Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya CON, has on Thursday, receive the Emir of Gombe, Alh. (Dr.) Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, on a traditional Sallah homage otherwise known as ‘Hawan Gidan Gwamnati’ in Hausa at the Government House, Gombe.
The yearly Sallah homage to the Government House is an age-old tradition which is led by the Emir, accompanied by district heads and traditional council members, all adorned in colourful royal garments that bring a touch of splendor, drawing thousands of spectators from across the state.
Speaking at the event, Governor Inuwa affirmed that his administration will continue to prioritize initiatives that will stimulate economic growth, foster developmental strides, and guarantee the well-being of the people of Gombe state.
The Governor expressed gratitude to the Almighty Allah for guiding the Muslim Ummah through the sacred month of Ramadan culminating in the Eid al-Fitr festival, urging both Muslims and non-Muslims in the state to continue to uphold the peace and harmony advocated by both Islam and Christianity, values for which Gombe is renowned.
He reassured that his administration will continue to aseek the support, cooperation, and wise counsel of traditional rulers and opinion leaders in providing the desirable leadership for the state in order to lead the state in the most effective, efficient, and fair manner.
Governor Inuwa maintained that despite the financial challenges in the state, his administration has made significant strides across all sectors of development, highlighting that effective leadership and ongoing reforms have earned Gombe numerous recognitions, notably the recent AAA ranking on socio-economic development index in Nigeria.
“I am delighted to host His Royal Highness and members of his entourage on this traditional Sallah homage at the Government House. On behalf of myself and the entire members of my government, we welcome you very warmly”, he said.
“Whenever I have the chance to address our people directly, I often emphasize our government’s resolve to enhancing the state’s economy. We prioritize initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth, development, and the welfare of our citizens. Despite receiving minimal allocation, we are proud that Gombe has emerged as a frontier in economic growth and development, all thanks to Allah”, the Governor added.
“Gombe state’s recent AAA ranking in socio-economic growth is a testament to our dedication to advancing the state. I must emphasize that these accomplishments were only achievable through the invaluable contributions of peace, security, and the support of the people of Gombe state. I commend our traditional rulers, particularly the Emir of Gombe, for their tireless efforts and cooperation in attaining these successes”, he added.
The Governor equally thanked the traditional institution in the State for their role in ensuring peace and tranquility in their various communities in particular and the State in General.
Earlier, the Emir of Gombe, Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar lll said he led the retinue of his district heads, emirate council members and traditional title holders to the Government House to felicitate with Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and through him, the entire people of Gombe State, over the successful completion of the Ramadan fast and to pay him homage on the occasion of the Eid el fitr sallah celebration.
The Emir paid glowing tribute to Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his holistic approach in addressing the myriad of challenges in the state and for his pragmatic leadership which he said has led to the execution of life changing projects such as the multi billion naira Muhammadu Industrial Park, which he said is a legacy project that Gombe and its people will continue to benefit centuries to come.
“Your Excellency, let me reiterate that we are deeply proud of you and the achievements of your administration over the past five years of your leadership. Your transformative projects and initiatives are evident to all of us. You have set Gombe on a trajectory of sustainable growth and development. Under your stewardship, Gombe is rising, and our economy is flourishing. The Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park stands as a lasting legacy of your administration and this would attract investments, create job opportunities for our people, and reduce unemployment.”, the Emir said.
He also scored the Governor high in the areas of Healthcare revitalization, repositioning of the education sector; especially the construction of the ultra modern school in Kumbiya Kumbiya, the establishment of five legacy schools across the State as well as the mopping up of thousands out of school children and returning them back to the classrooms.
Emir Abubakar equally applauded the Gombe State Governor for the prompt payment of salaries and settlement of outstanding gratuity of retirees among others, describing the achievements so far recorded by the Governor as monumental and unprecedented.
He noted that there is no area in the state that has not witnessed the remarkable and developmental strides of Governor Yahaya’s administration.
The first class monarch urged the people of Gombe State to continue to be peaceful, and keep supporting the government and traditional institution in ensuring improved peace and security in the state, maintaining that all the progress and developments that Gombe is witnessing is as a result of the peace being enjoyed in the state.
The Emir later led thousands of Horsemen clad in colorful robes and staged a spectacular durbar to the admiration of the Governor and other dignitaries present.
Highlight of the event was the symbolic presentation of traditional Sallah gift (Goron Sallah) to the Emir by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya as contained in a statement by Ismaila Uba Misilli
Director-General ,(Press Affairs) ,Government House ,Gombe.