By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe
The Director-General of the Gombe State Joint Projects Development and Essential Social Services Agency, Dr Mahmood Yusuf, has reflected on his three years in office, describing the period as one of profound leadership experience, institutional growth and the execution of projects with direct impact on communities across the state.
Dr Yusuf, who is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Building, FNIOB, expressed appreciation to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, for finding him worthy to serve in the strategic position.
The Agency, formerly known as the Gombe State Joint Projects Development Agency, has since evolved into the Gombe State Joint Projects Development and Essential Social Services Agency, with an expanded mandate to drive developmental interventions and essential social services across the state.
Reflecting on his stewardship, Yusuf said the journey had not always been easy but had provided him with valuable lessons about leadership, public service and human relationships.
According to him, some of life’s most important lessons are not acquired within the four walls of a classroom but through interactions with people and the practical experiences that come with public responsibility.
“Working directly under His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has made me understand that leadership is ultimately about the impact one makes in the lives of others,” he said.
He noted that his years in office had taught him the importance of accountability, prudence, effective communication and listening to diverse opinions.
“The experience has broadened my understanding of leadership and public service. These past three years have been years well spent in my personal journey, and I remain deeply grateful to His Excellency for his tutelage, guidance and confidence in me,” Yusuf stated.
Projects Spread Across the 11 Local Government Areas:
The Director-General said the Agency had, within the period, recorded significant achievements through the execution of projects designed to improve infrastructure, strengthen grassroots administration, promote renewable energy and enhance economic activities across Gombe State.
Among the major interventions were the construction and reconstruction of Local Government and LCDA secretariats, markets, traditional institutions, bridges, police facilities, solar-powered infrastructure and mini-grid projects.
Akko Local Government
In Akko Local Government Area, the Agency undertook the reconstruction of the Akko Local Government Secretariat and the Gona Emir’s Palace.
Other projects included the procurement and installation of solar streetlights in Kumo and Tumfure, as well as the construction of the Akko West LCDA Secretariat in Pindiga and the Akko North LCDA Secretariat in Amada.
Balanga Local Government
Major interventions in Balanga include the provision of a one-megawatt solar mini-grid serving Tallasse and Swa communities, as well as the construction of the Balanga South LCDA Secretariat in Bambam.
The solar mini-grid project is expected to strengthen access to clean and sustainable energy while supporting economic and social activities in benefiting communities.
Billiri Local Government
Projects executed in Billiri Local Government include the reconstruction of the Gada-Uku–Sansani Bridge, construction of a police outpost at Amtawalam and the reconstruction of Kantoma Market.
The Agency also constructed the Billiri Grains Market and the Billiri West LCDA Secretariat at Tal.
Dukku Local Government
In Dukku, the Agency constructed the Dukku Motor Park, Grains and Cattle Market and provided solar streetlights within the town.
The Dukku North LCDA Secretariat at Malala was also constructed as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots administration.
Funakaye Local Government
In Funakaye Local Government Area, projects include the reconstruction of the Funakaye Emir’s Palace and the reconstruction and furnishing of 12 District Head Palaces.
The Agency also constructed 66 shops in Bajoga town, installed solar streetlights in Bajoga and Ashaka, and constructed the Funakaye South LCDA Secretariat in Tongo.
Gombe Local Government
In Gombe Local Government Area, the Agency undertook the reconstruction of the Idi Shopping Complex and the construction of the Gombe South LCDA Secretariat in Bolari.
The reconstruction and upgrading of the Gombe Emir’s Palace also formed part of the interventions.
Kwami Local Government
Projects in Kwami include the reconstruction and furnishing of 11 District Head Palaces and the installation of solar streetlights across several communities, including Kwami, Gadam, Bojude, Doho, Malam Sidi, Malleri, Jurara, Dukul and Daban Fulani.
The Agency also constructed the Kwami West LCDA Secretariat in Bojude.
Kaltungo Local Government
In Kaltungo, the Agency reconstructed the Local Government Secretariat and constructed market stalls at the Kaltungo Market.
Also completed was the construction of the Kaltungo East LCDA Secretariat at Tula Wange.
Nafada Local Government
In Nafada Local Government Area, the Agency constructed the Nafada Local Government Secretariat and provided solar streetlights in Nafada town and surrounding communities.
Communities benefiting from the solar streetlight intervention include Jigawan Nafada, Gadukku, Boro Wunde, Boro Nasarawo, Birin Fulani and Birin Bolawa.
The Nafada South LCDA Secretariat at Birin Fulani was also constructed.
Shongom Local Government
Projects executed in Shongom include the construction of part of the Shongom Local Government Secretariat and seven District Head Palaces.
The Agency also provided a 650KWH solar mini-grid in Filiya town and constructed the Pero-Chonge LCDA Secretariat in Filiya.
Yamaltu/Deba Local Government
In Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area, the Agency provided fencing, solar streetlights and a solar-powered borehole with four fetching points at the National Agricultural Land Development Authority, NALDA, Market in Kwadon.
Solar streetlights were also installed in Deba, Dadin Kowa, Hinna, Kwadon, Wajari, Gwani, Shinga and Wade communities.
The Agency further constructed the Yamaltu East LCDA Secretariat at Dadin Kowa and the Yamaltu West LCDA Secretariat at Zambuk.
Council of Emirs Secretariat Nears Completion
Dr Yusuf also disclosed that the construction of the Gombe State Council of Emirs and Chiefs Secretariat was progressing steadily and had reached about 95 per cent completion.
He said the project, when completed, would provide a befitting institutional structure for the traditional leadership system in the state.
The Director-General attributed the successes recorded by the Agency to the support and guidance of Governor Inuwa Yahaya, as well as the cooperation of stakeholders, staff members and communities across the state.
He expressed optimism that the Agency would continue to play a strategic role in the implementation of development projects aimed at improving the living conditions of the people.
“I sincerely thank everyone for their unwavering support throughout this journey. The achievements recorded are a product of collective effort, and I hope we will continue to work together to move our dear state forward,” Yusuf said.
As the Agency enters another phase of its development mandate, its interventions across the 11 Local Government Areas underscore the Gombe State Government’s continued emphasis on grassroots development, infrastructure expansion, renewable energy and the strengthening of institutions at the community level.