Text of a State-wide Broadcast by His Excellency Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, Governor of Gombe State, on the Occasion of New Year 2024 Celebration, Monday 1st January, 2024.
My dear people of Gombe State!
It is with gratitude and high sense of humility that I address you today as we bid farewell to the year 2023 and welcome the new year 2024.
2. I would like to begin by congratulating our Christian brothers and sisters for a joyous and hitch-free Christmas celebrations.
Gombe State is a melting pot of cultures, beliefs, and traditions. It is in the celebration of our cherished diversity that our strength as a people truly shines. May the spirit of Christmas continue to inspire unity, love, and harmony among us, irrespective of our differences.
3. The year 2023 has been a remarkable one for us in Gombe State and Nigeria at large. It is the year that witnessed my re-election as the governor of Gombe State as well as the election of H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. That signifies the collective will of our people to forge ahead towards progress in the spirit of renewed hope as being championed by Mr. President and our great party the APC.
4. I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the people of Gombe State for the honour to serve as your governor for another term of four years. I am deeply humbled by that honour, and I am committed to fulfilling the mandate you bestowed upon me with utmost commitment and dedication.
5. The removal of fuel subsidy, though a painful yet necessary decision, has resulted in a rising cost of living and economic hardships among Nigerians. Over the past 6 months, we have introduced policies like wage grants to civil servants, food and agricultural support, and other palliative measures aimed at cushioning the side effects of the resulting economic shocks. The first phase of our food palliative intervention which was rolled out in August 2023 targeted 420,000 poor and vulnerable people among us. Tomorrow, we are rolling out the second phase of our palliative food distribution program, targeting about 90,000 beneficiaries across the state. Already a committee has been set up under the chairmanship of H.E. Deputy Governor, with representation of various stakeholders to take charge of this responsibility.
6. Let me use this opportunity to commend our people for their resilience and understanding during these trying times. As we brace for tougher challenges in 2024, and as we begin to invest the gains of fuel subsidy removal in areas that deliver long-term growth and inclusive development, I have no doubt that together we shall weather the storms and emerge stronger.
7. As we mark the beginning of a new year, let us carry forward the lessons learned in 2023. Let us embrace the coming year with a renewed hope, determination, and common sense of purpose. In 2024, our focus will be on building a Gombe State that leaves no one behind, as articulated in our recently passed 2024 budget christined the “budget of continuity and consolidation.”
8. We will continue to invest in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, job creation, peace and security. We shall continue to harness our human and natural resources in order to put Gombe State on the path of sustainable progress and all-inclusive development.
9. The pursuit of lasting peace and security in our communities requires a united front. I therefore appeal to our traditional rulers, religious leaders and the general public to lend their guidance, cooperation and prayers for the prosperity and security of Gombe State and Nigeria at large. Let us all join hands to ensure that peace and harmony become the cornerstone of our shared existence.
10. In the spirit of the new year, and based on the recommendation of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, I have granted clemency to 39 convicted inmates in our custodial centres, out of which 26 inmates will be granted unconditional pardon, while the remaining 13 have their sentences commuted to shorter periods. It is our hope that the beneficiaries will turn a new leaf and embrace this opportunity for a fresh start.
11. Ladies and gentlemen, the challenges ahead are no doubt enormous, as the world continues to face increasing levels of economic and political uncertainties. I therefore urge each and every one of you to actively join hands with us in the task ahead. Your advice, prayers, and support are vital as we work together in order to shape the destiny of Gombe State. Let us strive for excellence, build resilience, encourage innovation, and foster a sense of collective ownership and shared aspirations.
12. On a final note, let me express my profound optimism for the year 2024. Together, we can make it a year of progress, resilience and growth.
Happy New Year, Gombe State!
Happy New Year Nigeria!
May this year bring us joy, peace and prosperity!