The Jewel Times, Gombe (2026)

17/10/2026

RUWASSA DELIVERS MEDICAL SUPPLIES TO HEALTH FACILITIES IN THREE GOMBE LGAs

By Saeed Ahmad Bappah, Gombe

The Gombe State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) has delivered hospital drugs and medical supplies to selected health facilities in three Local Government Areas of Gombe State as part of efforts to support healthcare delivery and improve access to essential medical services.

The benefiting areas are Garko Primary Health Care Centre (PHCC) in Akko Local Government Area, Bangu Phcc in Balanga Local Government Area, and Gombe Abba Phcc in Dukku Local Government Area.

The General Manager and Project Coordinator of RUWASSA, Engr. Muhammad Ahmad Gibirimu, was represented during the delivery exercise by the Agency’s Administrative Officer, Adamu Buji, who carried out the assignment on his behalf.

The delivery is expected to support healthcare workers in attending to patients and contribute to improving the availability of essential medical supplies at the benefiting health facilities.

Speaking during the exercise, the Agency’s representative said the drugs are free he emphasized the importance of making proper use of the supplied items to ensure that they serve their intended purpose and benefit the communities they are meant to support especially vulnerable.

The intervention also reflects the Agency’s commitment to supporting community development and improving the welfare of residents across Gombe State.

RUWASSA continues to work under the leadership of Engr. Muhammad Ahmad Gibirimu, with support from the Gombe State Government under the administration of His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, Dan Majen Gombe.

The Agency appreciates the Governor’s continued support for programmes and interventions aimed at improving the well-being of the people of Gombe State.

Representative of the Chairman Akko North Local Council Development area, also councillor representing Garko ward Muhammad Muhammad Bello Appreciate the gesture and the Governor of Gombe State for giving such kind of support to rural areas through RUWASSA under Engr Gibirimu, also the Phcc Coordinator in Akko North Local council development area Hajiya Saima Muhammad and incharge of the facility Mrs Hannatu Bukkos has shown their happiness during the handing over of the drugs.

The Chairman of Balanga Local Government Area Alhaji Salisu Ibrahim received the delegates in his office and assured them of monitoring of the distribution of the drugs through the Phcc Coordinator Mr Danjuma k Mauni, from there the team proceeds to Bangu and were received at the facility by the incharge Mr David Seidu Jatau, District head of Bangu Alhaji Danjuma Sulaiman represented by Malam Aliyu Gwadabe has shown their happiness and pledged to make proper use of the drugs specifically to vulnerable in the society

The delivery to Garko in Akko LGA, Bangu in Balanga LGA, and Gombe Abba in Dukku LGA highlights the importance of sustained government support and collaboration in strengthening services at the community level.
RUWASSA remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote healthier communities and improve the quality of life of the people of Gombe State.

22/09/2026

Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Bye-Election Achieves Highest Credibility Band, Says Freedom Family Foundation

The Freedom Family Foundation, a prominent domestic election observation group, has declared the recently concluded federal constituency by-election across the Gombe, Kwami, and Funakaye local government areas as a transparent and credible process that authentically reflects the choice of the electorate.

In a press statement signed and made available to The Jewel Times by the foundation’s National Coordinator, Professor Abubakar Sadiq Bappah, the group reported that systematic monitoring by accredited field observers confirmed the overall integrity of the election.

Utilizing a standardized scoring framework, the foundation evaluated the poll at 83%, securing its placement in the highest credibility band.

Observers noted that pre-election preparations were generally adequate, ensuring that electoral officials and materials were deployed efficiently.

"On election day, polling units opened on time, materials were available, and BVAS devices functioned reliably. Minor delays and occasional network failures were reported but did not materially affect the conduct of voting," the statement noted.

Collation and results management were likewise assessed as orderly and transparent. Physical tallying aligned consistently with electronic transmission, and results were successfully uploaded to the IReV portal in a timely manner.

Furthermore, party agents were able to actively observe and verify outcomes at every stage, boosting post-election public confidence and reinforcing trust in democratic governance.

Despite the largely positive assessment, the preliminary report highlighted several operational vulnerabilities requiring attention. Observers recorded thin security deployments in remote rural areas, leaving some polling units vulnerable.

Monitors also flagged occasional instances of inappropriate voter influence, alongside the presence of partisan actors and campaign materials too close to polling centers.

Although no ballot snatching was observed, the foundation called for improved inter-agency security coordination and stricter enforcement of neutrality rules at all polling locations.

Ultimately, the foundation concluded that the by-election demonstrated high operational maturity and met key democratic standards.

Professor Bappah expressed optimism that these findings will serve as a constructive benchmark for continued electoral improvement across Nigeria.

