Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has created two new ministries as part of efforts to expand his administration and improve governance in the state.
The new ministries are the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction and the Ministry of Livestock Development.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of the State Executive Council, where the governor also swore in the new Head of the Civil Service, 23 commissioners, 13 special advisers and one permanent secretary.
Governor Yahaya said the expansion increased the number of ministries in the state from 18 to 23.
He explained that the creation of the two new ministries was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and was aimed at improving government services and supporting development across the state.
According to the governor, the Ministry of Livestock Development will focus on improving livestock production, developing value chains, strengthening food security and creating more economic opportunities in rural communities.
He said the ministry would also help maintain Gombe’s position as one of Nigeria’s leading livestock-producing states.
The governor urged all the newly appointed officials to see their appointments as an opportunity to serve the people.
He asked them to carry out their duties with honesty, dedication, transparency and accountability while working to improve the lives of residents.
He said the commissioners were selected from different local government areas and local council development areas based on their experience, ability and the need to give every part of the state fair representation.
He called on them to implement government policies effectively and meet the expectations of the people.
Governor Yahaya also directed the newly appointed special advisers to provide practical advice that would improve governance, while the permanent secretaries were asked to maintain professionalism, proper management of public funds and efficiency in the civil service.
He reminded the officials that his administration was entering its final year and urged them to use the remaining months to deliver results that would benefit the people of Gombe State.
The governor said his administration had made progress in sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, security, rural development and the public service over the past seven years. He added that these efforts had earned the state recognition for good governance and steady development.
Governor Yahaya warned that his administration would not tolerate corruption, indiscipline or misuse of public resources. He said public funds belong to the people and should only be used for projects and programmes that improve their welfare.
He also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to support the new officials in carrying out the government’s development plans.
The governor assigned portfolios to the commissioners, with Abdulkadir Mohammed Waziri heading Agriculture and Food Security, Micah Sunday Hamman taking charge of Budget and Economic Planning, Professor Aishatu Umar Maigari leading Education, Sanusi Ahmad Pindiga overseeing Energy and Mineral Resources, Yusuf K. Jalingo handling Environment and Forest Resources, Muhammad Gambo Magaji heading Finance and Economic Development, Professor Danladi Adamu Bojude leading Health, Mohammed Saidu Fawu overseeing Housing and Urban Development, Aishatu Mohammed Bose Ahmed heading the new Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Moses Kyari Bolda leading Information, Strategy and Culture, Adamu Dishi Kupto taking charge of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Zubairu Muhammad Umar serving as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ibrahim Shehu Turaki overseeing Land and Physical Planning, Salihu Baba Alkali heading the new Ministry of Livestock Development, Sani Ahmad Haruna leading Local Government and Community Development, L.D. Faruk overseeing Rural Development and Cooperatives, Dr. Habu Dahiru heading Science, Technology and Innovation, Shehu Yerima Abdullahi leading Special Duties and Regional Integration, Nasir Mohammed Aliyu overseeing Trade, Industry and Tourism, Engr. Bala Adams taking charge of Water Resources, Dr. Bertha Danja leading Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Usman Maijama’a Kallamu heading Works and Infrastructure, and Yusuf Abdu Kwadon overseeing Youth and Sports Development.
Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, described the inauguration as another step toward strengthening public institutions and improving the civil service.
He said the appointments were based on merit and expressed confidence that the officials would serve with commitment and professionalism.
Speaking on behalf of the appointees, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Zubairu Muhammad Umar, thanked Governor Yahaya for the opportunity to serve and assured him that the team would remain committed to delivering quality public service to the people of Gombe State.
