Gombe State governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has been sworn in for a second term in office, saying under his watch, the state will overcome its challenges, seize emerging opportunities, and create a future that is brighter and more prosperous for every resident of the state.
Also sworn in at the Pantami Township Stadium was the deputy governor of the state, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau.
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The state’s chief judge, Justice Halima Sadiyya Mohammed administered the oath of office on both the governor and his deputy at a colourful ceremony that attracted thousands of people from within and outside the state.
In his special address, the governor recalled that four years ago, he took the oath of office as the 4th civilian governor of state wherein God gave him the wisdom and courage to deliver his campaign promises which led to his successful re-election.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya revealed that in the next four years, his administration will focus on economic empowerment and job creation, saying his government will continue with ease of doing business policies so as to consolidate the position as the most business-friendly state in Nigeria.
“These policies are designed to foster conducive business environment, attract investments, and stimulate economic growth. We shall also train and upskill our youth, invest in ICT skills and innovation, and harness our agri-business potentials in order to enhance food security and create employment opportunities,” he said.
On education and human capital development, the governor said his administration will continue with the ongoing upgrades of school infrastructure, provision of instructional materials and improving the capacity of teachers and administrators.
“We are committed to expanding access to education, particularly for out-of-school children, girl-child and other marginalized groups, through various initiatives like the Adolescent Girl Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE). We are also committed to enhancing vocational and technical education to align with the needs of the rapidly evolving job market, particularly the agriculture, energy and oil and gas sectors which are fast taking shape in Gombe State, especially with discovery of oil and gas at Kolmani,” he said.
In respect to healthcare and social welfare, the governor said, “We are going to leverage on Go-Health and GSPCHDA to strengthen healthcare systems and infrastructure in order to ensure accessible and quality healthcare services for all. We shall improve the capacity of our healthcare professionals by investing in training and capacity building, as well as partner with FG and other relevant stakeholders to implement social welfare programmes that support vulnerable groups and alleviate poverty.”
Speaking on infrastructural development; the governor affirmed that his administration will consolidate on the existing achievements by investing in the development of critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water supply, and electricity.
“We shall improve our rural and urban transportation networks, and investing in climate-friendly and sustainable projects. Urban renewal and redevelopment, especially in the state capital and the local government headquarters will be pursued vigorously in order to ensure decent living and also attract the much-needed investment in hospitality and tourism,” he added.
On good governance and accountability: “We shall sustain the principles of people-driven, needs-based and participatory governance by improving our open government policies which enabled us to become one of the top seven states in the country in the 2022 Transparency and Integrity Index. The efficient use of public resources through plugging leakages and reducing wastage will foster a culture of meritocracy and inclusivity in governance, thus improving the efficiency of the system”.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya appealed to the citizens of the state for their support, active engagement, and constructive feedback in order to succeed as it is only by coming together as one united people that his administration can transform the aspirations of the people into tangible realities.