The Arewa Christian Youth Leadership Forum (ACYLF) has applauded Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for approving the sum of ₦6.563 billion for the payment of outstanding gratuities to retirees in the state, describing the move as a bold, humane, and responsible action.
The commendation followed the Governor’s approval during the 48th State Executive Council meeting for the settlement of gratuities owed to retirees from 2021, 2022, and 2023. The payments are to be disbursed in phases, beginning in October 2025.
In a statement signed by the forum’s chairman, Dunijir Gatama, ACYLF said Governor Yahaya’s action demonstrated a rare commitment to leadership accountability, fiscal discipline, and empathy—qualities the forum noted were increasingly missing in governance.
“This is a landmark act of justice to our senior citizens. Governor Yahaya’s decision is not just about money—it’s about restoring dignity, fulfilling promises, and rebuilding trust in leadership,” Gatama said.
According to the disbursement schedule, ₦1.954 billion will be paid in October to retirees from 2021, ₦2.267 billion in November to 2022 retirees, and ₦2.342 billion in December to those who retired in 2023.
Gatama praised the governor for choosing to act even in his final term in office, noting that, “At a time when many outgoing leaders retreat into silence or ignore critical obligations, Governor Inuwa Yahaya has chosen to do what is right rather than what is politically expedient.”
He added that since taking office in 2019, the governor had inherited a backlog of ₦21 billion in unpaid gratuities and had so far cleared over ₦17 billion, showing consistency in addressing workers’ welfare.
The group also hailed the governor’s decision to approve ₦299 million for the settlement of entitlements owed to staff of the now-defunct Gombe State Investment and Property Development Company, describing the move as “evidence of administrative maturity and institutional reform.”
“Legacy is not built by promises, but by bold actions that touch lives and inspire confidence in governance,” Gatama stressed.
ACYLF further called on other governors across Northern Nigeria to emulate the Gombe Governor’s example in prioritizing the welfare of retirees and honoring social contracts.
“This is what governance with integrity looks like,” the statement concluded.
