…Outperforms 30 States in Governance, Service Delivery

…Leads in Ease of Doing Business, Healthcare, Roads, Sanitation

…“Gombe is Positioned to Become Nigeria’s Most Surprising Success Story in the Coming’ Decade’—Report Predicts

Gombe State has once again earned national recognition as a model of good governance, inclusive reforms, and strategic development, securing 7th place overall in the 2025 pcl. The State Performance Index (pSPI) outperforms 30 other states across the federation.

This outstanding feat was detailed in the 2025 pcl. State Performance Index, compiled by leading advisory firm Phillips Consulting (pcl.), is one of Nigeria’s most comprehensive assessments of subnational performance.

The index ranks all 36 states and the FCT across key metrics, including governance, economic management, social development, and infrastructure.

In most of the indices measured, Gombe State demonstrated an impressive performance and citizen satisfaction.

The state ranked 1st in both road quality and public hospital service delivery, clear evidence of the government’s commitment to infrastructure and accessible healthcare.

The state also secured 1st place in the Ease of Doing Business index, reflecting its investor-friendly regulatory environment and responsive institutions.

Also, Gombe ranked 2nd in both Security of Lives and Property and Environmental Cleanliness, reflecting the administration’s effective efforts in promoting peace, safety, and sustainability across communities.

Other notable rankings of Gombe State include 3rd in Affordability of Public Healthcare, driven in part by the successful implementation of the GoHealth insurance scheme, and 5th in Public Transport Accessibility and Affordability of Education, affirming the state’s increasing support for vulnerable and underserved populations.

The pSPI report attributes this success to Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s political will, citizen-focused governance philosophy, and sustained reforms.

The report predicted that “Gombe is positioned to become Nigeria’s most surprising success story in the coming decade.”

The report further highlights the state’s potential and comparative advantages in agriculture, trade and an emerging industrial base.

These are fueled by targeted investments that continue to boost Gombe State’s economic growth and attract national attention.

“Strategically located at the crossroads of Northeast and Central Nigeria, Gombe is evolving into a regional trade hub, driven by sustained peace, expanding infrastructure, and strong support for small and medium enterprises, which are reducing dependence on federal allocations,” the report noted.

The impressive ranking of Gombe and its national recognition highlight the effectiveness of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s reform-oriented leadership, marked by a consistent focus on people-centred governance, transparency, infrastructure expansion and improved public sector performance.

Ultimately, the 2025 pSPI report validates the remarkable strides made under Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s leadership. With continued reform, fiscal discipline, and inclusive planning, Gombe is not just rising, it is setting a benchmark for other states to follow.

….Renovates a block of Classrooms and Donates Books to the Government Secondary School

Leading financial institution Fidelity Bank Plc has highlighted its dedication to community-focused interventions with the donation of a newly renovated block of classrooms and textbooks to Aso Pada Government Secondary School, Mararaba, in the Karu local government area of Nasarawa state.

The Elite Bankers class of inductees, through the Fidelity Helping Hands Program (FHHP), supported a classroom renovation and book donation as part of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative. FHHP enables Fidelity Bank staff to identify community needs, raise funds, and receive matched support from the bank.

At the handover ceremony, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications, highlighted that the project supports the bank’s focus on quality education and youth empowerment. The project was funded with voluntary contributions from newly inducted staff, matched by the bank.

He stated, “The school was selected due to its role in the development of Mararaba’s residents. The school had not undergone renovation for the past fifteen years, and with support from the bank and pooled resources from our Elite Bankers class of inductees, this renovation is now possible.

“We encourage the beneficiaries to put the facility to good use and reaffirm Fidelity Bank’s devotion to continue supporting quality education delivery across the length and breadth of our country”.

Responding to the gesture from the bank, the Vice Principal of Administration, Aso Pada Government Secondary School, Abdullahi Idris, appreciated the bank for the kind gesture and also lauded government efforts towards providing a better learning environment for the students of the school.

His words, ”Your investment in our school is an investment in the future of our nation. We are inspired by your commitment and look forward to a lasting partnership that will continue to uplift and empower our students. Let us continue to work together to build a brighter future for our children and community.”

The donation comes to join Fidelity Bank’s extensive intervention in the Nigerian educational sector. It will be recalled that the bank donated 1,000 school bags fitted with solar-powered lamps to school children across all the local government areas in Ogun State recently to enable the pupils to study after dark, especially in areas where power supply is a challenge.

