Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has been named the ‘Security Role Model Governor of the Year’ 2024 by People’s Security Monitor, a leading security-focused media platform.

The award was bestowed on the Governor in recognition his outstanding leadership, strategic innovations, and commitment to maintaining peace and security in Gombe State.

The award ceremony was held at the Nigeria National Merit House in Abuja, during the People’s Security Monitor Annual Lecture with the theme “Attainment of Ideal Security for the People: The Gombe State Example”.

The organizers commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his innovative strategies, awareness, managerial expertise, and commitment to achieving effective, sustainable, and seamless security since the start of his administration.

His exceptional approach, according to them, distinguished Inuwa Yahaya among Nigeria’s 36 state governors as a security icon and role model.

Quoting the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED), they further noted that, Gombe State has consistently maintained one of the lowest fatality rates from violent attacks in Nigeria for over a decade.

The Publisher and CEO of People’s Security Monitor, Isiaka Mustapha, applauded Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s ingenuity, managerial prowess, and total commitment to sustainable security.

He emphasized that the governor’s proactive measures and collaborative approach with security agencies have set Gombe State apart from its peers, making it a sanctuary for displaced persons from neighboring states.

“Under Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s administration, Gombe State has become a sanctuary for individuals fleeing insecurity in neighboring regions such as Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and Taraba.

“An independent survey by the People’s Security Monitor’s evaluation team confirmed that Gombe State reports one of the lowest fatality rates from violent attacks in Nigeria, underscoring the effectiveness of the governor’s security strategies”.

The governor’s adept handling of conflicts has also drawn commendation from the organisers.

“The swift interventions in crises such as the Waja-Lunguda clashes and disputes in Akko Local Government Area and the government’s consistent support for security agencies and ongoing training for personnel in the Ministry of Internal Security have further enhanced the state’s resilience”.

In his acceptance speech, Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed gratitude to the organizers and dedicated the award to the people of Gombe State.

Represented by the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Lt Col Abdullahi Bello ( Rtd), the Governor emphasized that the state’s security achievements result from collective efforts and reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining peace and security in the state.

He detailed the state’s comprehensive approach to security, including community engagement, support for security agencies, and the integration of technology in surveillance and intelligence gathering.

The Governor explained that under his watch, “Gombe state has adopted a three-pronged approach to addressing insecurity: targeted interventions, inclusive governance embracing all ethnic groups, and the deployment of cutting-edge technology.

“This holistic strategy has significantly reduced security threats and enhanced stability across the state.

“Gombe became the first state in the region to establish the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs. The ministry plays a pivotal role in promoting community engagement, ethical vigilance, and strengthening collaboration between citizens and security agencies, further solidifying the state’s internal security framework”.

“Surveillance gadgets strategically deployed across urban areas have greatly improved intelligence gathering and crime prevention efforts, positioning Gombe as a leader in tech-driven security management.

The state’s secure environment has propelled Gombe to the top of Nigeria’s Ease of Doing Business rankings for two consecutive years”.

Other recipients at the event included the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr. Ahmed Audi, among others.

In the company of the representative of the Governor, was the Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development, Muhammad Gambo Magaji.

The People’s Security Monitor is a prominent security media platform that annually recognizes individuals and corporate bodies making significant contributions to national security.