By Our Correspondent

In just 12 months, Hajiya Dr. Fatima Binta Bello, the Executive Chairperson of Shongom Local Government Council in Gombe State, has rewritten the narrative of local governance through purposeful leadership, grassroots empowerment, and infrastructural renewal. Her people-first approach has turned Shongom into a symbol of progress in Gombe South — and her achievements tell the story of a leader delivering real dividends of democracy.

Ending Nine Years of Darkness: Power Restored to 10 Wards

One of her most remarkable achievements is the installation of electricity transformers in nearly all 10 wards of Shongom. For over nine years, many of these communities had been plunged in darkness. Today, light is back — reviving small businesses, improving security, and giving residents a renewed sense of belonging.

Health Before Crisis: Cholera Prevented Through Water Safety Campaign

With cholera outbreaks reported in over 31 LGAs nationwide, Dr. Bello proactively launched a disinfectant chemical spray campaign targeting all 10 wards in Shongom. Her effort ensured well water was treated and made safe, keeping the LGA free from any outbreak and showcasing her strong preventive health focus.

Empowering Farmers: Over 6,000 Bags of Subsidized Fertilizer Distributed

Understanding the challenges local farmers face, Dr. Bello rolled out a massive fertilizer subsidy initiative, distributing more than 6,000 bags at N22,000 each — a significant cut from the N44,000-N45,000 market price. This move greatly boosted agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.

Women Empowerment and Support for the Vulnerable

Under her watch, 200 rural women were empowered with business training and cash grants of N50,000 each to grow their ventures. Her compassion extended to flood victims, to whom she delivered essential relief items — including food, mattresses, blankets, and zinc roofing — helping more than 500 families rebuild.

Food Aid Across Gombe South

To cushion the effects of hardship, Dr. Bello distributed food items and cash support across Gombe South. The intervention targeted vulnerable households, fostering social stability and reinforcing her reputation as a leader who listens and responds.

Strengthening Education: Scholarships, Learning Materials, and JAMB Center

Dr. Bello’s commitment to education shines through in her support for both young learners and tertiary students. She distributed exercise books directly to primary school pupils and provided scholarships to students in higher institutions. Perhaps most notably, she established and equipped a JAMB center in Filiya — enabling students from Shongom and neighboring Taraba State to write UTME exams within their locality.

Fighting Malnutrition and Promoting Nutrition Awareness

Representing ALGON in Gombe State, Dr. Bello pledged the commitment of all 11 local government councils to combating malnutrition among women and children. Her advocacy emphasizes community sensitization, access to proper nutrition, and grassroots education.

Recognition for Civil Service Reforms

In recognition of her efforts in improving civil registration processes, the National Population Commission named Dr. Bello the Birth Registration Ambassador for Gombe State. Her advocacy is helping ensure every birth and death is documented — a vital step toward development planning and accountability.

Infrastructure Renewal: Rebuilding the Council Secretariat

Another highlight of her first year is the ongoing reconstruction and modernization of the Shongom Local Government Secretariat — turning a previously dilapidated structure into a functioning administrative hub and pride of the people.

NG-CARES: Partnership with World Bank and State Government

Dr. Bello worked closely with Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and the World Bank under the NG-CARES program to support 295 local farmers with fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, and sprayers — boosting food security and farmer resilience.

Peacebuilding and Political Unity

To consolidate peace and unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Bello organized stakeholders’ meetings across all wards in the LGA. The meetings helped resolve internal party issues and strengthened grassroots political engagement — positioning the APC for stability and growth in Shongom.

Standing with Her People in Times of Grief

Demonstrating deep empathy, she paid condolence visits to families who lost loved ones, including the Village Head of Jauro Sajo and the family of the late NSCDC officer, Mr. Daniel Haruna Garba. Her presence during such moments reflects leadership rooted in compassion.

Investing in Culture and Community Identity

During the cultural celebration of Kalki Lapan Community, Dr. Bello donated millions of naira — a gesture that underscored her commitment to preserving cultural heritage while promoting local unity and pride.