The Administrator, of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, has urged stakeholders of the Niger Delta to maintain the prevailing peace in the region and remain resolute in their support for the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Otuaro spoke at a three-day strategic training on leadership, alternative dispute resolution and mediation organised by the Presidential Amnesty Programme in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Resource Centre for some stakeholders of the PAP on Wednesday in Abuja.

Otuaro stressed the need for the people of the Niger Delta to consolidate on the region’s peace process and stability so that socio-economic growth and development could thrive in the communities as encapsulated in the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He assured the people of the Niger Delta that Tinubu would not fail in his firm commitment and dedication to the peace, stability, and development of the region and indeed Nigeria.

He dressed that by his actions, after his election as President, Tinubu has shown that he is one leader who cannot deceive the people of the Niger Delta for political gains.

Otuaro said the strategic capacity building initiative underscored his unwavering resolve to broaden stakeholders’ participation in PAP activities, and complement Tinubu’s strong determination to impact communities in the Niger Delta.

He noted that the PAP, in the past one year under his leadership, has made remarkable impact on the region’s people by the expansion of the scholarship scheme, vocational training opportunities for former agitators and beneficiaries, and deepening of inclusivity in the implementation of the PAP’s mandate.

The PAP boss, who declared the training open, told the participants that the essence of the exercise was to equip them to play more critical roles in the region’s peace process.

He said, “Let me inform us that the objectives of this initiative, in the main, highlights the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and his administration’s strong commitment and dedication to sustainable peace, security, stability, socio-economic growth and development of the Niger Delta and indeed the country.

“I am most grateful to President Tinubu for his massive support to the PAP, particularly his gracious approval of my recent proposal to set up a Rehabilitation Unit in the programme, a vital component which was not in place before now. This will help cater to related aspects of the programme’s mandate.

“I urge all stakeholders and the people of the Niger Delta to continue to support President Tinubu and work resolutely with his administration to do more for the region, even in the coming years. He will not fail the region, I assure you.”

Otuaro also extended his profound appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, “for his encouragement and flawless supervision of the programme, which have led to the success stories recorded by the programme under my leadership.”

He encouraged the participants to participate and engage actively in the strategic training, and take valuable lessons away that would “guide your conduct and approach to resolving issues and disputes that may arise around you or within your spheres of influence in the interest of the Niger Delta and the country.”

“Therefore, this strategic workshop is a platform designed to sharpen your leadership skills and deepen your understanding of the essence of conflict resolution and mediation, to bring about peace and development in our communities and region in the implementation of the PAP’s mandate,” Otuaro added.
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Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has approved the appointment of a new batch of Senior Special Assistants (SSA II) and Special Assistants (SA I) to support his administration’s efforts in delivering inclusive governance, strengthening grassroots mobilization and ensuring efficient public service delivery.

The appointments, span key areas including political affairs, youth and women mobilization, civil service matters, sustainable development goals (SDGs), special projects and coordination of trade associations.

The Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, who conveyed the Governor’s approval, said the appointmentsare in line with Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s commitment to deepening government presence and ensuring effective grassroots feedback mechanisms.

Those appointed as Senior Special Assistants II (SSA II) are:

1. Bashir Tukur – SSA II (SDGs)
2. Alh. Abdullahi Moh’d Umar (Ajiyan Pindiga) – SSA II (Civil Service Matters)
3. Engr. Dan Naphtali – SSA II (Special Projects)
4. Alh. Hamma (Legu) – SSA II (Political)
5. Inusa Dattijo (DJ Mai Tyre) – SSA II (Youth Mobilization & Coordination, GOSTEC)
6. Baba Sani Sakali – SSA II (Youth Mobilization & Coordination, GOSTEC)
7. Adamu Sulaiman (Wantos) – SSA II (Youth Mobilization & Coordination, GOSTEC)
8. Murtala Yusuf Haruna (Maishahada) – SSA II (Youth Coordination)
9. Auwal Abdullahi Moh’d (Mile 3) – SSA II (Youth Coordination)
10. Rilwanu Shehu Dukku -SSA II (Youth Coordination)
11. Musa Gidado (Musaji) – SSA II (Trade Groups & Associations Coordination)
12. Alh. Uba Abdullahi – SSA II (Trade Groups & Associations Coordination)
13. Aishatu Abdulkadir El-Rasheed – SSA II (Women Mobilization & Coordination)
14. Victoria John Tabak – SSA II (Women Mobilization & Coordination)
15. Sam Wabida – SSA II (Political)
16. Muktari Tukur (Kanjirgi) – SSA II (Political)
17. Mohammed Ahmed (Seyoji Kunji) – SSA II (Political)
18. Abdulrahim Kawu Peto – SSA II (Political)

