Barely two weeks after winning the New Telegraph Governor of the Year Award, (Education), Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has yet again been crowned The Sun Newspaper Governor of The Year 2023 at a ceremony held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
According to a statement on Sunday, 18th February 2024 signed by the Director-General (Press Affairs) Gombe Government House, Ismaila Uba Misilli, said that Governor Inuwa Yahaya, shone so brilliantly as his citation preceding his award presentation was being read. His remarkable qualities as an exemplary leader were loudly applauded.
The award was received on behalf of His Excellency by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau in the company of the Hon. Minister of Transportation, Sen. Saidu Ahmed Alkali.
The Sun Publishing Limited, publishers of Daily Sun, Saturday Sun, Sunday Sun and Sporting Sun, is one of Nigeria’s leading tabloids with over two decades of quality and responsible journalism in Nigeria.
Managing Director of the media outfit, Mr Onuoha Ukey, had said that the Board of Editors conferred the award of Governor of the Year to Inuwa Yahaya in recognition of his visionary leadership and remarkable strides in infrastructure, healthcare, education, environment, water supply and human capital development among others.
He said Governor Inuwa’s performance was scaled against those of others and found to stand out.
“Your selection for this award was based on merit because of your achievements within the period you have been Governor of Gombe State”.
While presenting the award to Governor Inuwa Yahaya, the Chairman of the occasion and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume commended the Northern Governors’ Forum Chairman for his outstanding leadership qualities.
He lauded Governor Inuwa Yahaya for consistently setting the pace, exemplifying a commitment to excellence and dedication to public service, adding that the recognition is a testament to his impactful contributions and exemplary leadership that serves as an inspiration to others.
Receiving the award, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, through Deputy Governor Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, thanked the management of the Sun Publishing company for recognizing his government’s modest achievements, describing the award as an honour done not only to him but his working team and the entire people of Gombe State.
“The award will inspire us to do more for the betterment of the people Gombe of State, and we will succeed in changing the narratives to make Gombe a better place, better than we met it”, Dr Jatau said.
The Governor stated that his administration is providing quality governance to the people through a well-thought-out Gombe State Development Plan (2021-2030) aimed at transforming the state within the next 10 years and placing it on the path of sustainable development going forward.
“We came in with a clear vision and we were able to organize a mission that is working for us, and we are happy that our modest achievements are being appreciated”, Governor Inuwa remarked.
Commenting after the event, Minister of Transport, Sen. Saidu Alkali, expressed immense pride in Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s accomplishments, noting how he has elevated Gombe State to a benchmark of excellence in governance and exemplary leadership across various indicators.
The Minister said Governor Inuwa has succeeded in turning Gombe into a shining example for others to emulate in the realms of good governance, leadership, and development.
The colourful awards ceremony was chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume and attended by an array of dignitaries, including Governors of Ogun and Enugu States, Minister of Transport, Sen. Saidu Ahmed Alkali and his Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy counterpart, Bosun Tijjani, Labour Party Presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, Wife of Kwara State Governor, Oni of Ife, former House of Reps member, Hon. Umar Ahmed Sulaiman, captains of Industry, media executives among others.