17/09/2026

Ƴan hasada da gutsuri tsomi ne ke tada kayar baya a kasuwar tare.

Dan majalisan Akko ta Arewa shi ne sakataren kasuwar, don haka duk abinda za a yi sai da masaniyarsa - cewar shugaban kasuwar Ɗanmaje Baba Umaru Yankari

17/09/2026

Muna ƙira ga matasa su guji kalare da tada zaune tsaye yayin zaɓen cike gurbi na Gombe-Kwami-Funakaye - cewar ɗan takaran Jam'iyyar NDP Hon Abdulmujib Abdulkarim Kwami

17/09/2026

2027: Ex-PDP National Treasurer Yayari Defects to APC in Gombe

By Yunusa Isa, Gombe

A former National Treasurer of the Peoples Democratic Party and one-time Gombe State governorship aspirant, Hon. Ahmed Yayari, has formally defected to the All Progressives Congress alongside his supporters.

Yayari, who previously served as Chief of Staff to former Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, obtained his APC membership card at Kalshingi Ward in Akko Local Government Area.

Addressing party members after receiving his card, Yayari promised to leverage his extensive political networks and grassroots support base to secure victory for the APC in the upcoming 2027 elections.

"I shall deploy my years of political experience, extensive networks, and support base towards securing victory for the APC in the 2027 elections," he stated, emphasizing his specific dedication to backing the APC governorship candidate in Gombe State, Dr. Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna, alongside all other party candidates across state and national levels.

He added that his transition is built on a shared commitment to collaborate with stakeholders to strengthen the party structure.

Local and state party leaders quickly welcomed the high-profile defection. Akko Local Government APC Chairman Muhammad Baba Marka, State APC Organizing Secretary Ibrahim Musa Bakas, and Joint Project Development Agency Director-General Builder Mahmoud Yusuf praised the move, asserting that Yayari's deep grassroots connections mean that "2027 elections will be a walkover for APC at all levels."

Special Advisor to the Gombe State Governor on Community Relations, Hon. Habu Kalshingi, echoed these sentiments, labeling the defection a major setback for the opposition.

"Hon. Yayari has given us tough times when he was in the PDP," Kalshingi noted, describing the defection as "good tidings for all APC members to sleep comfortably in Akko Local Government and the state at large."

Following the registration ceremony, the political entourage paid a traditional homage to the District Head of Kalshingi, Muhammad Abubakar Magaji.

During the palace visit, Akko West Local Council Development Area Chairman Hon. Bello Sulaiman solicited the royal father's blessings and prayers ahead of the fast-approaching 2027 polls, appealing, "We are appealing for the royal father's prayers and blessings as the 2027 election becomes nearer by the day."

In response, the district head urged politicians to maintain decorum, calling on them to "play politics with decorum."

He further commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for executing numerous infrastructural projects in the region, while assuring the delegation of his continuous support for peaceful democratic processes.

"I appreciate Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for executing numerous development projects in Kalshingi and beyond, we shall sustain prayers and support towards ensuring a peaceful conduct of the 2027 elections."

Yayari's defection marks a notable shift in the region's political landscape, unfolding amid a broader wave of high-profile realignments and mass movements into the ruling party across Gombe State.

14/09/2026

Hajj 2027: NAHCON Secures 3-Year Transition Window, Gombe Proactive Against Deadlines

By Yunusa Isa, Gombe

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has successfully negotiated a crucial three-year transition window with Saudi authorities, cushioning Nigerian pilgrims from an immediate, sweeping overhaul of international Hajj administration.

Alhaji Abba Jato, the NAHCON Commissioner representing the North-East, disclosed this during a high-level stakeholder briefing with the Gombe State Government.

He noted that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had initially pushed for an immediate 98% shift toward a private business-to-business (B2B) tour operator model for the 2027 pilgrimage - a move NAHCON warned would disrupt financial systems and price out average Nigerians.

Following intense negotiations, the commission secured a vital concession limiting the initial phase-in to 30% of the national quota for 2027.

"We argued that such a sudden move would disrupt our financial system and make Hajj too expensive for the average Nigerian pilgrim," Jato stated, addressing state officials.

He added that "Through intense negotiations, we secured a critical concession: only 30% of our quota will move to the new model in 2027, buying ourselves a three-year transition window."

Despite the reprieve, Jato warned that strict new operational and health guidelines remain non-negotiable for the upcoming exercise.

Most pressingly, the final deadline for uploading all pilgrim registration data has been fixed for September 26, 2026, with Saudi authorities maintaining that no extensions will be granted.

Additional requirements include rigorous medical fitness certifications. Pilgrims suffering from major organ failure, severe neurological or psychiatric conditions, active infectious diseases, or those who are pregnant are strictly prohibited from participating.

