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.

Gombe Pushes Governance Closer to the People with New LCDA Drive

The Gombe State Government has intensified efforts to decentralise administration with the rollout of 13 proposed Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), a move authorities say will expand governance presence in rural communities and fast-track development.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya disclosed this on Thursday in Bojude, Kwami Local Government Area, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Kwami West LCDA administrative complex.

Rather than concentrating decision-making at existing council headquarters, the new structure, according to the governor, is designed to distribute authority and public services to previously underserved communities. He explained that smaller administrative units would allow for quicker responses to local needs, improved infrastructure planning, and closer engagement with residents.

Yahaya pointed to reforms introduced years ago in Lagos under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a practical example of how sub-council structures can stimulate grassroots transformation. He noted that adapting similar ideas to Gombe’s peculiar realities would enhance efficiency and bring measurable progress to rural populations.

The governor stressed that the LCDA initiative forms part of a broader development strategy his administration has been implementing across the state. He maintained that ongoing construction projects, institutional upgrades, and social programmes reflect commitments made to voters.

During the visit to Bojude, Yahaya also urged families to take advantage of the newly established mega Tsangaya school, describing it as a model institution that merges Islamic scholarship with a formal academic curriculum to equip children with a balanced education.

He acknowledged the support his government has received from the Federal Government and reiterated his administration’s alignment with the centre’s development agenda.

The tour further took the governor to Dukku Local Government Area, where he commissioned completed projects and evaluated the progress of road construction works aimed at improving connectivity and boosting economic activities.

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.