By Segun Adewale in Gombe
Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya on Friday joined the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, CFR, and other Muslim faithful to observe the Eid-el-Fitr prayers, marking the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.
The two-Raka’at prayer was led by the Deputy Chief Imam of Bubayero Central Mosque, Gombe, Ustaz Aliyu Hammari.
Following the prayers, Governor Inuwa Yahaya hosted a select reception at the Government House for dignitaries, including the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mr. Matthew Verghis, and the Tunisian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Moshen Antit.
Speaking through his Deputy, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, the Governor urged Muslims to sustain the virtues imbibed during Ramadan, particularly the spirit of sacrifice, compassion, and generosity towards the less privileged.
He noted that sustained adherence to these values would help in alleviating societal challenges, foster moral discipline, and promote collective progress.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya also used the occasion to sympathize with the government and people of Borno State over the recent bomb explosion that claimed lives, stressing that the thoughts and prayers of the government and people of Gombe State are with all communities affected by insecurity across the country.
He commended the World Bank Country Director and the Tunisian Ambassador for identifying with the people of Gombe State during the Eid celebrations, reiterating that the state remains a beacon of peace, unity, and hospitality.
Earlier, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mr. Matthew Verghis, expressed appreciation to the Governor for his steadfast commitment to improving development indices across critical sectors. He assured of the Bank’s continued support for the state’s socio-economic and infrastructural development initiatives.
“I am a brother and a great friend of Gombe and Nigeria. Let us continue to work together to advance our shared projects, be they cultural, economic or social,” the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, said.
He added, “Thank you very much, Your Excellency, for the warm invitation and hospitality. I wish you all a happy Sallah, and I look forward to returning, perhaps next year, with to join in the celebrations.”
Similarly, the Tunisian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Moshen Antit, described his visit to Gombe, especially during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, as a great honour and privilege, commending the developmental strides of the Inuwa Yahaya administration.
“I will speak on the importance of unity, a timeless concept that has long guided relationships among people and nations. This spirit of unity already exists between our country and your state, and indeed between our two countries,” he said.
In keeping with the rich cultural heritage of the Gombe Emirate, the Governor led the visiting dignitaries and other guests to the Emir’s Palace to witness the traditional mini Sallah durbar, popularly known as Jafi.
Speaking after the durbar, the Emir of Gombe, urged Muslims to internalize the teachings of Ramadan, which emphasize peace, love and tolerance.
He restated the Emirate’s commitment to supporting the Governor’s efforts in sustaining peace, security and development across the state.
As a mark of honour, Governor Inuwa Yahaya presented memorabilia to the World Bank Country Director and the Tunisian Ambassador, further strengthening the enduring spirit of hospitality of the government and people of Gombe State.
