Inuwa, Fintiri Drive: Regional Development as Key Projects Take Off in Gombe

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya on Tuesday received his Adamawa State counterpart, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, for the commissioning of major infrastructure projects in Balanga Local Government Area, in a move seen as strengthening regional cooperation and grassroots development.

The visit was marked by the inauguration of key road projects, including the 33-kilometre Ture–Sabon Layi Awak–Dogon Ruwa–Gelengu–Balanga Gari road, alongside a connecting route to Bakasi–Balansani–Dasan Buzu, as well as the Talasse–Degri–Bembelem road. Fintiri, who performed the commissioning, described the projects as impactful and people-orientated.

“Governor Inuwa Yahaya is a focused, visionary and God-fearing leader who has consistently placed the needs of his people at the heart of governance,” Fintiri said.

“From what I have seen, these are projects that will stand the test of time and continue to serve communities for many years.”

He noted that the road networks would ease movement and stimulate economic activities across communities, adding that Adamawa State is open to deeper collaboration with Gombe, particularly in linking border communities to enhance trade and social ties.

Fintiri specifically pointed out the possible connection of communities in Shelleng, Adamawa State, to those in Gombe through the Borgu–Dala Waja–Wala Lunguda corridor, describing it as a strategic step toward boosting regional integration.

Beyond roads, the two governors also commissioned a Model Almajiri (Tsangaya) School in Bakassi, a project aimed at expanding access to education while integrating traditional Islamic learning into formal systems.

Fintiri commended the initiative, noting its importance in addressing out-of-school children’s challenges.

The visit also featured an inspection of the Talasse solar off-grid power project, designed to provide electricity to communities that have remained in darkness for over a decade.

Speaking during the inspection, the Director-General of the Joint Project Development Agency, Mahmoud Yusuf, said the intervention would transform the energy landscape of the area.

“For more than 15 years, Talasse and neighbouring communities have had no access to electricity. This project will change that reality,” he said, explaining that the facility is expected to generate one megawatt of power and serve over 30 communities and about 6,000 households.

According to the project contractor, Halis Mohammed, the work has reached about 80 per cent completion, with solar panels largely installed and battery systems undergoing final safety checks.

He added that the plant has a storage capacity of 2.6 megawatt-hours and is designed to provide round-the-clock electricity, with room for future expansion.

As part of their engagements, the governors paid homage to the Bala Waja, His Royal Highness Alhaji Mohammed Danjuma Mohammed, who praised both leaders for their commitment to inclusive governance and development.

The traditional ruler also conferred on Fintiri the title of Bachama Waja, meaning Ambassador of the Waja Chiefdom, in recognition of his contributions to unity and regional cooperation.

In their remarks, both governors reaffirmed their resolve to deepen partnerships between their states, with a focus on infrastructure development and economic growth, signalling a growing alliance aimed at improving the livelihoods of their people.

Crackdown on Site Extortion: GOSUPDA Orders Residents to Pay Only at Office

By Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

The Gombe State Urban Planning and Development Authority (GOSUPDA) has issued a stern warning to residents against making any form of payment at construction sites, directing that all official fees must be paid strictly at the agency’s office.

Executive Chairman of GOSUPDA, Bappayo Samanja, gave the directive while addressing journalists about the agency’s ongoing activities, stressing that both residents and staff found engaging in illegal on-site transactions would face legal consequences.

He revealed that the authority had recently apprehended individuals posing as GOSUPDA officials, who had been extorting money from unsuspecting developers at building sites.

“We have arrested impersonators moving around construction areas to collect money unlawfully. Let it be clear that no payments should be made outside our office,” he said.

Samanja also warned against acts that undermine public infrastructure, including the destruction of streetlights, culverts, and other government installations, whether intentional or accidental. He emphasised that violators would be sanctioned in line with existing laws.

The chairman further cautioned residents against erecting structures on waterways or interfering with public property, noting that such actions could disrupt urban planning efforts and pose environmental risks.

Highlighting ongoing reforms, Samanja disclosed that the agency was set to commence a comprehensive house numbering and street naming exercise across the Gombe metropolis. According to him, the initiative is designed to improve navigation, strengthen security, and enhance emergency response efficiency.

He called on residents to cooperate fully with the government to ensure the smooth implementation of the project.

In addition, Samanja urged eligible residents, particularly those aged 18 and above, to take advantage of the remaining window for Permanent Voter Card (PVC) registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“With just a few days left before the registration closes, we encourage all eligible citizens to either register or update their details without delay,” he added.

The GOSUPDA boss reiterated the agency’s commitment to enforcing urban planning regulations while promoting orderly development across the state.

Gov. Inuwa Sets Up Power Regulator, Tasks Team on Reliable Electricity Supply in Gombe

By Jamila Muhammad

The Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has approved the appointment of a chairman and commissioners for the newly created Gombe State Electricity Regulatory Commission in a move aimed at strengthening electricity governance and attracting investment into the sector.

The appointments, which take effect from 21 January 2026, were earlier submitted to the Gombe State House of Assembly and confirmed in line with the law establishing the commission.

The Secretary to the State Government, Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, said the development reflects the administration’s push to build a transparent and investor-friendly electricity market.

“The constitution of the leadership team for GOSERC is in furtherance of the governor’s commitment to building a robust, transparent and investor-friendly electricity market in Gombe State,” Mr Njodi said.

He added that the step aligns with emerging opportunities created by the decentralisation of Nigeria’s power sector.

According to the government, Dr Usman Abba Arabi was appointed chairman of the commission, while Engr. Sule Usman will oversee technical regulation. Abubakar Sa’ad is to handle economic regulation; Engr Ahmed Ibrahim Pindiga will supervise rural electrification; Lydia Ali will manage finance and administration, while Talatu Abubakar takes charge of legal and licensing.

Mr Yahaya said the choice of the appointees was based on their experience and professional competence, expressing confidence in their ability to reposition the state’s power sector.

“With the calibre of professionals appointed, the commission will provide the regulatory backbone required to improve service delivery, enforce standards, protect consumers and stimulate investment in power infrastructure,” the governor said.

He added that the commission is expected to play a central role in expanding electricity access, particularly in underserved communities, and supporting industrial growth in the state.

The creation of GOSERC comes amid ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s electricity sector, which allow states to take a more active role in power generation, distribution and regulation.

Officials say the new commission will be critical in driving Gombe’s ambition to achieve a more reliable and sustainable electricity supply while boosting economic activities across the state.