The Halima Factor Community Initiative has kicked off the 2026 edition of the Northeast Festival of Literature, Culture, Creativity and Sciences (NEFLICCS), with the theme, “Imagine a Better Nigeria.”
The sixth edition of the annual festival, held at the Haruna Rasheed Hall of Gombe State University, brought together selected schools from across the Northeast, featuring poetry recitals, cultural displays, award presentations and interactive panel discussions with students, moderated by Dr. Leah Jalo of the Department of English, Gombe State University.
Declaring the event open, the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, commended the convener for sustaining the initiative, describing the festival as an important platform for stimulating innovation, creativity and consciousness among young people towards building a better future.
Dr Jatau emphasised that, introducing children to self-reliance through creativity, vocational skills and productive engagement should not be misconstrued as child labour, but rather as a necessary investment in their future, particularly in a rapidly changing world where knowledge and practical skills are essential for survival.
He said, “Events and happenings in Nigeria and other countries compel us to start training our children at a very early stage so that they are amenable to learning skills and education.”
The Deputy Governor further observed that the rapidly changing realities of the world demand a deliberate effort to prepare children not only academically but also socially and economically. He stressed that equipping young people with critical thinking abilities, practical skills and the right values would enable them to become responsible citizens and contributors to national development.
He reiterated the commitment of the Gombe State Government to supporting initiatives aimed at societal development and called on well-meaning individuals and organisations to support the Halima Factor Community Initiative to enable it to expand its impact.
Speaking on Nigeria’s current challenges, Jatau identified self-criticism as an important ingredient for national progress, urging citizens to honestly examine the factors responsible for the country’s present situation and collectively work towards correcting them rather than dwelling on blame.
Earlier, the Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and Chairperson of the Central Planning Committee, Hajiya Halima Abubakar, represented by Saqeed Ahmad, highlighted the importance of literature, culture, creativity and sciences in shaping responsible citizens and promoting national development.
She disclosed that the five-day festival would provide participants with opportunities to build confidence and develop a positive outlook towards Nigeria’s future. Activities lined up include poetry, art and scientific exhibitions, as well as cultural presentations.
The Chief Host and Vice-Chancellor of Gombe State University, Professor Sani Ahmad Yauta, represented by Professor Abdulganiyu Ahmed, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to collaborating with organisations that promote creativity, innovation and intellectual development, while wishing the participants a successful festival.
In his keynote address,the Director of Strategy at BilFair Advisory Limited Nasiru Muhammad Bello, speaking on the theme, “Imagine a Better Nigeria,” said a better Nigeria is possible but must be deliberately built through knowledge, character and the collective commitment of citizens, particularly young people, rather than merely wished for.
He outlined six key ideas for national transformation, including learning from the country’s history without allowing past challenges to determine its future, making education the greatest national investment, and shifting from dependence on natural resources to productive capacity. Others are turning Nigeria’s cultural and ethnic diversity into a source of strength and building strong institutions anchored on responsible leadership.
The keynote speaker also stressed the importance of creating inclusive opportunities where no Nigerian is disadvantaged on account of religion, ethnicity or state of origin. He noted that good leadership must be supported by strong institutions that promote accountability, integrity and public service.
On the future of the country, Bello urged young Nigerians to embrace knowledge, technological advancement and moral responsibility, emphasising that scientific excellence must go hand in hand with good character and a commitment to service. He called on parents, teachers, community leaders and government to play their respective roles in creating opportunities for the younger generation.
In her remarks, the Chief Convener, Halima Usman, appreciated the Gombe State Government for its consistent support since the festival commenced in 2014, particularly acknowledging the encouragement received from the Deputy Governor and the Secretary to the State Government.
As part of the event, the Halima Factor Community Initiative presented awards to the Deputy Governor and the Secretary to the State Government in recognition of their support and contributions.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by representatives of the Chief Medical Directors of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, and the Federal Medical Centre, Kumo, as well as Honourable Fatima Binta Bello and heads of federal establishments in the state. They congratulated the convener and pledged continued support for the initiative.
They also encouraged participating students to take full advantage of the festival to interact, connect and build relationships across ethnic and cultural boundaries, describing such engagements as important steps towards national unity.
The Country Representative of the G-100 Sustainable Development Goals Wings, Dr. Tracey Fletcher, represented at the event, described young people as not merely leaders of tomorrow but active contributors to building a better Nigeria today.
She called on stakeholders to embrace inclusive governance by providing opportunities for young people, particularly girls and women, to overcome traditional limitations, develop their potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
The event was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi; Commissioner for Information, Strategy and Culture, Moses Kyari Bolda; Honourable Fatima Binta Bello; Gombe State APC Chairman, Mr. Mohammed Dantata Ndus; representatives of the Emir of Akko, security operatives, members of the academia and other dignitaries.
Jack A.Tasha, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity,
(Deputy Governor’s Office)