…Advocates Stronger Traditional, Private Sector Partnerships in Project Delivery

 

The World Bank has lauded Gombe State’s development trajectory under the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, calling for deeper collaboration with traditional institutions and the private sector to strengthen project delivery.

 

This position was highlighted during a courtesy visit by the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mr. Matthew Verghis, to the Emir of Gombe, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar, CFR III, in Gombe.

 

Speaking during the visit, Mr. Verghis commended the prevailing peace and steady development in Gombe State, noting that the conducive environment has significantly supported the successful implementation of World Bank-supported projects in the state.

 

He explained that the Bank is adopting a more strategic and integrated approach to development where each state will be supported based on its unique needs and priorities to maximise development outcomes.

 

“Gombe is wonderful,” the Country Director remarked, expressing satisfaction with the state’s performance and commitment to development initiatives.

 

The visit was part of the two-day working visit of the bank officials to Gombe as part of broader efforts to strengthen collaboration with key stakeholders to enhance efficiency and sustainability of development programmes.

 

In his remarks, the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar, expressed appreciation to the World Bank delegation for the visit and commended the Bank’s sustained support to the state.

 

He described Gombe as one of the fastest-growing states in Nigeria despite its relatively limited resource base, attributing this progress to effective governance and strong partnerships with development partners.

 

The Emir revealed that Gombe has maintained a longstanding relationship with the World Bank, noting that the state was among the first to benefit from the Bank’s interventions as far back as 1959.

 

He further highlighted the contributions of the Gombe Emirate Council in supporting social development initiatives, including the provision of scholarships to indigent students, assistance to vulnerable groups, and support for small-scale businesses since 2014.

 

The traditional ruler emphasised that the institution of traditional leadership offers a well-established grassroots communication structure that can be leveraged to enhance the implementation and acceptance of development programmes.

 

He pledged the continued support of the emirate council in partnering with both the World Bank and the Gombe State Government to ensure the success of ongoing and future interventions.

 

Members of the delegation included the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Salihu Baba Alkali; Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru; Commissioner for Finance, Muhammad Gambo Magaji; Project Coordinator Gombe L-PRES, Prof Usman Bello Abubakar; DG Abuja Liaison Office, Dr. Jamilu Jafaru; Project Coordinator, SURWASH, Engr. Usman Aliyu, among other government officials.