Gombe: Inuwa Yahaya Joins Emir for Prayers, Hosts Global Dignitaries

By Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

Gombe came alive with prayers, culture and diplomacy on Friday as Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya joined the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji (Dr) Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, alongside hundreds of Muslim faithful to mark the end of Ramadan with the Eid-el-Fitr prayers.

The solemn two-Raka’at prayer, held at the Bubayero Eid ground, was led by the Deputy Chief Imam of Bubayero Central Mosque, Ustaz Aliyu Hammari, reflecting unity and gratitude after a month of devotion and reflection.

Following the prayers, the governor hosted a modest reception at the Government House, welcoming dignitaries including the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mr Matthew Verghis, and the Tunisian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Moshen Antit.

Speaking through his deputy, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, Governor Inuwa Yahaya urged Muslims not to abandon the lessons of Ramadan, stressing that “Eid-el-Fitr is not just a celebration; it is a reminder to sustain the spirit of sacrifice, compassion, and generosity, especially towards the less privileged.”

He added, “If we continue to uphold the values of Ramadan, we can overcome many societal challenges and build a more united community.”

The governor also expressed sympathy with the government and people of Borno State over the recent bomb incident, noting that “our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Borno State and all communities affected by insecurity.”

He commended the visiting dignitaries for sharing in the Sallah celebration, describing Gombe as a symbol of peace, unity and hospitality.

In his remarks, Mr Verghis praised the administration’s commitment to development and reaffirmed support from the World Bank, saying, “I am a friend of Gombe and Nigeria; let us continue working together to advance our shared goals.”

Similarly, Ambassador Antit described his visit as a privilege, emphasising unity among nations. According to him, “It is an honour to celebrate here; the spirit of unity between our nations remains strong.”

In line with tradition, the governor and his guests later moved to the Emir’s Palace to witness the colourful mini durbar, known as Jafi, which added cultural splendour to the celebration.

Speaking after the event, the Emir of Gombe urged Muslims to internalise the teachings of Ramadan, stressing that “Ramadan teaches peace, love and tolerance, values we must carry into everyday life.”

He also reaffirmed the Emirate’s support for efforts aimed at sustaining peace, security and development across the state.

The celebration concluded with the presentation of commemorative gifts by the governor to the visiting dignitaries, reinforcing Gombe’s enduring spirit of honour and hospitality.

Eid-el-Fitr: Inuwa Yahaya Urges Nigerians to Sustain Ramadan Virtues, Embrace Unity

By Auwal Ahmad

Gombe State Governor, Alh. Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has called on Muslims and Nigerians at large to uphold the values of devotion, sacrifice and compassion cultivated during the holy month of Ramadan as they celebrate Eid-el-Fitr.

In a goodwill message to mark the end of the fasting period, the governor described the festival as more than a celebration, urging the faithful to reflect deeply and carry forward the lessons of Ramadan into their daily lives.

He encouraged Muslims to remain committed to righteousness, stressing that the essence of Ramadan lies in promoting discipline, humility and care for others.

“As we mark Eid-el-Fitr, we must hold on to the virtues of piety, obedience and selflessness learned during Ramadan. These values are key to building a peaceful and harmonious society,” he said.

Governor Yahaya also emphasised the need for continued prayers for Nigeria, especially at a time the country faces economic and social challenges. He urged citizens to remain hopeful and united, expressing optimism that the nation would overcome its difficulties.

The governor further appealed to residents of Gombe State to preserve the peaceful atmosphere in the state, noting that stability remains essential for development and progress.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to maintaining law and order, warning that any attempt to disrupt public peace would not be tolerated.

Looking ahead to the political season, the governor called for prayers and responsible conduct as election activities approach. He urged Nigerians to seek divine guidance for leaders and work towards a peaceful and credible process.

Governor Yahaya also tasked religious, traditional and community leaders with promoting unity and tolerance, stressing that peaceful coexistence is vital for sustained growth.

He expressed gratitude to the people of Gombe State for their continued support and cooperation, assuring them of his government’s resolve to deepen development across key sectors and improve the well-being of citizens.

The governor concluded by wishing Muslims a joyful and peaceful Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

World Bank Hails Gombe as Benchmark for Impactful Governance

By Jamila Muhammad, Gombe

The World Bank has praised Gombe State for its exceptional performance in executing development projects, describing the state as a shining example of results-orientated governance in Nigeria.

This commendation came during an official visit to Gombe by the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mr Matthew Verghis, who applauded the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for demonstrating strong leadership and commitment in driving development initiatives.

Verghis noted that Gombe stands out among states benefiting from World Bank-supported programmes, with projects not only progressing steadily but also delivering impressive outcomes.

According to him, the state’s success is largely driven by the active involvement of its leadership, particularly the governor, whose hands-on approach has strengthened project delivery and accountability.

He explained that the World Bank has recently adopted reforms that place greater responsibility on state governments in implementing projects. This approach, he said, has enhanced transparency, improved performance, and ensured sustainability.

Under the current system, he added, access to funding is tied to a state’s readiness and ability to meet set performance benchmarks.

Despite limited resources, Verghis observed that Gombe has consistently delivered strong results, proving that effective leadership and commitment can overcome financial constraints.

He further highlighted the World Bank’s evolving development strategy in Nigeria, which now emphasises results-based financing and increased collaboration with the private sector to expand the impact of interventions.

The Country Director also commended Gombe’s efforts in early childhood development, particularly in areas such as maternal health, child survival, nutrition, and education, describing them as critical to long-term growth.

In his response, Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its continued partnership, noting that the collaboration has significantly boosted development across key sectors in the state.

He revealed that Gombe is currently implementing several World Bank-backed projects, with additional interventions expected in the near future.

The governor pointed out that although Gombe receives relatively low federal allocations, strategic partnerships have enabled the state to deliver meaningful projects that directly improve the lives of its residents.

He also highlighted ongoing efforts to expand healthcare access, stating that all 114 wards in the state now have at least one functional primary healthcare center, and many areas are already benefiting from additional facilities.

Reaffirming his administration’s focus on human capital development, Yahaya stressed the importance of investing in healthcare and nutrition, particularly for children, in line with global development priorities.

He assured the World Bank of the state’s steadfast dedication to transparency, accountability, and sustainability in all projects.

According to the governor, every intervention undertaken by his administration is designed to enhance the well-being of citizens and ensure lasting development outcomes.

The visit further reinforced the strong partnership between Gombe State and the World Bank, with both sides expressing readiness to deepen collaboration for sustained growth.