Segun Adewale in Gombe
Barely days after unveiling the architectural design and signing the contract for the long-awaited Gombe State Secretariat Complex, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has officially performed the foundation laying ceremony for what is set to become a landmark edifice in the state’s administrative history.
Speaking at the groundbreaking event yesterday, Governor Inuwa Yahaya described the project as a long-overdue fulfillment of a vision conceived nearly three decades ago.
He recalled that since the establishment of Gombe State, the Dahiru Deba Secretariat was intended to be the first phase of a more extensive civil service hub.
However, successive administrations failed to continue the project, leaving Ministries, Departments, and Agencies dispersed across rented facilities in the state capital, an arrangement that has negatively impacted service delivery and increased overhead costs.
“The state-of-the-art Secretariat is not just a building; it is a statement of our belief that our civil service deserves the very best,” the Governor stated.
The proposed complex will house the Office of the Head of Civil Service and four blocks accommodating several ministries, with remodeled existing structures and essential ancillary facilities.
Awarded to Datum Construction Nigeria Limited at a contract sum of N68.5 billion, the project is expected to be completed within 95 weeks, ahead of the administration’s terminal date of May 29, 2027.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya emphasized that 40% of the contract sum has been earmarked as an initial payment, and the state government is prepared to provide all necessary support to ensure timely and high-quality execution.
He further noted that the Secretariat’s design incorporates modern architecture with green energy features, reflecting a blend of cultural heritage, environmental sustainability, and administrative efficiency.
Governor Inuwa also highlighted that the Secretariat is a key component of the ongoing Three-Arms Zone development, which includes a new State Assembly Complex and High Court, aimed at centralizing key governance infrastructure for enhanced coordination.
“Our administration has prioritized civil service reforms, consistently paying salaries, implementing minimum wage, and establishing the Bureau for Public Service Reforms.
This Secretariat is an investment in our civil service, and we expect a commensurate boost in productivity and accountability,” Governor Inuwa Yahaya added.
Earlier in his welcome address, the state Commissioner of Works, Housing and Transportation, Hon. Usman Mainama’a Kallamu commended governor Inuwa for fulfilling his promise of building a befitting infrastructure to support governance and public services.
“With this commitment of Governor Inuwa Yahaya, he will undoubtedly leave the state far better than he met it leaving legacies that will stand the taste of time not for the present but for the unborn generationa.” The commissioner said.
In his remarks, the state Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Ahmed Kasimu Abdullahi, lauded the Governor’s foresight, stating that civil servants have operated under suboptimal conditions since the state’s creation.
“This iconic structure will not only end decades of inefficiency but will redefine the identity and dignity of the Gombe civil service,” he noted.
The Managing Director of Datum Construction Nigeria Ltd., represented by Engr. Ibrahim Najjar, assured the Governor and the people of Gombe State of the contractor’s commitment to delivering a high-quality project on schedule.
The project consultant, Architect Aisami of Cross Vault Associates Ltd., described the Secretariat as a two-storey structure consisting of four major blocks, designated parking spaces, landscape features, and a separate building for the Head of Service. END
Governor Inuwa Yahaya Celebrates Children’s Day with Students of Mega College Gombe
Segun Adewale in Gombe
Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya earlier yesterday at Government Mega College Gombe, joined in commemorating the 2025 Children’s Day celebration.
The Governor’s visit to the newly upgraded school, coincided with the international celebration, which provided him a platform for direct engagement with the future leaders of the state.
Addressing a jubilant assembly of students, teachers, and officials, Governor Inuwa Yahaya extended warm wishes and goodwill to children in Gombe State and across Nigeria.
He emphasized that Children’s Day is not just a date on the calendar, but a reminder of the government’s responsibility to nurture, protect, and empower the younger generation.
He restated his administration’s commitment to building a future where no child is left behind regardless of gender, background, or circumstance.
“In Gombe, we believe that every child deserves a chance to dream and the tools to make those dreams a reality. That is why we are building mega schools like this, to give you the best learning environment possible,” the Governor said.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya singled out the education of the girl-child as a top priority under his administration.
He noted the achievements of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) programme, through which several girls across Gombe State are being supported with school supplies, mentorship, and life skills.
“We are determined to break every barrier standing between our daughters and their dreams,” he declared.
“When we educate a girl, we educate a generation. That is the spirit behind our policies, and that is the future we are building.”
The Governor also offered words of encouragement to the students, urging them to remain focused, disciplined, and determined in the pursuit of their education.
He assured them that his administration will continue to invest heavily in the education sector, not just in infrastructure, but also in teacher training, curriculum development, and technology integration.
Earlier in the visit, the Governor inspected ongoing construction works at the Government Mega College, one of five flagship institutions designed to provide state-of-the-art learning environments for over 3,000 students. The facilities include hostels, laboratories, digital classrooms and staff quarters.
