The Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in Gombe State witnessed a formal handover ceremony on Friday as the outgoing Commissioner, Alhaji Salihu Baba-Alkali, officially transferred leadership to the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Jalo Ibrahim Ali.
The event, held at the Ministry’s conference room, drew staff, associates, and well-wishers, marking the end of Alkali’s tenure following the recent dissolution of the State Executive Council by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa-Yahaya. The move is aimed at enabling political appointees aspiring to contest in the 2027 general elections to pursue their ambitions.
In his valedictory remarks, Alkali expressed deep appreciation to the governor for the opportunity to serve in what he described as a critical ministry.
“I am full of gratitude to Allah for bringing us this far. I thank His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for giving me the privilege to serve in this sensitive ministry,” he said.
Reflecting on his time in office, Alkali described his tenure as both “a privilege and a learning experience,” while commending the support he received from staff.
“To my Permanent Secretary, Statistician General, PC, GO-CARES, Directors, Heads of Department and all staff, I thank all of you collectively and individually. Together, we have achieved a lot and moved the Ministry forward,” he added.
The outgoing commissioner particularly praised the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Jalo Ibrahim-Ali, for his discipline and dedication to duty. He also acknowledged the contributions of his aides.
“I must appreciate my Confidential Secretary, Mrs. Gladys Amada, and my Personal Assistant, Hamza Umar Sulaiman, who stood by me day and night,” he said.
Alkali also used the opportunity to seek forgiveness from colleagues for any shortcomings during his time in office.
“I know that in the course of our work, I may have offended some of you knowingly or unknowingly. Please forgive me. There is a time for everything, and today marks my time to bow out in line with government directives,” he stated.
Highlighting key achievements recorded between 2023 and 2026, Alkali cited timely budget preparations, policy development, institutional reforms, and improvements in infrastructure and staff welfare as major milestones of his administration.
He noted that under his leadership, the ministry successfully ensured early passage of annual budgets, reviewed the state’s 10-year development plan, and developed strategic policies across agriculture, youth development, industry, and nutrition.
Receiving the handover notes, the Permanent Secretary, Ibrahim-Ali, commended Alkali’s leadership style and contributions to the growth of the ministry.
“Your dedication, foresight, and commitment have made the Ministry more vibrant and effective. You created an enabling environment for staff to contribute meaningfully to the success of the Ministry,” he said.
Ali also offered prayers for the outgoing commissioner’s future endeavors.
“We pray that Allah grants you success in your future pursuits and continues to guide you in all your endeavors,” he added.
Other staff members who spoke at the ceremony echoed similar sentiments, praising Alkali for his inclusive leadership and the opportunity to contribute to the ministry’s development.
The handover marks part of a broader transition across ministries in Gombe State following the dissolution of the Executive Council. With the development, the Permanent Secretary assumes administrative leadership of the ministry pending further directives from the state government.
The ceremony concluded with goodwill messages from attendees, symbolising the end of one administration and the beginning of another phase in the ministry’s operations.