A Model of Grassroots Leadership

As Chairperson of Shongom LGA, Hajiya Dr. Fatima Binta Bello has made visible, measurable progress across sectors. Whether through lights that now shine in villages once forgotten, children returning to classrooms, or food reaching homes that had little, her leadership has left no community untouched.

Her first year is proof that with the right vision and dedication, local governments can be powerful engines of development. In Shongom, democracy is not a promise — it is a reality delivered.

By Abubakar Abdullahi

Dr. Yusuf Muhammad Abdullahi, Chief Medical Director of the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, in celebration of the Emir’s 10th anniversary on the throne.

In a message of commendation, Dr. Abdullahi praised the Emir’s exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to the welfare of his people. He lauded the Emir as a beacon of wisdom, compassion, and progress, qualities that have defined his decade-long tenure.

“The Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, has showcased outstanding leadership over the past ten years,” Dr. Abdullahi remarked. “His Highness has been a guiding light, fostering peace, unity, and development across Gombe. His leadership has significantly enhanced the lives of our people.”

Under Dr. Abdullahi’s leadership, the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe has experienced substantial improvements in healthcare services, aligning with the broader development goals championed by the Emirate. He emphasized the Emir’s crucial support for health initiatives and advocacy for improved healthcare as pivotal to the hospital’s achievements.

“The Emir’s support for healthcare initiatives has been invaluable,” Dr. Abdullahi noted. “His vision for a healthier community aligns seamlessly with our objectives at the Federal Teaching Hospital. We are profoundly grateful for his unwavering support and guidance.”

Emir Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III ascended to the throne in 2014, succeeding his late father, Emir Alhaji Shehu Abubakar. Throughout his reign, he has adeptly steered the Emirate towards modernization while preserving its rich cultural heritage. His impactful efforts in education, healthcare, and economic development have garnered widespread acclaim both regionally and nationally.

The anniversary celebrations are anticipated to attract dignitaries from across Nigeria, reflecting the high regard in which the Emir is held. Community members and leaders will come together to honor his contributions and reaffirm their support for his continued leadership.

As the Emir commemorates this significant milestone, Dr. Yusuf Muhammad Abdullahi’s accolades resonate with many who have witnessed the positive transformations during the Emir’s reign. His leadership not only strengthens the Emirate of Gombe but also serves as a beacon of hope and progress for future generations.

By Abubakar Abdullahi

The Chief Medical Director of the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, Dr. Yusuf Muhammad Abdullahi, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, on the occasion of the Emir’s 10th anniversary on the throne.

In his congratulatory message, Dr. Abdullahi lauded the Emir’s exceptional leadership qualities and his dedication to the welfare of his people. He described the Emir as a leader who embodies the essential attributes of effective leadership, including wisdom, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to progress and development.

“The Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, has demonstrated remarkable leadership over the past decade,” Dr. Abdullahi stated. “His Highness has been a guiding light for the community, fostering peace, unity, and development throughout Gombe. His tenure has been marked by significant achievements that have positively impacted the lives of our people.”

The Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, under Dr. Abdullahi’s leadership, has also seen considerable advancements in healthcare services, reflecting the broader development agenda promoted by the Emirate. Dr. Abdullahi highlighted the Emir’s support for health initiatives and his advocacy for improved healthcare as crucial to the hospital’s success.

“The Emir’s support for healthcare initiatives has been invaluable. His vision for a healthier community aligns perfectly with our goals at the Federal Teaching Hospital. We are grateful for his unwavering support and guidance,” Dr. Abdullahi added.

Emir Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III ascended to the throne in 2014, following the passing of his father, the late Emir Alhaji Shehu Abubakar. Over the past decade, he has been instrumental in steering the Emirate towards modernization while preserving its rich cultural heritage. His efforts in education, healthcare, and economic development have earned him widespread acclaim both within and outside the region.

The anniversary celebrations are expected to draw dignitaries from across Nigeria, reflecting the high esteem in which the Emir is held. Community members and leaders alike will gather to honor his contributions and reaffirm their support for his continued leadership.

As the Emir marks this significant milestone, the words of Dr. Yusuf Muhammad Abdullahi echo the sentiments of many who have witnessed the positive transformations under the Emir’s reign. His leadership not only strengthens the Emirate of Gombe but also serves as a beacon of hope and progress for future generations.