Those Appointed Special Assistants I (SA I) are :

1. Hajiya Kulu Suleiman – SA I (Women Mobilization)
2. Haj. Abu Galadima Hinna – SA I (Women Mobilization)
3. Miss Ruth Caleb – SA I (Women Mobilization)
Abdullahi Kabo – SA I (Political)
4. Yahaya Abdullahi (West) – SA I (Youth Mobilization)
5. Murtala Mohammed (Gambo Jetta) – SA I (Youth Mobilization)
6. Osama Doma Isari – SA I (Youth Mobilization)
7. Hassana Musa – SA I (Women Mobilization)
8. Isa Moh’d Badamasi (Nabarunde) – SA I (Youth Mobilization)
9. Murtala Abubakar (Murrylor) – SA I (Youth Mobilization)
10. Usman Isa Malala (Abbati) – SA I (Youth Mobilization)
11. Konon Adamu – SA I (Youth Mobilization).

As stated by the SSG, all the appointments are with effect from 16th July, 2025.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya expects the new appointees to bring to bear, their experiences in supporting the implementation of government programmes and the overall development agenda of his administration.

Former Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs. Farida Waziri, has paid glowing tributes to late former President Muhammadu Buhari, expressing why she can never forget the role he played in her life

According to her, “The passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari has touched the hearts of millions across our nation. It is a solemn reminder that no matter the trials and complexities of life, a man will be remembered, indeed, by the values he steadfastly upheld.

“In President Buhari, Nigeria witnessed a man whose life was shaped by discipline, defined by incorruptibility, and anchored in an unwavering commitment to truth.

From his early days as a military ruler to his democratic tenure as President, his devotion to the fight against corruption remained undimmed. He was resolute in his pursuit of integrity in public service, even when it meant walking a lonely road. His personal conduct spoke louder than rhetoric: he lived modestly, acted justly, and held himself to a higher standard.

“I pay tribute to him not only as a public servant but as one whose principled actions touched my own life. In a system where justice is often elusive, President Buhari stood firm for what was right. It was under his leadership that the injustice done to me by the denial of my rightful retirement rank as Assistant Inspector General of Police was rectified. That act alone spoke volumes of his character: he recognised truth, and he acted on it.

“President Buhari may have departed this world, but his legacy of moral strength and relentless anti-corruption crusade will echo through generations. May history remember him kindly—as a soldier, a statesman, and above all, a man of integrity. May his soul find peaceful repose.”

The Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Ltd. has announced that the next edition of its Regional Space-Tech Hackathon and Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) Training Programme will be hosted in Calabar, Cross River State, from July 21 to July 26, 2025.

The event, targeted at startups, university students, young professionals, and local tech innovators across the South-South region, forms part of NIGCOMSAT’s broader initiative to inspire youth innovation and develop technical capacity in satellite and space-based technologies.

According to NIGCOMSAT’s Managing Director/CEO, Mrs. Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, the five-day hackathon will serve as a dynamic platform for participants to identify community challenges, design solutions, develop working prototypes, and receive mentorship from leading industry experts. The winning team will earn a spot in the NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Programme (Cohort 2025), gaining access to funding opportunities, technical support, and national exposure.

In tandem with the hackathon, 100 selected young individuals will undergo practical training in the installation, configuration, and maintenance of VSAT systems—a technology critical to expanding broadband internet access in rural and underserved communities. Upon completion, participants will be awarded industry-recognised certification, boosting their employability and entrepreneurial potential within Nigeria’s growing ICT landscape.

Mrs. Egerton-Idehen emphasised that this programme reflects NIGCOMSAT’s commitment to national development through youth empowerment, digital inclusion, and innovation.

“This initiative is about building local capacity and providing platforms for young Nigerians to thrive through technology,” she said.

Previous editions of the programme were successfully held in Yola, Adamawa State (February 24–28, 2025), and Dutse, Jigawa State (April 7–11, 2025), drawing enthusiastic participation and setting a strong foundation for regional impact.

The upcoming South-South edition is being co-hosted by Cross River State and NIGCOMSAT Ltd. Interested participants are advised to visit the NIGCOMSAT website to complete their registration.

This initiative continues to align with national goals of reducing youth unemployment and promoting homegrown, tech-enabled solutions to developmental challenges.