The Speaker of the Gombe State Youth Parliament, Danladi Aliyu, says the parliament honoured about 45 individuals who contributed to the creation of Gombe State to preserve their legacy and inspire younger generations.
Aliyu disclosed this on Saturday while speaking with journalists at the Gombe at 30 Independence Youth Town Hall and awards ceremony held to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the state’s creation.
He said the event was organised to remember and celebrate the contributions of the state’s founding heroes, noting that Gombe State did not emerge without the sacrifices and struggles of individuals who worked tirelessly for its creation.
“We celebrated this programme, Gombe at 30, an Independence Youth Town Hall, with the aim of celebrating our forefathers who worked tirelessly for the creation of Gombe State.
“We know that the state did not come out of a vacuum. People struggled for it, and today, we are honouring their memories 30 years after its creation,” he said.
Aliyu said the event also provided an opportunity to reflect on the state’s journey, examine its present challenges and draw lessons from history to guide its future.
He described Gombe as one of the fastest-growing states among its peers, citing developments in infrastructure, education, healthcare and other sectors.
“I think Gombe is the fastest-growing state amongst its peers. Within 30 years as a state, it has recorded numerous achievements, and today, we are proud to have witnessed progress in infrastructure, education, healthcare and different sectors.
“We can say that at this stage, we are moving in the right direction, though we still have a long way to go,” he said.
The youth parliament speaker explained that although about 45 people were honoured, the number of individuals who contributed to the state’s creation was far greater than those recognised at the ceremony.
He said the initiative was intended to begin a broader conversation about preserving the history of Gombe State and ensuring that the contributions of its founding heroes were not forgotten.
“We acknowledge that we were not able to reach all those who struggled for Gombe because their number is much larger. But at least, we have started a conversation so that the government can take up what we have done,” Aliyu said.
He called on the state government to dedicate a section of the museum under construction around the Emir’s Palace to documenting and preserving the memories of those who fought for the state’s creation.
According to him, such a facility would provide an opportunity for future generations to learn about the people and events that shaped the state.
Aliyu said the decision to honour the individuals was informed by the importance of history in understanding the present and preparing for the future.
“For you to understand the present and predict the future, you have to understand the past. For Gombe State, the past lies in the struggle for the creation of the state, especially in its early days.
“We are able to trace that history, and we did this to inspire the younger generation and let them know that they, too, can do something for the sake of the state,” he said.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that some of those honoured included living and dead heroes including the late Emir of Gombe, Shehu-Usman Abubakar; former governor of North-Western state Usman Faruq; Ambassador Yerima Abdullahi; Senator Haruna Garba; Alhaji Baba Manu; Zanna Gombe; Isa Hinna; Ali Kalshingi; Gambo Magaji; and Muhammad Jungudo.
Others were the late Major General Timothy Shelpidi; Yaya Hamari; the late Ahmadu Haruna; Abubakar Hashidu; Magaji Sabon Kudi; the late Justice Idi Apollos; the late Alhaji Sani Labaran; Baraden Gombe; Mohammed Atiku; the late Senator Jalo Waziri; Aliyu Gelengu; Mijinyawa Yakubu; Sarkin Yama Gombe; late Uba Misilli; late Isiyaku Gwamna; the late Ahmadu Ganga; Inuwa Kari; Ibrahim Zamfara; and Garba Wali, among others.
One of the award recipients, Mamoudu Shelpidi, commended the organisers for recognising the contributions of individuals who played significant roles in the creation and development of the state.
He expressed appreciation to everyone involved in organising the event and preserving the legacy of Gombe’s founding heroes.