World Bank Hails Gombe as Benchmark for Impactful Governance

Published

3 weeks ago

March 19, 2026

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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.

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Gov. Inuwa Yahaya Dissolves Gombe Executive Council

Published

17 hours ago

April 8, 2026

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Gov. Inuwa Yahaya Dissolves Gombe Executive Council

By Auwal Ahmad Umar, Gombe

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has dissolved the State Executive Council in a move widely seen as an early political reset ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The decision was announced on Wednesday by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, shortly after what he described as an “extraordinary session” of the council convened to review the performance of the administration over the past two and a half years of the governor’s second term.

Addressing journalists in Gombe, Njodi said the meeting served as a “postmortem” of governance activities under the current administration and concluded that the government had recorded significant progress across sectors.

According to him, the council gave itself more than a mere pass mark, saying the administration had posted “excellent results” in the delivery of governance and development programmes.

He explained that after reviewing both governance and the prevailing political climate, Governor Inuwa Yahaya decided it had become necessary to dissolve the cabinet to create room for members of the executive and other political appointees who may wish to pursue personal political ambitions.

Njodi said the governor’s action was aimed at ensuring fairness and providing a level playing field for all those interested in seeking elective positions ahead of the next election cycle.

“As part of the governor’s directive, all commissioners are to hand over the affairs of their respective ministries to the Permanent Secretaries not later than Friday, April 10, 2026,” the SSG said.

He added that the directive also affects political appointees, aides, and even public and civil servants who may be interested in contesting elective offices in 2027.

The SSG said those in government service who intend to join partisan politics have been advised to resign from their current positions on or before April 10.

The dissolution marks a major shift in the structure of the Gombe State government and could trigger a fresh wave of political alignments within the state’s ruling circle as preparations gradually gather momentum for the next general elections.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya, who also serves as Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, was quoted as expressing appreciation to the outgoing commissioners and affected appointees for what he described as their loyalty, commitment and service to the state.

He commended them for their individual and collective roles in implementing his administration’s agenda, noting that the successes recorded in different sectors were made possible through teamwork and dedication.

The governor also wished the outgoing officials well in their future endeavours, particularly those planning to seek elective offices.

Njodi further said the governor extended special appreciation to journalists in the state for their support and continued coverage of government activities.

He urged the media to remain supportive, responsible and law-abiding while continuing to play their role in strengthening governance and public accountability in Gombe State.

The cabinet dissolution is expected to reshape the political atmosphere in Gombe in the coming weeks, as attention gradually shifts from governance to political calculations ahead of 2027.

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Gombe

Inuwa Yahaya Pays Last Respect as Gombe Mourns Elder Statesman Manu Malala

Published

20 hours ago

April 8, 2026

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Inuwa Yahaya Pays Last Respect as Gombe Mourns Elder Statesman Manu Malala

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Gombe State was thrown into mourning following the death of respected elder statesman and community leader, Alhaji Manu Malala, who passed away in Gombe after a prolonged illness.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya led top government officials and sympathisers to the Bubayero Central Mosque, the Emir’s Palace, and Gombe, where the funeral prayer (Janazah) for the late elder statesman was held.

In a condolence message, the governor described the deceased as a patriotic leader, a grassroots mobiliser, and a committed public servant whose life was devoted to service, humility, and the advancement of his community.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya said the late Manu Malala left behind a legacy of dedication and sacrifice, noting that he played key roles in public service and governance in Gombe State.

He recalled that the deceased served meritoriously in several capacities, including as local government secretary and a member of the Civil Service Commission Board, among other assignments that contributed significantly to public administration and community development.

The governor further praised the late elder statesman for his strong influence in grassroots politics and community leadership, saying his wisdom, experience and ability to unite people across political and social lines made him a highly respected figure in the state.

According to him, the passing of Alhaji Manu Malala is not only a painful loss to his immediate family but also a huge setback for Gombe State, especially for those who benefited from his guidance, counsel and commitment to public service.

On behalf of the government and people of Gombe State, Governor Inuwa Yahaya extended heartfelt condolences to the Deputy Chairman of Dukku Local Government, Hon. Umar Manu Malala, his siblings and the entire Manu Malala family for the painful loss.

He prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, accept his lifetime of service to humanity, and grant him Aljannat Firdaus.

The death of Alhaji Manu Malala has continued to draw tributes from political associates, community leaders, and residents, many of whom remember him as a man of peace, integrity, and unwavering dedication to serving society.

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