Governor Inuwa Yahaya Launches Ramadan Lifeline for 70,000 Vulnerable Residents in Gombe

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has commenced the 2026 Ramadan food support programme, unveiling plans to distribute relief items to 70,000 vulnerable residents across Gombe State as part of efforts to ease hardship during the holy month.

Speaking at the official launch in Gombe on Friday, the governor described Ramadan as “a sacred season of mercy, sacrifice, and compassion”, urging citizens to reflect its values in their daily lives.

“Ramadan goes beyond fasting; it reminds us of our shared duty to uplift the poor, the weak and the less privileged in our communities,” he said.

The governor noted that since assuming office in 2019, his administration has sustained seasonal intervention programmes to reduce the burden on citizens, especially during Ramadan. He explained that the 2026 initiative is designed to ensure broader inclusion and expanded reach.

“This year, 70,000 beneficiaries across the state will receive food items. We are determined to ensure that no vulnerable resident is left behind,” he stated.

According to him, the beneficiaries include persons living with disabilities, orphanages, religious organisations, support groups, and other disadvantaged members of society whose welfare remains a priority of his administration.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya explained that the Ramadan distribution is part of a wider social investment strategy implemented over the years, encompassing food assistance, empowerment schemes, and humanitarian programmes aimed at improving livelihoods.

“Governance must translate into meaningful impact in the lives of the people. Prosperity only has value when it is shared,” he added.

To guarantee fairness and accountability, the governor announced the inauguration of a Palliative Distribution Committee to oversee the exercise across the state. He urged members to discharge their responsibilities with honesty and dedication.

“I charge the committee to ensure transparency and equity so that these items reach those who genuinely need them,” he stressed.

He also appealed to philanthropists, private organisations, faith-based institutions, and development partners to complement government efforts in supporting vulnerable citizens during the fasting period.

The governor observed that this year’s Ramadan coincides with the Christian Lenten season, describing the overlap as symbolic of shared virtues such as self-restraint, love, and generosity. He encouraged residents to use the period to strengthen unity and peaceful coexistence.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya further called on citizens to pray for Nigeria’s peace and stability and for the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in steering the nation through ongoing reforms.

The event featured the symbolic presentation of food items to selected beneficiaries, signalling the commencement of distribution across all local government areas.

Earlier, Chairman of the Ramadan Palliative Distribution Committee, Muhammad Abdulkadir Waziri, assured that the committee would uphold strict standards of transparency and fairness throughout the process.

Waziri, who also serves as Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, disclosed that the relief packages contain essential food items, including rice, spaghetti, and sugar.

“We are committed to ensuring that these supplies are delivered directly to deserving and vulnerable individuals in every community,” he said.

The governor concluded by praying for the acceptance of the fasting, supplications, and charitable acts of the people of Gombe State and Nigeria, wishing them a peaceful and spiritually rewarding Ramadan.

Civil Society in Gombe Adopts Tougher Self-Regulation Framework

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The Chairman of the Gombe Network of Civil Society (GONET) Amb. Ibrahim Yusuf, has urged member organisations to embrace stronger internal accountability systems, describing civil society self-regulation as critical to sustainable development and public trust.

Speaking at a two-day step-down capacity building training on CSO self-regulation and minimum standards of operations in Gombe on Thursday.

Amb. Yusuf explained that it is a long-standing tradition within the GONET for any member who attends an external training to return and cascade the knowledge to others who could not participate.

He noted that this particular training was unique because it focused on Civil Society Self-Regulation and assessed the level of compliance among organisations.

“Whenever a member organisation attends a training outside, it is mandatory to step it down for others. That is how we build collective strength. But this one is exceptional because it deals with self-regulation and evaluating how compliant we are as organisations,” he said.

Amb. Yusuf described civil society organisations as the “fourth tier of development,” stressing that they must put their internal structures in order and comply with all relevant government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

According to him, improved compliance and transparency will not only strengthen institutional credibility but also boost confidence among partners and stakeholders.

“When we align with regulatory frameworks and maintain standards, it gives us the courage and legitimacy to collaborate effectively with government institutions and other civil structures,” he added.

He called on all member organisations within the Network to return to their respective offices and implement lessons learned from the training.

He also encouraged peer support and stronger collaboration among civil society groups to ensure the objectives of the self-regulation process are achieved.

Highlights from the presentation during the training emphasised the need for clear governance policies, financial transparency, regular reporting, ethical leadership, and adherence to operational standards. Participants were also guided on compliance benchmarks and practical tools for assessing organisational performance.

The training forms part of ongoing efforts by the Gombe State Civil Society Network to promote accountability, professionalism, and sustainable impact within the civil society space.

Some of the member who participate aficiated the gesture and asure for implamenting the self-regulation and standards operation in their organisation. 

Tinubu Names Inuwa Yahaya Renewed Hope Ambassador, Tasks Him with Nationwide APC Mobilisation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, as the Renewed Hope Ambassador and Secretary for Party Outreach, Engagement, and Mobilisation.

Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General (Press Affairs), Government House, Gombe, issued the statement and made it available to journalists.

The appointment, conveyed through a letter personally signed by the President, takes immediate effect and outlines a broad national assignment aimed at strengthening grassroots mobilisation and public engagement ahead of future political activities.

In the letter, President Tinubu charged Governor Inuwa Yahaya to work closely with the director-general of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress, and particularly the party’s national chairman to ensure unity, inclusiveness, and strategic coordination across all tiers of the party structure.

The president emphasised that the new role requires active promotion of the party’s programs, policies, and achievements with a view to consolidating public confidence and deepening support for the Renewed Hope agenda across the country.

According to the communication, the overarching goal of the appointment is to ensure Nigerians are adequately informed, meaningfully engaged, and effectively mobilised to support the APC and its candidates at all levels as part of their preparations for the 2027 general elections.

“Preparation is critical and essential to achieving this outcome, and your leadership will be central to guiding this process effectively and strategically,” President Tinubu stated in the letter.

Inuwa Yahaya’s appointment is widely seen as recognition of his leadership credentials, political experience, and proven capacity for grassroots mobilisation. His reputation for consensus-building and strategic engagement within party and governance circles has grown over the years.

He has been instrumental in promoting regional cooperation and bolstering political stability in the country as Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum.

Observers say the new appointment further reinforces his growing influence within the ruling party and underscores his standing as a trusted mobiliser for the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope vision.