The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory has hailed Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, for what it described as purposeful and unifying leadership in a period of deepening regional divisions.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Governor in Gombe, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Dr. Joseph John Hayab, praised Yahaya’s commitment to infrastructural development, economic empowerment, peace-building and inclusive governance.
“At this critical moment in our history, when suspicion, stereotypes and divisions have crept into the fabric of society, there is no better person than yourself to lead the urgent conversation and action to reclaim our shared values of unity, peace and mutual respect,” Hayab said.
He described the Governor’s leadership as impactful and worthy of replication across the North, stressing that his position as Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum reflects both competence and a call to serve as a unifying voice.
The CAN leader proposed a North-wide peace and unity initiative anchored on grassroots engagement and youth education, urging that young people be taught to embrace shared humanity over ethnic or religious identity.
Impressed by ongoing development in Gombe, Hayab highlighted projects such as the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, the construction of mega schools, the upgrade of health facilities including the elevation of General Hospital, Kumo, to a Federal Medical Centre, as well as road networks connecting remote communities.
He also commended landmark projects like the High Court Complex, new State Assembly building, and the modern State Secretariat.
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Hayab lauded the Governor’s inclusive approach to governance, citing his swift intervention during a recent tragedy involving Christians as an example of moral leadership and compassion. He suggested that Gombe be made the headquarters of interfaith dialogue in Northern Nigeria.
Responding, Governor Yahaya thanked CAN for hosting its youth wing NEC meeting in Gombe, saying it underscored the state’s peaceful environment.
“In Gombe, we believe in the unity of our people, regardless of religious, ethnic or cultural differences. In the eyes of God, we are one. There is no reason for hatred or division,” he said, urging other states to emulate Gombe in promoting peace and harmony.
The Governor recalled inheriting a state without a defined development framework in 2019, which led to the creation of DEVAGOM, a 10-year development plan aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and endorsed by the State Assembly. He said all government projects are tied to the plan to ensure sustainability and inclusivity.
Yahaya reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with all religious, ethnic and professional groups to build a peaceful and united Gombe, and by extension, Nigeria.
