high-profile politician to align with the APC under the leadership of Governor Inuwa Yahaya, a move widely seen as strengthening the party’s influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

His defection comes on the heels of earlier political realignments facilitated by the governor, including the movement of three federal lawmakers into the APC. Among them are the Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ali Isa JC; Hon. Abdullahi El-Rasheed, representing Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency; and Hon. Inuwa Garba of Yamaltu/Deba.

With the growing list of defections, political observers say the APC is steadily tightening its hold on Gombe’s political space, raising the stakes for opposition parties as preparations for the next electoral cycle gather momentum.

The governor received Senator Yaro in the company of prominent party figures, including the Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, and the APC Deputy National Financial Secretary, Hon. Hamma Adama Ali Kumo, signaling a unified front within the party.

Analysts note that the wave of defections could reshape political alignments in the state, with implications for both party structures and electoral strategies in the run-up to 2027.

Gombe partners with UNICEF, Microsoft to drive digital education initiative

By Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

The Gombe State Government has partnered with UNICEF and Microsoft to launch the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP), a digital platform aimed at expanding access to quality education and improving learning outcomes across the state.

The initiative, unveiled in Gombe, is designed to provide inclusive learning opportunities for children, particularly those in remote and underserved communities, by leveraging technology to bridge existing gaps in the education sector.

Representing Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, the Head of Civil Service, Mu’azu Shehu, said the programme aligns with the administration’s vision of taking education beyond the conventional classroom setting.

“This initiative will ensure that every child in Gombe State, regardless of location, has access to quality, inclusive and continuous education through digital platforms,” he said.

He illustrated the potential impact of the platform with a simple example.

“Imagine a girl in Nafada who, with just a mobile phone, can access the same quality lessons as her counterparts in the Gombe metropolis. This is the promise of the Nigeria Learning Passport,” Shehu added.

Also speaking the Chief of UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafiq, represented by the Nigeria Learning Passport Coordinator, Dr. Harold Kpojime, described the initiative as a significant milestone in transforming education delivery in the state.

“The Nigeria Learning Passport is a transformative platform developed to respond to disruptions in education and to support learning continuity for millions of children,” he said.

He noted that the platform, which has already been deployed in several states, offers both online and offline access to curriculum-based materials, making it suitable for areas with limited internet connectivity.

Kpojime said early implementation in Gombe includes the provision of digital devices and training for technical teams, with plans underway to train about 1,000 teachers and connect selected schools across the state.

He also commended the state government’s commitment to education reforms, including measures aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children and improving access to learning.

The initiative is being implemented with support from partners such as IHS Towers, TECNO and the Global Partnership for Education.

Also speaking, Lami Garkwa described the launch as more than just a technological rollout.

“Today, we are not just launching a digital platform; we are opening a door that will never be closed. This is a gateway to the future for every child,” she said.

She added that thousands of lessons aligned with the national curriculum are already available on the platform at no cost.

“Learning can no longer be confined to the four walls of the classroom. The goal is simple — to ensure that learning never stops,” she said.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Abubakar Hassan, said the state had begun training teachers to support effective implementation.

“Over the past few days, we have worked closely with partners to equip an initial group of teachers who will cascade this knowledge across schools in the state,” he said.

He added that the establishment of the state’s Information Technology Development Agency would further support digital transformation in education and public service delivery.

Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that the initiative would improve literacy and numeracy outcomes while ensuring that children in Gombe are better prepared for the demands of a digital future.

FRSC Foils Vehicle Fraud in Gombe, Recovers Car Stolen Since 2021

By Jamila Muhammad, Gombe

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has intercepted an attempted vehicle fraud at its National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) office in Gombe, leading to the recovery of a car reported missing over four years ago.

The development was made known in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the Corps Public Education Officer, Mr. Osondu Ohaeri.

Mr. Ohaeri explained that the incident occurred on April 16 during a routine number plate revalidation exercise when an applicant sought to convert a vehicle’s registration documents. He said officials became suspicious after detecting inconsistencies in the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) provided.

According to him, a detailed verification process exposed irregularities in the records, prompting officers to carry out a physical inspection of the vehicle. The inspection further confirmed discrepancies between the VIN documents and the chassis engraving.

He added that operatives deployed the NVIS database to trace the vehicle’s original owner, identified as Mrs. Cecilia Duru, who was subsequently contacted.

“The rightful owner confirmed that the vehicle had been stolen in Port Harcourt in 2021 and provided credible documents to support her claim,” Ohaeri said.

He noted that the individual who presented the vehicle insisted it was purchased through a third party, a claim that raised further suspicion among officials.

The FRSC spokesperson said the corps acted promptly by coordinating necessary actions that led to the recovery of the vehicle, preventing it from being illegally transferred or concealed.

He emphasised that the successful operation highlights the growing efficiency of the NVIS platform and the corps’ strengthened intelligence capabilities in tackling vehicle-related crimes.

Ohaeri advised prospective car buyers to thoroughly verify ownership details before completing transactions, urging the public to rely on official platforms to avoid being defrauded.

He also reiterated the FRSC’s commitment to enhancing transparency, improving accountability, and ensuring safety on Nigerian roads.