Gombe Governor Constitutes Committees to Drive Open Governance, Inclusive Policies
By Matthew Eloyi
In a bid to reinforce the commitment to transparent governance and community engagement, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has given his approval for the establishment of two significant committees aimed at promoting open governance and inclusive policies in the state.
According to a press statement issued by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General (Press Affairs), Government House, Gombe, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, announced the development, highlighting Governor Inuwa’s dedication to advancing collaborative efforts for open governance and targeted developmental programs in Gombe State.
The first committee, the Open Governance Partnership (OGP) State Steering Committee (SSC), will be co-chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi. This committee is designed to champion transparent governance and facilitate cooperation among various government departments.
Members of the OGP State Steering Committee include the Head of Civil Service, Commissioners of Finance and Economic Development, Information, Culture and Ethical Orientation, Education, Women Affairs & Social Development, Budget & Economic Planning, and Justice. Additionally, a representative from the State House of Assembly, the Permanent Secretary of the Bureau for Public Procurement, and the Senior Special Assistant (Budget Planning and Development Partners Coordination) will serve as the Secretary.
The second committee, the Civil Society Organizations Committee, has been established to promote community engagement and ensure the effective implementation of inclusive policies. Members of this committee comprise the Chairmen of prominent organizations, including the Association of Non-Governmental Associations Gombe State, Foundation for Youth Awakening and Empowerment, Jewel Health Initiative, Wilden Care Foundation, People Empowerment Initiative, Advocacy Centre for Development (AC4D), Voice of Hopes, Jewel Care Foundation, Newage Initiative for Youth, and Dandalin Matasa.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed his expectation that the committee members would serve as catalysts for progressive change, leveraging their diverse expertise and collective experience to enhance service delivery effectiveness in Gombe State. All appointments to these committees are effective immediately.
The establishment of these committees underscores the state government’s commitment to fostering collaboration and transparency, ensuring that the voices of civil society are heard, and governance is conducted in an open and accountable manner.