The Journey from 26 September 1991 to 26 September 2026
My journey into the Gombe State Civil Service began on 26 September 1991 in the then Bauchi State Ministry of Information and Culture. I was employed as a Technical Assistant under the Directorate of Information, where my primary responsibility was to manage the Government Public Address System and ensure effective communication during official functions and programmes.
After two years at the Directorate, I proceeded for a one-year in-service training at the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, in the Department of Electrical/Electronic Engineering from 1994 to 1995. I obtained a Certificate in Electrical/Electronics Installation and Costing.
The training broadened my knowledge and enhanced my effectiveness as a Technical Assistant, placing me in a better position to cover major government events. My dedication and competence earned me commendations for excellence in service.
Among my notable assignments was the coverage of the 1992 African Handball Cup Winners’ Championship, held at the Multi-Purpose Indoor Sports Hall, Bauchi, from 16 to 29 April 1992. For my contribution, I received a Certificate of Participation and Commendation for excellent service.
Similarly, following a one-month relief assignment at the Government House in 1995, I received a letter of commendation from the Office of the Chief Press Secretary to the then Military Administrator of Bauchi State, Wing Commander James Yana-Kalau, in recognition of my exemplary conduct and dedication to duty.
THE BIRTH OF GOMBE STATE
On the creation of Gombe State on 1 October 1996 by the administration of the late General Sani Abacha, I was posted to the Government House Press Department as part of the entourage of the newly appointed Military Administrator of Gombe State.
Among the Administrator’s entourage were three commissioners — Dr Jalo Daudu, Mr M.T. Mona and the late Barrister Bulus Sagada — as well as the Secretary to the State Government, Mohammed Baba Akko; the late Head of Service, Suleiman Kassis; the then Principal Private Secretary (PPS), Alhaji Abubakar Sule Bage (of blessed memory); and other senior government officials.
My journey in the Gombe State Civil Service took a significant turn when I accompanied the then Bauchi State Military Administrator, Colonel Theophilus Bamboye, to receive the newly posted pioneer Military Administrator of Gombe State, Group Captain James I. Orji.
The reception party proceeded to Gombe, where the jubilation and celebration over the creation of the new state were immense. Hundreds of citizens gathered at Wuro-Dole, a border town between Bauchi and Gombe, to witness and be part of history.
Upon our arrival at the palace of the Emir of Gombe, the two Military Administrators were received by the late Emir of Gombe, HRH Alhaji Shehu Abubakar, alongside other traditional rulers, prominent elders and members of the community.
Serving under the supervision of the pioneer Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Military Administrator, Mr Bitrus Galmaka, my expertise in managing the Public Address System, newspaper cuttings and documentation grew considerably.
The period was not without its challenges. Gombe was a newly created state, and the pioneer Military Administrator and his team were literally starting from scratch. It was a difficult period, but the Administrator and his staff were determined to lay a solid foundation for the new state.
I vividly recall how we frequently shuttled between Government House and the then Gombe Local Government offices, which temporarily served as the state secretariat. A small council chamber was used for State Executive Council meetings, courtesy calls and other government functions.
Later, two additional venues were identified and renovated at Government Science Secondary School, Gombe, to serve as the Executive Council Chamber and a venue for hosting government functions and programmes.
SERVING UNDER THE MILITARY ADMINISTRATIONS
Following changes within the military high command, the late Colonel Mohammed Inuwa Bawa was redeployed from Ekiti State to replace the pioneer Military Administrator, Group Captain J.I. Orji.
Despite the change in leadership, I was retained at Government House, where I continued my duties under a new Chief Press Secretary, the late Mr Elisha Ingilah.
Serving under two Military Administrators of Gombe State taught me valuable lessons in discipline, hard work, commitment and resilience. It also exposed me to some of the fundamental principles required to help a newly created state find its footing.
