In a landmark move to bolster socio-economic progress, the Gombe State government has inaugurated its Human Capital Development Council.

The inauguration ceremony was spearheaded by the Deputy Governor Manassah Daniel Jatau, who serve as the council’s Chairman.

Dr Jatau underscored the pivotal role of human capital development in driving sustainable growth and enhancing the quality of life for Gombe State residents. “Human capital development is fundamental to our progress,” Jatau asserted.

“It involves nurturing skills, education, and opportunities that empower our people and propel our state’s advancement.”

Addressing the newly appointed council members, Jatau emphasized their critical responsibility.

“This appointment is not merely an honor but a clarion call to serve Gombe State with dedication,” he urged.

He called for a collaborative and proactive approach to implement effective strategies for enhancing the state’s human resources.

“The task ahead is significant. Identifying true potential in a system is often overshadowed by superficial efforts is challenging. Only through a psychological approach can we succeed,” he added.

Also speaking during the event Dr. Ishaku Babayo, the State Focal Person on Human Capital Development and Special Adviser to the Governor on Donors and Development Partners Coordination, presented an overview of the programme. He explained that the council aims to address key areas such as education, skills development, and employment, aligning with the state’s vision of sustainable development and improved citizen well-being.

According to him the programme focuses on three thematic areas: health and nutrition, education, and the labor force, and seeks collaboration with national and subnational governments as well as donor agencies.

Dr. Babayo highlighted that the inauguration marks the start of the programme’s implementation, followed by the policy’s domestication within the state.

The deputy governor outlined the council’s terms of reference, which include developing and overseeing a state-specific human capital development strategy aligned with national goals, engaging stakeholders to mobilize investments, monitoring progress, evaluating interventions, and providing regular reports to the state executive council.

The council is composed of commissioners from various sectors, including Finance, Health, Agriculture, Education, Budget and Planning, Youth Development, Trade and Industry, and Women Affairs. Additional members include the Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Primary Health Care Development Agency, the Head of the Bureau of Statistics, and representatives from traditional institutions, local governments, NGOs, and civil society organizations. Dr. Ishaku Babayo will serve as the council’s Secretary.

This council’s establishment signifies a strategic step toward harnessing the potential of Gombe State’s human resources, ultimately fostering a more prosperous and sustainable future.