GOVERNOR Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, recently had a series of strategic engagements in Abuja, demonstrating his commitment to driving economic growth and propelling Gombe State into a new era of development.
These proactive efforts underscore his resolve to prioritizing the interests of Gombe above all else, cementing his position as an exemplary and visionary leader focused on progress and advancement of his state.
One of the key discussions he had, involved a high-level meeting with the management of the Raw Materials, Research and Development Council (RMRDC) led by the Director-General/ CEO, Professor Hussaini Ibrahim.
The strategic session aimed to explore and forge collaborative opportunities between the RMRDC, the Gombe State Government, and Michigan State University (MSU) United States of America with the objective to harness Gombe’s vast raw material resources, specifically by bolstering projects such as fortifying the Dairy value chain and implementing Solar/Renewable energy-powered fish drying technologies in rural communities.
During the meeting, Governor Inuwa highlighted Gombe State’s conducive business environment, citing its Ease of Doing Business status, central location, peaceful nature and abundance of raw materials as attractive factors for potential investments and partnerships.
The Governor reiterated the state’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for collaborations that will drive industrial growth, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the socio-economic development of Gombe State.
He emphasized the state’s openness to welcome research and development initiatives while affirming its readiness to facilitate the establishment of necessary infrastructure and provide support for capacity building programmes aimed at enhancing the skills of stakeholders in identified sectors.
The discussions concluded with a mutual commitment from both parties to further explore and advance the collaborations proposed by the RMRDC with the aim to create tangible socio-economic impacts through innovative projects and partnerships in Gombe State.
Another significant engagement saw Governor Inuwa Yahaya advocating for comprehensive road infrastructure development during discussions with the Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi.
Stressing the importance of robust road networks in fostering socio-economic progress, the Governor urged for Federal Government intervention to address the existing road infrastructure challenges in Gombe State and the wider North East region.
The Governor of Gombe State, who is also the Chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) pleaded for comprehensive federal road networks in Gombe State and all six states of northeastern Nigeria.
The Governor believes providing comprehensive federal road coverage is critical to the socio-economic growth and development of the Northeast, calling the federal government to construct roads in various trunk A routes across the subregion that have made movement of goods and services difficult over the years.
In response, Engr Umahi assured the Governor that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda will address road deficits in the subregion.
He shared his words of encouragement with the Governor and commended him for his passion to make a great difference in his State.
The Minister’s positive response further reinforced the potential collaboration between the states and federal government in tackling these crucial challenges.
Also, the Governor’s visit to the headquarters of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) echoed his determination to advancing digital literacy and E-governance initiatives in Gombe.
He is exploring potential areas of partnership with NITDA with the aim of equipping youths and women in the state with essential digital skills and advancing e- governance to enhance efficiency and productivity.
The meeting was particularly significant as Gombe State was recently recognized by NITDA as the ‘Most Digitally Compliant State’ in Nigeria.
Gombe State, under the leadership of Governor Inuwa Yahaya, has set an ambitious goal to automate all government operations to align with broader national efforts towards a more digitally inclined governance structure.
Gombe, known for its skilled manpower, proudly holds the position of the ‘Best State in Ease of Doing Business’ in Nigeria. The collaboration with NITDA will further amplify this reputation and facilitate the integration of cutting-edge technology into various sectors in order to ensure that Gombe remains at the forefront of digital transformation in the country.
Also in Abuja, Governor Inuwa Yahaya participated in the Nigeria Governors’ Forum meeting where the states chief executives had fruitful discourse with various development partners across diverse sectors with the Gombe Governor leveraging the opportunities for his State’s holistic advancement.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s purposeful engagements in Abuja exemplify a leader determined to unlock Gombe’s potential and address critical developmental challenges in its transformative journey towards greatness.
His proactive pursuit of partnerships, focus on infrastructural development, commitment to digital transformation, and proactive engagement with stakeholders reflect a visionary leadership aimed at positioning Gombe at the forefront of progress and development in Nigeria.
Misilli is Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House, Gombe.