By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe
A governorship aspirant in Gombe State, Dr Langa H. B. Bangunji, has outlined a comprehensive development agenda aimed at transforming the state if elected in the 2027 gubernatorial election.
Bangunji said his vision for a “New Gombe State” will focus on strengthening institutions, improving human capital development, expanding infrastructure, and empowering citizens across all sectors of the economy.
According to him, the proposed agenda prioritises the restructuring and revitalisation of the civil service to enhance efficiency, professionalism, and effective service delivery across government ministries, departments, and agencies.
He also emphasised human capital development, noting that the state will invest heavily in specialised training programmes in key professional fields such as medicine, engineering, computer science, pharmacy, law, teaching, and laboratory technology in order to build a highly skilled workforce capable of driving sustainable development.
On security, Dr Bangunji pledged to strengthen the protection of lives and property by enhancing the capacity of state security outfits while working closely with federal security agencies to ensure improved intelligence gathering and rapid response to security challenges.
The aspirant further promised equitable infrastructural development across the eleven local government areas of the state, stressing that development must reach both urban and rural communities.
In the education sector, he proposed massive recruitment of qualified teachers at primary and secondary school levels, improved subventions for tertiary institutions in the state, and the introduction of a new salary structure for teachers to improve welfare and motivation.
He also highlighted plans for the large-scale provision of school furniture, textbooks, and other essential teaching and learning materials.
For the health sector, Dr Bangunji said his administration would prioritise recruitment and continuous training of medical personnel, alongside improved remuneration and welfare packages for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and laboratory technologists.
He added that special incentives would be introduced for medical professionals serving in rural communities to address the shortage of healthcare workers in remote areas.
In the areas of transportation, housing, and agriculture, the aspirant said his administration would embark on the construction of housing estates for civil servants, improve the state’s transportation system, and expand road networks to better connect rural communities with urban centres.
He also pledged strong support for farmers through the provision of farm inputs such as fertilizers, improved seeds, chemicals, and tractors at subsidised rates, as well as the establishment of mechanisms for government purchase of grains at fair prices to minimise post-harvest losses.
Dr Bangunji further proposed the establishment of an Interfaith Agency to promote peaceful coexistence among religious groups.
The agency, he explained, would facilitate dialogue between religious leaders and help moderate public discourse during sermons to prevent actions that could threaten peace and unity in the state.
On women and youth empowerment, the aspirant said his administration would support entrepreneurs through targeted programmes aimed at expanding small and medium enterprises in areas such as poultry farming, fishery, carpentry, tailoring, cosmetology, event management, and information technology training.
He also promised stronger support for traditional institutions, including improved funding and the enactment of legislation to clearly define and strengthen the roles, responsibilities, and authority of traditional rulers within their domains.
Dr Bangunji stated that these policy priorities represent key pillars of his development blueprint for Gombe State if elected as governor in 2027.
