A jubilant reception was held in Gombe on Saturday in honour of the newly sworn-in Commissioner for Livestock Development, Honourable Salihu Baba Alkali, hours after he took oath of office as a member of the Gombe State Executive Council.
The event, organized by well-wishers and stakeholders from Nafada Local Government Area and beyond, brought together traditional rulers, political associates, civil servants and community leaders to celebrate Alkali’s return to the cabinet.
Alkali was among the commissioners inaugurated by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya as part of the reconstituted Executive Council. His appointment marks his another opportunity in government and to head the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development.
Speaking at the reception, Alkali expressed gratitude to Governor Yahaya for what he described as another opportunity to serve the people of Gombe State. He noted that the trust reposed in him was one he would not take lightly.
“I want to sincerely thank His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for giving me another chance to return as a commissioner,” Alkali said. “I am particularly honoured to be the pioneer Commissioner of the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development.”
The commissioner pledged his loyalty and unwavering commitment to the administration’s transformation agenda. He said the ministry would work to align its programs with the broader goals of job creation, food security and rural economic growth in the state.
Alkali also commended the governor for establishing the ministry, describing the decision as timely and strategic. He linked it directly to national policy direction under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The creation of this ministry is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu,” he stated. “It shows the governor’s foresight in positioning Gombe to tap into the huge potentials in livestock production and value chains.”
He called on citizens, clerics and stakeholders to offer prayers for the success of his tenure. According to him, the responsibilities ahead require divine guidance and collective support to deliver meaningful results.
“The task before us is enormous, but with prayers and cooperation, we will succeed in transforming the livestock sector for the benefit of our people,” Alkali added.
Speaking on behalf of the people of Nafaɗa LGA, former Head of the Civil Service, Alhaji Ibrahim Kuna Biri, applauded the governor for appointing one of their own to the Executive Council for a second time. He described Alkali as a diligent public servant with a record of service.
“We in Nafaɗa are proud of this recognition,” Biri said. “The governor has found our son worthy, and we believe he will justify the confidence reposed in him. We assure His Excellency of our continued support.”
Representatives of the Nafaɗa Emirate Council also delivered goodwill messages at the reception. They prayed for wisdom and strength for the new commissioner and urged him to carry all communities along in his programs.
Officials from Alkali’s former ministry, the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Gombe State Internal Revenue Service were also present. They described him as a team player who contributed to policy formulation and fiscal discipline during his previous tour of duty.
The Chairman of Nafada South LCDA, Hon. Kassim Abdullahi Sulaiman, said the appointment was a boost for grassroots development. He expressed optimism that the new ministry would create opportunities for youths and women engaged in livestock farming across the state.
The reception ended with cultural displays and prayers for the success of the Inuwa administration. Guests described the atmosphere as one of unity and renewed hope for the livestock sector in Gombe.
With the inauguration of the Ministry of Livestock Development, Gombe joins a growing number of states restructuring agriculture to focus on specialized value chains. Stakeholders say the ministry’s performance will be closely watched as the government pushes to implement its 2026 development blueprint.