Gombe State Executive Council Invests in Infrastructure, Education, and Youth Development
The Gombe State Executive Council (SEC), under the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, recently convened its 49th meeting and approved a series of impactful projects aimed at bolstering security, promoting economic growth, and advancing education in the state. The council’s decisions reflect a commitment to holistic development, focusing on key areas that are crucial for the overall well-being of Gombe’s citizens.
One of the key highlights of the meeting was the approval of a N1.06 billion project for the installation of solar streetlights spanning 11 kilometers. This initiative, a continuation of existing efforts, recognizes the crucial role of adequate lighting in enhancing security, particularly during nighttime hours. By illuminating commercial areas, the project is also expected to extend business operating hours, contributing to economic vitality and providing more opportunities for local businesses to thrive. The contract for this project was awarded to Messrs Sigma Electric Ltd.
Education also took center stage during the SEC meeting, with a particular emphasis on the newly established Faculty of Agriculture at Gombe State University’s Malam Sidi Campus. The council approved the allocation of 365 hectares of land in Garin Tafida, Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area, to facilitate the smooth take-off of the faculty. This land will be used for establishing demonstration farms and supporting various academic activities, ensuring that students receive practical, hands-on training in agricultural practices. This move aligns with the government’s broader objective of diversifying the state’s agricultural landscape and promoting agricultural excellence. Furthermore, efforts are underway to secure additional land in Kurugu, Kwami Local Government Area, to accommodate future expansion plans for the faculty and fulfill the requirements of the National Universities Commission (NUC). The NUC has already granted approval for the commencement of student admissions to the Faculty of Agriculture, with the state government actively collaborating with relevant stakeholders to ensure a seamless start to academic activities in the 2025/2026 academic session.
In addition to the agricultural faculty’s development, the SEC addressed the state’s commitment to youth development and leadership capacity building by approving the completion of Phases I and II, along with an additional Phase III, of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre in Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area. This center will play a crucial role in equipping young people with the essential skills and knowledge necessary to become effective leaders and responsible citizens. The investment in this training center underscores the government’s recognition of the importance of nurturing future generations and preparing them to contribute meaningfully to the state’s progress.
The Gombe State Executive Council’s recent decisions demonstrate a strategic approach to development, addressing critical needs across various sectors. The investments in solar streetlights, the Faculty of Agriculture, and the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre are all interconnected pieces of a larger puzzle, contributing to a more secure, prosperous, and well-educated Gombe State. These projects are not merely isolated initiatives but rather represent a cohesive strategy for long-term growth and improvement in the lives of the state’s residents.
The emphasis on security through improved lighting, the commitment to educational advancement through the establishment of a dedicated agricultural faculty, and the focus on youth development through leadership training all contribute to a brighter future for Gombe State. These initiatives are not merely expenditures but investments in the state’s human capital, infrastructure, and overall well-being.
The decisions made during the 49th SEC meeting are reflective of a government that prioritizes the needs of its citizens and is actively working towards creating a more conducive environment for economic growth, educational opportunities, and improved security. The commitment to expanding access to quality education and equipping the youth with relevant skills and experiences underscores the government’s vision for a prosperous and sustainable future. These projects, while individually significant, collectively contribute to a broader vision of a thriving Gombe State.