Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe State has said his administration is determined to replicate the Local Council Development Area (LCDA) model successfully implemented in Lagos State under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The governor made this known on Thursday during his statewide development tour, which took him to Kwami and Dukku Local Government Areas for the inspection, commissioning and foundation laying of key projects.
Speaking at the foundation laying ceremony for the construction of the Kwami West LCDA Secretariat in Bojude, Governor Yahaya said the initiative was aimed at deepening governance at the grassroots.
“The establishment of Local Council Development Areas is designed to bring governance closer to the people and accelerate development at the grassroots. This initiative was inspired by the model successfully implemented in Lagos under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and we are optimistic that we will replicate that success here in Gombe State,” the governor stated.
During his visit to Kwami Local Government Area, the governor inspected the remodeled palace of the Senior District Head of Malam Sidi, describing traditional institutions as critical partners in peacebuilding and community development.
“Traditional institutions remain vital to community leadership and conflict resolution. Remodeling these palaces is part of our commitment to strengthening their role in maintaining peace and stability,” he said.
Governor Yahaya also inspected the 28-kilometre Gadam–Yame–Kyari to Malam Sidi road, a strategic project linking communities within Kwami West and Kwami.
“This road will enhance connectivity, boost agricultural activities and open up economic opportunities for our people,” he added.
He later commissioned the Mega Non-Formal Learning Center (Modern Tsangaya School) in Bojude, noting that reforming the Tsangaya system remains a key priority of his administration.
“Our goal is to integrate the Tsangaya system into a modern framework that provides a conducive learning environment for almajiri pupils, combining Qur’anic education with formal learning and vocational skills,” Yahaya said.
Earlier, the Chairman of Kwami Local Government, Dr. Ahmed Wali, commended the governor’s interventions.
“These projects directly impact the lives of our people. They will stimulate economic activities and ensure enhanced development and progress across our communities,” Wali said.
Similarly, the Senior District Head of Kwami, Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi, expressed appreciation for the remodeling of his palace and others across the area.
“We are grateful to His Excellency for remembering traditional rulers in his development agenda. This gesture has strengthened our institutions and morale,” he said.
The governor later proceeded to Dukku Local Government Area, where he commissioned a modern combined facility housing a motor park, cattle market and grains market named after him.
He said the integrated market complex would serve as a commercial hub for farmers, traders and livestock dealers.
“This facility will significantly boost commercial activities in Dukku and neighboring communities. It is part of our broader strategy to strengthen agriculture and trade,” Yahaya stated.
He also commissioned a Non-Formal Learning Center (Modern Tsangaya School) in Dukku, reiterating his administration’s commitment to expanding access to education.
“We are determined to provide almajiri children with opportunities to acquire both Qur’anic and formal education, as well as practical skills that will make them self-reliant,” he said.
As part of the visit, the governor inspected the ongoing 32-kilometre Dukku–Zange road project, expected to be completed within three months, as well as the Gombe–Abba to Kirfi road funded by the North East Development Commission.
At the foundation laying ceremony for the Dukku North LCDA Secretariat at Malala, Yahaya emphasized the importance of strengthening governance structures in rural communities.
“The creation and development of LCDAs will enhance administrative efficiency and accelerate socio-economic progress in our rural communities,” he said.
The Chairman of Dukku Local Government, Hon. Adamu Waziri, described the projects as transformative.
“These are timely interventions that will significantly improve the livelihoods of our people,” Waziri noted.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the Gombe State Joint Project Development Agency, Bldr. Mahmood Yusuf, said the projects were deliberately designed to create functional administrative and economic hubs.
“These projects align with the governor’s vision of promoting long-term development, economic growth and administrative efficiency across the state,” he explained.
Also speaking, the Emir of Dukku, His Royal Highness Alhaji Haruna Rasheed II, appreciated the state government for its continued support.
“The market complex and other projects commissioned today will stimulate socio-economic activities across the emirate and improve the wellbeing of our people,” the monarch said.
