by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has said his administration will always tap from its citizens and stakeholders’ experience to bring more development to the state.
He disclosed this during the inauguration of a nine-man State Honorary Advisory Council at the Government House on Monday.
The council, which comprises of experts from various walks of life, will contribute to seamless execution of government policies and programs, as well as the state’s ten-year Development Plan.
According to him, “The formation of this council at this critical time is a testament to our government’s commitment to consult and collaborate with its citizens.
“It also lends credence to our unwavering dedication to harnessing the collective wisdom and expertise of Gombe State’s most exceptional citizens, who have consistently demonstrated outstanding accomplishments across diverse fields of human endeavours,” he stated.
While appreciating members of the council for their acceptance to serve people of the state, the governor urged that the committee is also free to advise the government on every aspect of governance in the state.
The committee’s terms of reference for the council include: to advice on policy frameworks and implementation strategies for the actualization of State’s Development Plan, identify gaps in skills and competences and advice government on how to mitigate and bridge same, submit quarterly report of their assignment and any other advice for the governor’s consideration and implementation.
Governor Yahaya expressed confidence in the members for their wise counseling, and charged them to work round-the-clock in providing their wealth of experience and expertise for the progress of the state.
“I believe we can embark on a transformative journey to turn challenges into opportunities and provide effective solutions to the problems facing Gombe State,” he added.
He said the council was not designed to compete or supplant existing decision-making bodies, but to complement and bolster their functions through the provision of high-level expert opinions and guidance on policies.
In his response on behalf of the members, the Council Chairman, Professor Idris Mohammed, appreciated the governor for finding them worthy to serve people of the state in that capacity.
He assured the governor of their unwavering commitments to offering positive counselling that will put the state on a sustainable development trajectory, adding that the council will not fail the governor and people of the state.
With Dr Muazu Shehu as its Secretary, the 9-man Advisory Council has experts and seasoned technocrats from various walks of life as members.
