The Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has budgeted a total of N369.9 billion in 2025 to cover all sectors of the state economy and governance, hence the government is said to be a continuation.
In 2007, according to the Gombe State Government of Nigeria, Fourth Edition, the total population was 1.85 million, while in 2022, according to the National Population Commission of Nigeria, the population is 3,960,100, and the projected population for 2025 is around 4,037,696.
According to the 2006 Census, Gombe State is divided into 11 local government areas with populations based on the 2006 census.
These areas include Akko LGA with 337,853 people, Balanga LGA with 212,549 people, Billiri LGA with 202,144 people, Dukku LGA with 207,190 people, Funakaye LGA with 236,087 people, Gombe LGA with 268,000 people, Kaltungo LGA with 149,805 people, Kwami LGA with 195,298 people, Nafada LGA with 138,185 people, Shongom LGA with 151,520 people, and Yamaltu/Deba LGA with 255,248 people.
The total number of Gombe State civil servants is 52,000, comprising 18,000 state civil servants, 15,000 local government workers, and 17,000 local government education authority workers. These figures exclude the 8,000 state pensioners and 7,000 local government pensioners, who also benefit from the state’s economy, including unexpected expenditures.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has prioritised manpower development, focusing on quantity (manpower planning) and quality (personnel development). The government pays salaries and allowances promptly, ensuring transparency and accountability. The governor has also invested in employee training and development programs, including capacity-building initiatives, workshops, seminars, and conferences.
Some notable initiatives implemented by Governor Yahaya include the Development Agenda for Gombe State (DEVAGOM), a 10-year development plan aimed at harnessing the state’s potentials and tackling challenges. The plan prioritizes human capital development, focusing on education, health, and youth development.
The administration has also implemented the Network 11-100 initiative, aimed at opening up rural infrastructure projects and connecting rural communities. Additionally, the Gombe Goes Green (3G) initiative focuses on environmental sustainability and promoting green practices in the state.
In the education sector, Governor Yahaya has invested in improving education, including the Better Education and Service Delivery for All (BESDA) project. The administration has also renovated special schools for people with disabilities and established the Gombe State Disability Commission to promote the empowerment, inclusion, and well-being of persons with disabilities.
The governor’s commitment to transparency and accountability is evident in his publication of scorecards and financial activities for public scrutiny. His administration has also prioritized citizen-centric services, demonstrated by the signing of the Gombe State Disability Protection Law.
In conclusion, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration has made significant strides in manpower development, infrastructure, education, and social welfare. His commitment to transparency, accountability, and citizen-centric services has earned him recognition as a performing governor.
Ben Ngwakwe, writes from Gombe State.