I believe these qualities, coupled with my dedication to duty, were among the reasons both Military Administrators recognised my modest contributions to the development of the state. Between 1996 and 1999, they personally signed letters of commendation in recognition of my diligent service.
THE RETURN TO DEMOCRACY
With the return to democracy in 1999, His Excellency Alhaji Abubakar Habu Hashidu (of blessed memory) emerged as the first civilian Governor of Gombe State.
Despite the change in the system of administration, my service continued at Government House under the supervision of the late Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar for four years, from 1999 to 2003.
Following the end of Governor Abubakar Habu Hashidu’s tenure, I continued my service under the administration of Governor Muhammadu Danjuma Goje.
During Governor Goje’s eight-year tenure, I had the privilege of working with the following image-makers: Alhaji Mohammed Ahmed Yidikawu, who served as Senior Special Assistant (SSA), Media and Publicity, and Alhaji Adamu Musa Kumo, who initially served as SSA Media and later became Permanent Secretary, Press Affairs.
During the administration of Governor Muhammadu Danjuma Goje, I was privileged to be appointed as one of his Personal Assistants (PAs) in the Media Directorate from 2007 to 2011. I regarded the appointment as a reward for my hard work, dedication and contribution to the system.
I remain deeply grateful to Governor, now Senator, Muhammadu Danjuma Goje, for the opportunity and confidence reposed in me.
THE DANKWAMBO YEARS
The administration of His Excellency Dr Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo ushered in another important chapter in my career.
For eight years, I continued to serve as Head of the Technical Unit and Information Officer. During this period, Alhaji Adamu Musa Kumo and the late Mansur Lawan served as Press Secretaries.
My responsibilities continued to expand, giving me opportunities to further develop my professional skills and contribute to the communication and information-management functions of Government House.
THE INUWA YAHAYA ADMINISTRATION
In 2019, when His Excellency Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, assumed office as the fourth democratically elected Governor of Gombe State, the Ministry of Information, Culture and Ethical Orientation redeployed me to serve in a dual capacity as Information Officer at Government House/Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), in addition to managing the Technical Unit.
Despite the multiple responsibilities attached to my posting, my commitment to service remained resolute and unwavering.
Working under the supervision of the Director-General, Press Affairs, Ismaila Uba Misilli, a highly decorated media expert, significantly broadened my experience and understanding of government communication and media operations.
At the Office of the Secretary to the Gombe State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, my responsibilities included handling media and protocol activities for the SSG, alongside other assignments as directed by the Chief Scribe.
Serving under His Excellency Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya through the SSG’s office also gave me the opportunity to serve on various committees. These assignments afforded me the rare privilege of interacting with high-profile personalities who visited Gombe State on study tours.
Among them were participants from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) and the National Defence College, among others.
My modest contribution to the success of these engagements earned me recognition from the SSG, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi.
In addition, participants from the National Defence College, Abuja, on a study tour of Gombe State, honoured me with an award of recognition in 2025.
A NEW CHAPTER
In 2025, I was privileged to be deployed to the Gombe State House of Assembly Service Commission as Assistant Chief Information Officer (ACIO).
I sincerely thank His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, and the Secretary to the Gombe State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, for facilitating this deployment.
My family and I will remain eternally grateful for this immeasurable honour and gesture of goodwill.
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Throughout my years in service, I remained committed to self-development and continuous learning. I was able to pursue additional qualifications, which contributed to my promotions and eventual conversion to another cadre.
My academic and professional qualifications include:
- Certificate in Electrical Installation and Costing, Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi — 1994.
- B.Sc. in Criminology and Security Studies, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) — 2014.
- Master of Public Administration (MPA), Gombe State University — 2020.
I was privileged to begin my civil service career shortly after completing my secondary education at GSS Fufuk, at the age of 20, and to complete my service at the age of 55, still in good health and with gratitude to God.