Furthermore, medical personnel ratios have been set at a minimum of 1.5 doctors and 1.7 nurses per 1,000 pilgrims, while administrative visa issuance is now conditional upon completing mandatory training tracks and acquiring professional qualifications.

"We are respectfully requesting Your Excellency's intervention to direct the state pilgrims' commission and all relevant stakeholders to accord the highest priority to pilgrim registration, documentation, and payment processes. We must beat this deadline, or we risk losing our state's allocation slots," Jato urged.

Responding on behalf of the state, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya - represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi assured the NAHCON delegation of the government's unwavering commitment to a hitch-free Hajj exercise.

The Governor promptly charged the Executive Secretary of the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Sa'adu Hassan, to compile a comprehensive report detailing the advantages and disadvantages of the new Saudi framework to guide state intervention strategies.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the meeting, Alhaji Sa'adu Hassan affirmed that the board is working round the clock to beat all payment and visa processing deadlines.

He reassured prospective travelers that proactive measures have already been taken to protect Gombe pilgrims under the new policy regime.

"The board will do all it takes to align with the new order and ensure no pilgrim is victimized," Hassan said.

He revealed that while Gombe State was allocated 987 seats for the 2027 Hajj, the board has already advanced payments for 1,417 seats in anticipation of high demand from intending pilgrims.

05/09/2026

Gombe RUWASSA Hands Over Site for New Solar Borehole in Talasse

By Saeed Ahmad Bappah

The Gombe State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) has officially handed over a site for the construction of a new solar-powered borehole in Izala One, Anguwan Nasarawa, Talasse Town, Balanga Local Government Area.

Speaking at the brief handover ceremony, the General Manager and Project Coordinator of RUWASSA, Engr. Muhammad Gibirimu Ahmad, stated that the initiative forms part of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya's deliberate push to extend reliable water infrastructure to both urban and rural communities across the state.

"This is part of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya's intervention projects in both urban and rural areas of Gombe State to ensure adequate water supply reaches all nooks and crannies of the state," Engr. Ahmad said.

He detailed that the project features a 30,000-liter capacity overhead tank, three dedicated fetching units, and a complete perimeter fence for security. Urging the community to take charge of the asset upon completion, he added, "The project deserves good and proper security guard and maintenance for the people to enjoy it." The General Manager was accompanied to the site by the Agency Secretary, Adamu Buji.

Also speaking at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Comrade Bala Adams, expressed gratitude to the governor for approving yet another critical infrastructure project for the area.

"His Excellency has delivered numerous successful projects since the inception of this administration, and this is another testament to his commitment," Engr. Adams said, while urging residents to accord the contractor maximum cooperation to ensure the swift ex*****on of the work.

The Chairman of Balanga Local Government Area, Alhaji Salihu Ibrahim, echoed similar sentiments, noting that the local populace remains deeply appreciative of the state government’s developmental strides.

Assuring the governor of unalloyed political support in the upcoming 2027 elections, he remarked, "Balanga has no ward that can match our appreciation to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya. This is a year of reciprocating through our votes."

Prior to the borehole flag-off, the delegation comprising the Commissioner, RUWASSA General Manager, and administrative officers inspected educational and health facilities in Bangu Town.

At the Bangu Primary Health Centre, the facility in-charge, Mr. Tiya Sunday, reported a sharp rise in patient turnout, supported by 25 rotational staff members, a dedicated generator set, a solar-powered borehole, four blocks of two-bedroom staff quarters, a separate residence for a doctor, and gender-segregated water system toilets for patients' relatives.

An inspection of the Bangu primary and secondary schools revealed intact, well-maintained structures.

The head teacher noted that the institution has significantly eased educational access for surrounding communities, prompting expressions of gratitude to the state government for the continuous intervention.

05/09/2026

Integration Drive: Alausa Tasks Gombe Tsangaya, Islamiyya Schools on Registration

By Yunusa Isa, Gombe

Tsangaya and Islamiyya schools have been urged to register with the Gombe State Ministry of Education to enable them to benefit from Federal Government educational development support and integration programmes.

The call was made by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, during a joint stakeholder meeting in Gombe organised by the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Gombe State Ministry of Education to discuss educational integration and unveil policies and modalities for safeguarding the educational rights and protection of Tsangaya and Islamiyya students.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Almajiri and Tsangaya Education, Dr Balarabe Shehu Kakale, the minister said newly introduced policies, regulations, and frameworks require the integration of vocational skills training into the curriculum as part of efforts to tackle youth unemployment and reduce dependence on white-collar jobs.

"Under the revised national education policies, any community space or residence used for teaching and instruction is officially recognised as an educational institution, making such centres eligible for government oversight, funding, and support at various levels," Dr Kakale stated.

