Group Honours Governor Inuwa Yahaya for Transformational Leadership
By Raymond Enoch
In a grand style ceremony celebrating governance excellence, the Network of Civil Society Organizations (GONET) has bestowed the prestigious Award of Excellence upon Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON.
The accolade recognizes his visionary leadership, commitment to inclusive governance, and unwavering dedication to the socio-economic and infrastructural advancement of the state.
Speaking at the award presentation, GONET Chairman Ibrahim Yusuf commended Governor Yahaya’s dedication to transparency and accountability, particularly in budget formulation and economic policies.
“We are delighted to inform you that you have been identified as our Best Performing Governor/Leader, and one of the distinguished personalities whose contributions to the development of Gombe State and Nigeria at large have been outstanding,” Yusuf stated.
He highlighted the administration’s extensive investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, water, and human capital development as transformative elements propelling Gombe toward sustainable progress.
“Under your leadership, Gombe State has witnessed remarkable strides in inclusive governance, ensuring that the welfare of every individual, regardless of their background, remains a top priority,” he added.
The GONET Chairman also emphasized the importance of civil society organizations (CSOs) in shaping policies, advocating for good governance, and amplifying the voices of the people. He revealed that GONET plans to broaden its engagement with state and non-state actors, as well as donor agencies, to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In his acceptance remarks, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, expressed gratitude to GONET for acknowledging his administration’s achievements. He dedicated the award to the people of Gombe, recognizing their resilience, support, and shared commitment to the state’s progress.
“This award is a testament to our collective efforts. Our administration remains focused on delivering people-centered projects aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth,” the governor assured.
The ceremony also featured a keynote lecture titled Enhancing Collaboration Among Government Tiers, Civil Societies, and Citizens for Sustainable Development, delivered by the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo. The Speaker underscored the necessity for stronger partnerships between government and CSOs, stating that meaningful development can only be achieved when both state and non-state actors collaborate effectively in policy formulation and implementation.
“Governments at all levels must recognize CSOs as partners, not adversaries, in governance and development,” Luggerewo asserted.
Earlier, GONET Board Chairman, Mr. Ado Solomon, praised Governor Yahaya’s commitment to participatory governance, particularly his inclusion of civil society groups in the budgetary process. He reaffirmed GONET’s dedication to working alongside the state government to advance the collective interests of Gombe’s citizens.
A major highlight of the event was the swearing-in of newly elected GONET officials, who pledged to strengthen collaboration with all stakeholders in pushing forward the state’s development agenda.
With this recognition, Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s administration continues to gain national acclaim for fostering inclusive governance and driving progressive policies that enhance the lives of the people of Gombe.