I was also privileged to be among those sponsored by the Gombe State Government in 2007 to undertake the Holy Christian Pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
LESSONS FROM 35 YEARS OF SERVICE
Thirty-five years of service, most of them spent within the corridors of power, afforded me much more than professional experience. It taught me valuable lessons about leadership, responsibility, patience, discipline and human relations.
Most importantly, I learned how to cultivate healthy relationships with people from different backgrounds, with different views, personalities and characters.
I started well and, by the grace of God, I am finishing well — in good health and with a clear conscience. To God be the glory.
Throughout my 35 years of service, I served without blemish. I was never found wanting and never received a query, warning or suspension. Instead, I was privileged to receive five letters of commendation for jobs well done.
I consider this one of the greatest achievements of my career.
God Almighty made it possible for me to be among the privileged few who contributed their quota to the founding and development of Gombe State, from its earliest days to the state it is today.
With God’s help, I served with integrity, dignity, patience, resilience and contentment.
PEOPLE — THE TRUE WEALTH
Over the course of my service, I met a great many people, and I am proud of that.
As the Hausa adage says, “Mutane arzikin mutum” — people are one’s true wealth.
The relationships I built and the people I encountered along this journey remain among the greatest treasures of my career.
As I bow out of service to my state as a civil servant, I sincerely thank Almighty God for seeing me through.
I also thank all those, too numerous to mention, who supported me in one way or another throughout my life’s journey.
May God Almighty bless and richly reward you all.
The experience I have acquired in government service — particularly in media, protocol, public communication and other areas — remains my greatest asset going forward.
As I exit the civil service today, I remain optimistic that God’s favour and grace will continue to abide with me, now and always.
Amen.
WORDS OF GRATITUDE
Once again, I express my profound gratitude to His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, and all the staff of Government House; the Secretary to the Gombe State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, and the staff of the SSG’s office; all staff of the Ministry of Information; the Chairman, members and staff of the Gombe State House of Assembly Service Commission; the Press Directorate of Government House, Gombe; and my colleagues in the media for all the cooperation, support and goodwill extended to me throughout my years of service.
I also extend my deepest appreciation to my family and my church for their prayers, sacrifices, encouragement and unwavering support.
My special thanks go to Mrs Rhoda Sulei, Mrs Mary Manjank and the late Dr Y.J. Manjak, through whom the Lord made my employment a reality.
I will forever remain grateful to everyone who played a role, whether directly or indirectly, in making this journey possible.
THE END OF A JOURNEY — AND THE BEGINNING OF ANOTHER
After 35 years of dedicated service, I leave the civil service with gratitude in my heart, pride in my journey and hope for the future.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have served Gombe State from its earliest days and to have witnessed, participated in and contributed, however modestly, to its growth and development.
I leave with no bitterness, no regret and no unfinished business — only gratitude to God and appreciation for the people who made the journey worthwhile.
My story is not one of perfection, but it is one of commitment. It is a story of starting with little, learning continuously, embracing responsibility, serving faithfully and remaining steadfast through changing administrations and circumstances.
Above all, it is a testimony to the faithfulness of God.
From a 20-year-old young man who entered public service after completing his secondary education at GSS Fufuk, to a 55-year-old civil servant completing 35 years of service, the journey has been long, challenging, rewarding and memorable.
I started well.
I served with integrity.
I endured.
I learned.
I grew.
And, by the special grace of Almighty God, I am ending well.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ME
Thirty-five years of service.
Thirty-five years of memories.
Thirty-five years of lessons.
Thirty-five years of relationships.
Thirty-five years of commitment to Gombe State.
Today, I bow out with gratitude to God and appreciation to everyone who contributed to my journey.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ME FOR ENDING WELL.
GOD IS GREAT!
JD (JP)
Masha Allah.
Congratulations for your successful 35 years of service, it wasn’t easy.
Wish you Happy retirement Sir.
Allah yasa Rayuwa Bayan retirement yafi baya kyauwu.