By Segun Adewale in Gombe
Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has reiterated his commitment to expanding electricity access across underserved communities, announcing plans to extend solar mini-grid projects to an additional 62 communities to stimulate economic growth, support rural enterprise and accelerate grassroots development.
The Governor spoke during the groundbreaking ceremonies for 4-megawatt (MW) solar mini-grid projects in Kaltungo and Kumo, weekend where he announced that similar projects would also be established in Dukku and Bajoga.
The projects are in line with the Governor’s broader efforts to support households, agribusinesses, small-scale industries and public institutions while unlocking the economic potential of rural communities.
Speaking in Kaltungo, Governor Inuwa Yahaya commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting major development projects in Gombe State, describing the Federal Government’s interventions as a demonstration of its commitment to complementing the state government’s development efforts.
He said the Kaltungo project would benefit households, businesses, healthcare facilities and other establishments, creating new opportunities for economic activities and community development.
The Governor also thanked President Tinubu for approving a specialised research and treatment centre for snakebite victims in Kaltungo, noting that the facility would address a longstanding health challenge affecting communities across the area and the wider North-East.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya also commended the President for approving the establishment of a military battalion in the area, stressing that improved security is essential to protecting lives and property, sustaining economic activities and promoting development.
“Mr President has done so many things for us in Gombe State, for which we remain deeply grateful,” the Governor said.
At the ceremony in Kumo, the Governor described the project as a significant investment in Akko Local Government Area and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with the Federal Government on development programmes.
The Minister of Power, Mr Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe , commended the people of Gombe State for their support for the Federal Government and praised Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his leadership and cooperation.
He said the projects in Kaltungo, Kumo, Dukku and Bajoga are among the major interventions approved by President Tinubu to improve power supply in underserved communities.
The Minister disclosed that residents of Talasse in Balanga Local Government Area were already enjoying round-the-clock electricity under a similar initiative.
He expressed confidence that the four beneficiary communities would enjoy the same benefit within six months.
“This is another promise the President made, and we are going to keep that promise. Four megawatts of solar-powered electricity will be delivered to the Kumo community.
Within a maximum of six months, you will begin to enjoy 24-hour electricity, as residents of Talasse are already experiencing,” he said.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Abubakar Aliyu, to the implementation of the projects.
The member representing Akko Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, commended the Federal Government and the Gombe State Government for bringing critical development projects closer to grassroots communities.
He described the solar mini-grid initiative, alongside the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre in Kumo, as significant investments in the welfare and development of Akko and Gombe State.
The Mai of Kaltungo, Engr. Sale Muhammad, welcomed the project, expressing confidence that it would support households, businesses and industrial activities.
Similarly, the Lamido of Akko, Alhaji Dr. Umar Muhammad Atiku assured the implementation team of the community’s cooperation to facilitate timely and seamless completion.
The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, assured the agency’s commitment to delivering the projects within the stipulated timeframe.
The projects, alongside the planned expansion to 62 additional communities, are expected to strengthen Gombe State’s renewable energy infrastructure and create new opportunities for rural economic development.
