By Abubakar Rabilu Gombe
The Gombe State Government is implementing a series of large-scale development projects across its 11 Local Government Areas (LGAs), aiming to strengthen grassroots infrastructure and enhance local autonomy.
These initiatives, led by the Joint Project Development Agency (JPDA), address critical needs in each community through projects such as secretariat renovations, market construction, and solar street lighting.
According to Dr. Mahmood Yusuf, Director-General of JPDA, each LGA submits project requests based on local needs, and upon approval by the JPDA Council, costs are often shared in ratios like 50:50 or 60:40 between the state and local governments’
“Each LGA has autonomy to propose projects, and upon Council approval, funds are allocated jointly, respecting their financial independence,” Dr. Yusuf emphasized.
Significant projects include the renovation of the 48-year-old Akko Secretariat, now 90% complete, and the installation of over 3,000 solar street lights across Kwami, Dukku, Yamaltu Deba, Funakaye, and Nafada LGAs, extending to rural villages like Gadam Bojude and Malleri for improved night-time security and accessibility.
He Also the administrative upgrades, economic and cultural developments are also prioritized. New cattle and grain markets and a motor park are underway in Dukku to ease congestion on market days.
District Head residences in Kwami and Funakaye are being upgraded, and the Emir’s Palace in Yamaltu Deba is nearing completion at 90%. In Billiri, infrastructure damaged by past crises, including the Kantoma market and Sansani-Gada Uku Bridge, has been reconstructed.
Addressing specific local challenges, the state has extended electricity to communities in Balanga LGA, built a college of nursing in Kumo, and improved healthcare with the comprehensive upgrade of Kumo General Hospital.
Roads are being constructed in Tumfure, and a water project is underway as part of the Gombe Regional Water Expansion Project to meet long-standing water needs.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s commitment to grassroots development and local council autonomy is positioning Gombe State as a leader in regional growth and responsive governance.
With these projects, the state is poised to strengthen its role in delivering impactful infrastructure and enhancing local living standards.