Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya (CON), on Saturday inaugurated 23 commissioners, special advisers and permanent secretaries, urging them to begin work immediately and help consolidate the achievements of his administration before the end of its tenure.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony at the Government House in Gombe, Alhaji Yahaya said the new appointees had less than one year to make meaningful contributions, stressing that there would be no room for delays or a learning curve.
“You have less than a year to make your mark. There is absolutely no time for learning or institutional orientation; you need to hit the ground running immediately,” the governor said.
He noted that the commissioners were selected from across the state’s local government areas and local council development areas based on their competence, experience and diversity, expressing confidence that they would help advance his administration’s development agenda.
According to him, the appointees are expected to provide effective leadership in their respective ministries, implement government policies efficiently and ensure improved service delivery across the state.
The governor also tasked the newly sworn-in special advisers to provide informed policy guidance and innovative solutions that would strengthen governance and improve public confidence in government.
He described the role of permanent secretaries as critical to maintaining continuity in public administration, urging both newly appointed and redeployed officials to uphold transparency, fiscal discipline and professionalism while eliminating bureaucratic delays.
Alhaji Yahaya commended the Gombe State House of Assembly for the speedy screening and confirmation of the commissioner nominees, describing the relationship between the executive and legislature over the past seven years as one built on cooperation and commitment to the state’s development.
He also praised permanent secretaries for keeping government ministries functional following the dissolution of the State Executive Council in April 2026, saying their dedication ensured uninterrupted governance during the transition period.
As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, the governor urged members of his administration to focus on performance rather than politics.
“Our achievements in office must serve as our strongest campaign tools because this government speaks through its work and verifiable performance,” he said.
He maintained that his administration had transformed infrastructure, public services and socio-economic conditions across the state’s 240 wards over the past seven years, insisting that its record would remain the basis for seeking public support.
Alhaji Yahaya warned all political office holders against misconduct, corruption and abuse of office, reminding them that public resources must be managed solely in the interest of the people.
“This administration will not condone indiscipline, corruption or any act capable of tarnishing the hard-earned image of our government,” he said.
Alhaji Yahaya also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to support the new officials in delivering on the government’s development programmes.
During the ceremony, Alhaji Yahaya announced the portfolios of the 23 commissioners.
The commissioners are Abdulkadir Mohammed Waziri (Agriculture and Food Security), Micah Sunday Hamman (Budget and Economic Planning), Prof. Aishatu Umaru Maigari (Education), Sanusi Ahmad Pindiga (Energy and Mineral Resources), Yusuf K. Jalingo (Environment and Forest Resources), Muhammad Gambo Magaji (Finance and Economic Development), Prof. Danladi Adamu Bojude (Health), Mohammed Saidu Mohammed (Housing and Urban Development), Aishatu Mohammed Bose Ahmed (Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction), Moses Kyari Bolda (Information, Strategy and Culture), Adamu Dishi Kupto (Internal Security and Home Affairs), Zubairu Muhammad Umar (Justice), Ibrahim Shehu Turaki (Land and Physical Planning), Salihu Baba Alkali (Livestock Development), Sani Ahmad Haruna (Local Government and Community Development), L.D. Faruk (Rural Development and Cooperatives), Dr Habu Dahiru (Science, Technology and Innovation), Shehu Yerima Abdullahi (Special Duties and Regional Integration), Nasir Mohammed Aliyu (Trade, Industry and Tourism), Engr Bala Adams (Water Resources), Dr Bertha Danja (Women Affairs and Social Development), Dr Usman Maijama’a Kallamu (Works and Infrastructure), and Yusuf Abdu Kwadon (Youth and Sports Development).
Alhaji Yahaya wished the appointees success in their new responsibilities, expressing confidence that they would work together to leave behind a stronger and more prosperous Gombe State before the end of his administration.