The Secretary to the Gombe State Government (SSG) and the Ikemba Ndigbo of Gombe State, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, has called for peaceful coexistence and unity among the diverse ethnic groups in Nigeria, regardless of religious or cultural differences.Â
Njodi emphasized the importance of these values during his message to the Igbo community on the occasion of their 2024 New Yam Festival, held in Gombe, on Sunday.
Represented at the event by Yakubu Sarma, the Senior Special Assistant on General Duties to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, Njodi highlighted the festival’s significance in promoting peace and unity, values that are crucial for the country’s progress.
He reiterated the need for all ethnic groups to work together in harmony and celebrate their diversity, which the New Yam Festival symbolizes.
Speaking on behalf of the SSG, Yakubu Sarma commended the Igbo community for their business acumen and contributions to the state’s development.
He remarked that under the leadership of Governor Inuwa Yahaya, the Gombe State government has created a business-friendly environment that allows enterprises to flourish, making the state a thriving hub for commerce.
Njodi encouraged the Igbo community to continue taking advantage of the favorable business conditions and to pursue their ventures lawfully.
He assured them of his continued support, noting his personal connection to the community through the honorary title of Ikemba Ndigbo.
Furthermore, he expressed appreciation to the Igbo community for their steadfast support of the current administration, under the leadership of Governor Inuwa Yahaya.
He acknowledged their contributions to the state’s growth and emphasized the importance of maintaining strong ties between the government and the various ethnic groups residing in Gombe.
The event also saw the conferment of a traditional Igbo title on Dr. Aminu Yuguda, the State Accountant General. Yuguda received the title of “Emhi Oha Ndigbo,” meaning “Friend of the Igbo,” in recognition of his service to humanity and his consistent support of the Igbo community.
The title was presented by the Igbo Welfare Association, a gesture that highlighted the deep ties between the Gombe State administration and the Igbo people.
Yakubu Sarma, in addition to delivering Njodi’s message, also conveyed goodwill messages from both the Deputy Governor, Manassah Daniel Jatau, and Dr. Yuguda. All three, including the SSG, made donations to support the Igbo Welfare Association and the organizers of the event, further reinforcing their commitment to the community’s well-being.
Prince Dr. Cornelius Ewuzie Chicmark, the Special Adviser to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya on Intercommunity Relations and the guest speaker at the event commended the attendees for their participation and lauded Governor Yahaya for his efforts in fostering development in Gombe State.
He also spoke on the cultural importance of the New Yam Festival in Igbo tradition, highlighting its role in promoting unity, thanksgiving, and renewal.
Chicmark assured the Igbo and other non-indigenous communities residing in Gombe of their continued support for Governor Yahaya’s administration, reaffirming their shared commitment to the state’s growth and peaceful coexistence.
The event drew a large gathering of dignitaries, including representatives of the Emir of Gombe, Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, the Commissioner of Women Affairs, Hon. Asama’u Iganus, who holds the title of Ada Ugo Ndigbo, and Yusuf Danbayo, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Yahaya on Security.
The occasion was widely celebrated as a testament to the strong relationship between the Igbo community and the Gombe State government.
