From David Hassan, Gombe
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has challenged members of the newly inaugurated Board of the Gombe State Investment and Property Development Company to exert their individual wealth of experience towards building a virile firm that can attract investment and boost the economy of the State for the benefit of the people.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya stated this at the inauguration ceremony of the Board which took place at the Council Chamber of the Government House, Gombe yesterday according to a statement by Ismaila Misilli, Director General on Media and Publicity to the Governor.
Members of the board are Alhaji Yidi Sambo Dukku, Mr. Benson Yahaya,Alh. Hamza Sulei Wuro Bokki, Alh. Sadiq Mohammed and Alh. Abdullahi Ali Gombe. Others are Alh. Adamu Sambo, Alh. Awwal Musa Bashir, Mal. Yila Sa’idu Mohammed and Mr. Anthony Yaro.
The Governor noted that the delay in constituting the Board was informed by the need for due diligence and what he described as a reconnaissance strategy to get the best hands that can win for the company and the state in general.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya said his decision to form such a team of impeccable personalities was hinged on the need to retrace the steps of the company by looking at where it was, what it is and the projections to catch up with current realities.
“All of you are men that are tested and trusted who have served in a lot of places and have what it takes to take Gombe State Investment and Property Development Company to the position it should be and I know you can do it”.
He said the appointment of members was devoid of political consideration because of his firm believe that anyone who can contribute to the growth and development of the state will always be welcomed by his administration irrespective of his political affiliation.
He noted that reforms towards the self sufficiency of the state can be difficult but that his administration remains resolute towards enhancing and building the economic capacity of the state so that it does not have to depend on Abuja for statutory allocation.
“My dream is that Gombe State may soon not rely on the federation account for its survival because that was the dream of our elder statemen and we must keep such dream alive”.
He lamented that about 85 percent of the State allocation from the Federation account goes to payment of salaries, leaving a paltry 15 percent to carter for a population of about 3.5 million people. He added that the financial weight for the lesser few is outrageous to those in greater number.