He therefore encouraged proprietors of Tsangaya and Islamiyya schools to register with the state Ministry of Education and other relevant educational authorities to gain access to government support and educational development initiatives.

To ensure inclusivity, the minister presented policy documents, models, and implementation frameworks written in English, Hausa, Arabic, and Ajami.

"We are committed to ensuring that no child, skill, or education system is left behind in our collective journey toward universal education for all," he noted.

The Gombe State Commissioner for Education, Professor Aishatu Umar Maigari - represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Abubakar Hassan - said the state government had made significant progress in modernising Tsangaya and Islamiyya education through the establishment of integrated model schools and residential facilities across the 11 local government areas of the state.

She, however, urged the federal government to ensure effective implementation of the programmes by directly providing states with the necessary funds, learning materials, and other resources required to achieve the desired objectives.

In their separate goodwill messages, stakeholders commended the initiative and encouraged Tsangaya and Islamiyya schools to actively participate in the reform process.

Others who contributed during a goodwill message include the Executive Secretary of the National Almajiri Education Commission, Dr Muhammad Sani Idris, represented by Halliru Musa Halliru; Provost of AD Rufa’i College of Legal and Islamic Studies, Misau, Dr Muhammad Mustapha; Executive Chairman of the Gombe State Universal Basic Education Board, Professor Hassan Bello; Special Adviser to the Gombe State Governor on Tsangaya and Almajiri Affairs, Sayyada Amina Dahiru Usman Bauchi; Secretary-General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam in Gombe State, Alhaji Sale Danburam; and prominent Qur’anic scholar, Alaramma Goni Sadisu Mai Babban Allo.

The stakeholders pledged their cooperation towards ensuring the successful implementation of the programmes and the attainment of the set objectives.

The federal and state initiatives are aimed at addressing the challenge of out-of-school children while improving the standard, regulation, and integration of Tsangaya and Islamiyya education across Nigeria.

02/09/2026

Dr Jamil Gwamna Assures Priority to Youth, Human Capital Development

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Gubernatorial Candidate in Gombe State, Dr Jamil Isyaku Gwamna, has reaffirmed his commitment to mentoring, empowering and supporting youths, describing investment in young people as essential to the growth and development of society.

A press statement signed and made available to The Jewel Times Times by his Spokesperson Ibrahim Sani Shawai said "According to Gwamna, his commitment to youth development is not merely a political promise but a cause he has consistently pursued through mentorship, guidance, support and the creation of opportunities for young people over the years".

He said many of the youths he has mentored and supported over the years have excelled in their various fields of endeavour and are making significant contributions to society, adding that their achievements remained a source of pride to him and to Gombe State.

According to him, those who have moved outside Gombe are equally doing a great job as good ambassadors of the state, demonstrating that when young people are given the right support, guidance and opportunities, they can compete and succeed anywhere.

"I dedicate my struggle towards mentoring and building youths. Those I have built and mentored have excelled in their various fields of endeavour, doing a great service to our land. Those who are outside Gombe are also doing a great job as our ambassadors.”

Gwamna emphasised that any society genuinely interested in achieving sustainable development must deliberately invest in its younger generation, noting that empowering youths with knowledge, skills, opportunities and the right environment is an investment in the future.

The APC guber candidate commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for laying a solid foundation through various youth development and empowerment initiatives, assuring that his administration would consolidate on those achievements while introducing new programmes designed to expand opportunities and improve outcomes for young people.

He pledged that greater attention would be given to youth development through various interventions aimed at building capacity, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, creating opportunities and enabling young people to become self-reliant and productive members of society.

Dr. Gwamna further assured the youths of Gombe State of his determination to create an enabling environment where they can thrive, realise their potential and contribute meaningfully to the economic and social transformation of the state.

02/09/2026

Anti-party: Gombe PDP Suspends State Youth Leader, Jamilu Ali Kalshingi

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Gombe State Chapter has suspended its State Youth Leader Jamilu Ali Kalshingi from the party with immediate effect for alleged anti-party activities.

A press statement signed and made available to newsmen by the party's State Publicity Secretary Abdulƙadir Ahmad Dukku, said "Reports reaching the party reveals that the state Youth Leader have been romancing with the officials of the ruling party of the state at different levels and allegedly revealing secrets of the party".

PDP said the decision is in consonant with its constitution.

"The decision to suspend the State Youth Leader is in line with section 58 (1) sub-section a, d & f of the party's constitution 2017 (as amended)."

The party further warned all its executive members at all levels desist from any anti-party activities capable of bringing the party into disrepute, especially at this critical time when the party is approaching the 2027 General Elections.

"Any official of the party found wanting or engaging in anti-party activity shall be disciplined in accordance with the party constitution", the statement added.

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