Gwamna urges APC unity, support for Tinubu

By Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

The consensus governorship standard bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State, Dr Jamil Isyaku Gwamna, has enjoined the people of the state to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that party unity is crucial for victory in next year’s general election.

He said that the task of building Gombe is a collective effort, recalling how he rallied round Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for the interest of the state and the people, stressing that politicians should learn to humble themselves to authority and God.

While extending a hand of partnership to fellow aspirants and their supporters, Gwamna said he remains grateful to Governor Yahaya for the able way he has been piloting the affairs of the state.

He urged those kicking against the consensus approach in the party primary to look at the overall benefit to peacebuilding as well as the cost-effectiveness, assuring them that he intends to sustain and build upon the policies and programs that have positioned Gombe as a model of progress, peace, and purposeful governance in Nigeria.

Gwamna said that his vision, which is encapsulated in the “Let’s Build Gombe Together” mantra, is rooted in inclusivity and collective responsibility, stressing that peace and unity should characterise the coming electioneering season.

While noting that he made a similar sacrifice in the past, the APC consensus governorship candidate said he will always recognize the fact that every aspirant and stakeholder played a vital role in strengthening the party and advancing the development of the state.

“We have no other home but Gombe State. Our ambitions must align with a higher purpose: to build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future for our people.

“I extend my hand of fellowship to my brothers and sisters who aspired for this position. Your ideas, your energy, and your commitment to Gombe remain invaluable. Together, we can achieve far more than any individual effort,” he asserted.

May Day: Gov.  Inuwa praises Gombe workers, promises improved welfare, safer workplaces

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has commended workers in Gombe State for their contributions to governance and development, pledging sustained efforts to improve their welfare and working conditions.

In a message to mark the 2026 International Workers’ Day, the governor described the workforce as central to his administration’s achievements and future plans.

“Workers are the driving force behind governance and development in Gombe State,” he said.

The statement, issued on Friday in Gombe by the Director-General of Press Affairs, Ismaila Uba Misilli, quoted the governor as appreciating the resilience and commitment of workers across sectors.

“Today, we celebrate the determination and hard work of our workforce. Your sacrifices are the pillars of our achievements,” Mr Yahaya said.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritising workers’ welfare, noting that Gombe was among the first states to implement the national minimum wage.

“Even in the face of economic challenges, we have ensured consistent payment of salaries, pensions and entitlements,” he added.

The governor also assured that his government would clear outstanding gratuities owed to retirees at both state and local government levels.

“We are committed to clearing all outstanding gratuities owed to our retirees,” he said.

Speaking on the 2026 Workers’ Day theme, *“Ensuring Safety and Health at Work in a Changing Climate”,* the governor said the government has taken steps to improve workplace conditions.

“Our goal is to create safer, healthier and more productive workplaces for every worker,” he said.

He also acknowledged the role of organised labour in maintaining industrial harmony in the state.

“The cooperation of organised labour has been key to maintaining industrial peace in our state,” he noted.

Gov. Yahaya said his recent approval for the full implementation of the new national minimum wage for local government workers would take effect from May 2026, covering staff of the 11 local government councils, local education authorities and primary healthcare workers.

“We have achieved 100 per cent implementation of the national minimum wage for local government workers,” he said.

The governor urged workers to remain committed despite economic challenges and called on residents to maintain peace as political activities intensify.

“I urge all citizens to remain peaceful, united and responsible as we approach the political season,” he said.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to placing workers at the centre of governance while promoting fairness and inclusive development across the state.

Gombe Enlists Media, Influencers to Tackle Polio Gaps, Boost HPV Vaccine Uptake

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Gombe State has mobilised media professionals and social media influencers to strengthen public awareness and improve the uptake of polio and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines as part of a renewed immunisation drive.

Health authorities say the initiative is aimed at closing coverage gaps, combating vaccine hesitancy, and ensuring that more children especially young girls—are protected from preventable diseases.

Speaking during an engagement meeting with media practitioners and digital influencers ahead of the May round of Sub-National Immunisation Plus Days (SNIPDs), the Gombe State Consultant of the Christian Health Association of Nigeria (CHAN), Emily Madina, described the collaboration as vital to the success of the campaign.

She noted that the engagement was designed as a demonstration exercise to highlight the importance of vaccination and the need for stronger community participation.

“Today’s engagement is critical because the media has a strong influence in shaping people’s attitudes towards health programmes. We want communities to understand what is happening and where to access vaccines,” she said.

Ms. Madina explained that the campaign focuses primarily on the polio vaccine while also promoting awareness of the HPV vaccine, which helps prevent cervical cancer.

“We are working to ensure that children are protected against polio, while also promoting HPV vaccination to safeguard young girls from cervical cancer, which is becoming increasingly common,” she added.

Due to limited availability of the HPV vaccine, she said priority is being given to younger girls, particularly those around nine years old, to ensure early protection.

She also stressed the need to reach underserved communities with limited access to healthcare, noting that no eligible child should be excluded from the programme.

Also speaking, the monitoring and evaluation officer of the Gombe State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Abubakar Muazu Hayaki, said the state is reviewing past immunisation performance to strengthen future interventions.

“We are analysing previous data to determine whether we are making progress or where we need to do more. There are still gaps, especially in polio vaccination coverage and other key health interventions,” he said.

Mr Hayaki revealed that performance trends in some areas have declined, despite expectations of improvement, underscoring the need for renewed strategies, particularly in addressing the low uptake of HPV vaccination and enhancing polio vaccination coverage.

He added that, while the state is set to fully implement the upcoming polio campaign, HPV vaccination remains part of routine immunisation and continues to record low uptake.

“Although HPV vaccination is ongoing as part of routine services, its uptake is still very low. That is why we are engaging the media to help raise awareness and encourage communities to take advantage of the vaccine,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration with media and influencers to improve public understanding and counter misinformation about vaccines.

The immunisation campaign is scheduled to begin on Saturday and last for 14 days, with authorities targeting improved coverage across communities in the state.

The initiative underscores growing partnerships between health stakeholders, the media, and digital influencers in addressing preventable diseases and strengthening primary healthcare delivery in Gombe State.