Gombe LCDAs development takes a major leap as Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya signs a bill creating 13 new Local Council Development Areas to enhance grassroots governance and accelerate community growth across the state.
Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has officially signed into law a bill establishing 13 new Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.
The signing ceremony, held at Government House in Gombe on Monday, attracted top government officials, legislators, traditional and religious leaders, as well as other dignitaries, highlighting the importance of the occasion.
Speaking at the event, Governor Yahaya explained that the creation of the LCDAs is designed to complement the state’s existing 11 local government areas, ensuring more responsive governance and better engagement with citizens.
The newly created LCDAs and their headquarters are: Akko North (Amada), Akko West (Pindiga), Balanga South (Bambam), Billiri West (Taal), Dukku North (Malala), Funakaye South (Tongo), Gombe South (Bolari), Kaltungo East (Wange), Kwami West (Bojude), Nafada South (Birin-Fulani), Pero-Chonge (Filiya), Yamaltu East (Dadinkowa), and Yamaltu West (Zambuk).
Governor Yahaya noted that the selection of these areas was guided by considerations of population density, administrative efficiency, and developmental needs.
According to the governor, the initiative is anchored in the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and is driven by the need to address population growth, administrative imbalances, and development disparities within the state.
“The creation of these new councils is more than an administrative adjustment; it is a deliberate strategy to accelerate progress and enhance citizen participation in governance,” he said.
“These LCDAs will serve as instruments for rapid service delivery and community empowerment.”
While acknowledging concerns over the financial implications of establishing the councils, Governor Yahaya emphasized that the long-term benefits would far outweigh the costs.
He highlighted that the new LCDAs would generate employment, improve access to healthcare, education, and security services, and stimulate local economic activities.
“Much like the establishment of Gombe State in 1996, this initiative will open a new chapter of development and prosperity for our communities,” he added.
To ensure smooth implementation, the governor directed the formation of interim management committees for each LCDA, supported by a transition technical team led by the deputy governor.
These structures, he explained, would provide guidance, maintain continuity, and ensure accountability during the initial operational phase.
Governor Yahaya also outlined four priority sectors for the newly created councils: security, basic education, primary healthcare, and agriculture.
He emphasized that these areas are critical for grassroots development and that prioritizing them would improve the quality of life for residents while laying the foundation for sustainable growth.
In his welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, described the creation of the LCDAs as a major achievement in the state’s developmental journey.
He praised Governor Yahaya’s visionary leadership and commended the State Assembly for its commitment to passing the bill.
Professor Njodi urged the new councils to practice proactive governance, ensure prudent financial management, and maintain strong community engagement to deliver visible benefits to citizens.
The ceremony also provided a platform for traditional and religious leaders to voice their support for the initiative.
Many leaders highlighted the importance of bringing government closer to the people, noting that this would promote social cohesion, enhance local security, and accelerate community-driven development.
Legislators in attendance echoed these views, pledging to provide legislative support and resources to ensure the new councils operate effectively.
Governor Yahaya reiterated his administration’s commitment to building a state where every citizen has access to essential services and economic opportunities.
He called on all stakeholders, including interim council officials, civil servants, and community leaders, to collaborate in making the new LCDAs effective instruments of change and progress.