Gombe Governor Chairs 11th Annual Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Lecture
…Reaffirms Commitment of Northern Governors to Regional Development
Bauchi, Nigeria – February 24, 2025
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has reiterated the Northern Governors’ commitment to tackling the region’s challenges and utilizing its vast resources for economic growth.
Speaking at the 11th Annual Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Lecture held at the Banquet Hall, Bauchi Government House, the Governor acknowledged pressing issues such as infrastructure deficits, unemployment, and poverty, stressing the need for collective action to address them.
Northern Governors’ Commitment to Development
Governor Yahaya emphasized that while the North faces unique and shared challenges, tailored solutions aligned with a collective regional vision are necessary.
“The North is a treasure trove of untapped human and natural resources. By harnessing these assets, we can address our challenges and drive sustainable development,” he stated.
He further analyzed security challenges across sub-regions:
- Northwest: Banditry and kidnapping
- North-Central: Ethno-religious crises
- Northeast: Insurgency
These conflicts, he said, often stem from competition over resources, making it crucial to develop state-specific strategies while working towards regional prosperity.
Development Planning & Economic Growth
Governor Yahaya stressed the need for structured development plans, referencing his administration’s 10-year plan, “DEVAGOM”, which aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He committed to ensuring that every Northern state adopts a structured development agenda, making it a key priority for the Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF).
Additionally, he announced the revival and transformation of the New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) into a profit-driven entity, with increased financial backing from Northern states.
Support for Regional Integration
The host governor, Sen. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, commended Governor Yahaya’s leadership and called for regional unity beyond political or ethnic divides.
In his keynote address, Dr. Mansur
- Agriculture: Adoption of modern farming techniques for food security and job creation
- Human Capital Development: Investment in education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment
- Resource Utilization: Leveraging the North’s vast natural wealth for economic transformation
Legacy of Sir Ahmadu Bello
Chairman of the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, CON, reaffirmed the foundation’s dedication to the “One North” vision of the late Sardauna of Sokoto.
The event concluded with:
- Scholarship awards to students from the six Northeast states
- Unveiling of a new portrait of Sir Ahmadu Bello
Governor Yahaya was accompanied by key government officials, including:
- Rt. Hon. Sadam Bello, Deputy Speaker, Gombe State House of Assembly
- Alhaji Nasiru Mohammed Aliyu, mni, Commissioner for Trade, Investment, and Tourism
This year’s lecture reaffirmed the Northern Governors’ determination to strengthen economic policies, promote regional unity, and sustain the legacy of Sir Ahmadu Bello.
End