By M.G Gombe
The Gombe State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening public administration with the recent appointment and swearing-in of new Permanent Secretaries into the State Civil Service. The exercise, conducted at the International Conference Centre in Gombe, marked another deliberate step by the administration to inject competence, experience, and integrity into the machinery of governance.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, while administering the oath of office, emphasized that the appointments were based strictly on merit, track record of service, and capacity to deliver. He noted that the civil service remains the engine room of government, and that only officers with proven diligence and commitment should be entrusted with leadership at the Permanent Secretary cadre.
A total of 19 directors were elevated to the position of Permanent Secretary across key ministries and agencies. The process followed due recommendations from the Office of the Head of Civil Service and was subjected to rigorous screening to ensure that only the most qualified officers were considered for the elevation.
Among those sworn in, the appointment of Alhaji Musa Idi Batari has drawn wide commendation across the state. Alhaji Batari was until his elevation the Director, Local Government, in the Ministry for Local Government and Community Development. His elevation is being described by colleagues and stakeholders as both well-deserved and timely, given his years of service at the grassroots level.
Alhaji Musa Idi serves in different capacities in public service, he was a Treasurer and Cashier, serving diligently in various Local Government Areas across Gombe State. Those early years, according to many who worked with him, shaped his understanding of public finance, accountability, and service delivery at the community level. He rose through the ranks not by chance, but by consistency and an unwavering commitment to duty.
Professionally, he is widely regarded as a thoroughbred administrator who knows his work very well. Colleagues describe him as a gentle man whose calm disposition does not in any way diminish his capacity to get results. In meetings and field assignments, he is known for attention to detail, respect for due process, and an ability to mentor younger officers.
Beyond technical competence, Alhaji Batari is celebrated for his personal qualities. He is dedicated, hardworking, and a man of integrity. In a service environment where public trust is constantly tested, he has maintained a reputation for truthfulness and transparency. These values, observers say, are what set him apart and made him a natural fit for the office of Permanent Secretary.
The new Permanent Secretary also carries with him the weight of heritage and community trust. He holds the traditional title of Garkuwan Deba, a position that reflects both honor and responsibility within his domain. He is the son of the late Batarin Deba, Alhaji Idi Batari of blessed memory, a respected leader whose legacy of service to Deba and Gombe State at large continues to inspire.
Speaking shortly after the swearing-in, well-wishers and civil servants noted that the appointment of Alhaji Batari sends a strong message about the value government places on grassroots experience. Having served as Treasurer and Cashier and later as Director, he brings to the table practical knowledge of how policies affect communities, especially at the local government level where development is most felt.
Communication experts say appointments of this nature are critical for institutional memory and effective policy implementation. The Permanent Secretary, as the administrative head of a ministry, provides continuity, guidance, and technical leadership. With officers like Alhaji Batari in that role, the expectation is improved coordination between the political leadership and the civil service, and better service delivery to the people of Gombe State.
As the new appointees settle into their offices, the challenge before them is clear: to uphold the ethics of the service, drive government policies with efficiency, and remain accountable to the citizens. For Alhaji Musa Idi Batari, the journey from Treasurer to Permanent Secretary is a testament to perseverance, competence, and character. His elevation is not just a personal milestone. It is also a win for the Gombe State Civil Service and for the communities that have watched him serve with honor over the years.