Gombe @ 25: Governor Yahaya commends past administrations

By Matthew Eloyi

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has commended the State’s past administrations for laying solid foundation for their successors.

Gov. Yahaya made the commendation in his state-wide address on the occasion of 25th anniversary of the creation of Gombe State on Friday.

In his words, “Our first military administrator, Group Captain J. I. Orji must be credited for laying a solid foundation by putting up a broad-based development agenda. He established the administrative structure of the state, provided critical infrastructure such as housing and office accommodation for civil servants, built roads, raised revenues and provided critical support to the citizenry.

“Group Captain Orji’s modest but significant accomplishments were consolidated and built upon by his successor, Col. M.I Bawa (of blessed memory). Under Bawa, the state witnessed significant increase in investments on basic infrastructure such as roads, bridges, schools and hospitals, coupled with important policies set to revitalise the basic education sector.

“Following the country’s return to democracy in 1999, the administration of Governor Abubakar Habu Hashidu (of blessed memory) introduced some laudable initiatives in the area of agriculture, water supply, rural development, conflict prevention, healthcare delivery and basic education. The Hashidu administration also recorded significant milestones in the housing sector, construction of access roads in rural and urban areas, and provision of financial loans to individuals and cooperatives in order to boost self-reliance and reduce poverty. Similarly, the administration constructed office complexes for civil servants, the judiciary and the legislature. It also established the Gombe fertilizer blending plant, resuscitated cotton farming in the state, revitalised the moribund state poultry production unit (PPU), embarked on extensive rural electrification projects and established the Gombe State Investment and Property Development Company (GSIPDC).

“On his part, Governor Muhammad Danjuma Goje initiated and completed a large number of legacy projects such as the Gombe State University, the Gombe International Airport, and the Pantami Stadium, among others. He also ensured a timely completion of some major projects he inherited from the Hashidu administration such as the Gombe Regional Water Supply Project, the Gombe International Hotel project, and the dualization of Tunfure-Liji road. In addition, the Goje administration constructed several rural and urban roads across the state, renovated over 110 primary schools, and connected dozens of villages to the national grid.

“The immediate past administration of Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo also made significant headways in providing critical infrastructure by expanding existing roads especially in the state capital and building new road networks in the local government areas of the state. The administration had also encouraged and provided support for farming and commercial activities. Other sectors such as education and health also received the attention of the past administration.

“On coming to office on the 29th May 2019, we strived to consolidate the achievements of all the past administrations. We took bold steps to confront the myriad of challenges facing our dear state.”

The Governor noted that his administration is pursuing a rapid and wide-ranging development by addressing long-standing infrastructure deficits through aggressive spending on roads, hospitals and healthcare facilities, schools, water projects, and urban renewal.

“We have sustained our commitment to promoting all-inclusive growth and development by redressing the neglect of rural communities and low-income neighbourhoods in the provision of dividends of democracy,” he added.

Gov. Yahaya also thanked the traditional and religious leaders, who ccording to him, have continued to work day-and-night to ensure that the state establish and maintain tolerance, unity, and peace.

He also acknowledged the sacrifices of the entire people of Gombe State throughout the historic journey to statehood. He assured that his administration will remain focused and committed to the lofty ideals of the founding fathers of the state.