GOSUPDA Records Significant Progress in Urban Planning, Land Management — Samanja

By Ya’u Waziri

The Gombe State Urban Planning Development Authority (GOSUPDA) recorded significant progress in urban planning, land management and development across Gombe metropolis and surrounding areas during the tenure of its immediate past Executive Chairman, Bappayo Samanja.

Samanja stated this while speaking with journalists in Gombe, where he highlighted key reforms and achievements recorded by the agency under his leadership.

He said his administration introduced a number of measures designed to strengthen GOSUPDA’s operations and support the developmental policies of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration.

According to him, one of the major achievements of his tenure was increased public awareness of GOSUPDA, its responsibilities and the importance of complying with urban planning regulations.

Samanja explained that before he assumed office, many residents were not adequately aware of the agency and its statutory responsibilities. He said sustained public enlightenment subsequently improved residents’ understanding of planning regulations and enhanced compliance.

He identified the introduction of weekly enforcement operations as another major reform undertaken during his tenure, saying the initiative helped curb the construction of illegal structures and strengthen adherence to approved urban planning standards.

The former chairman also disclosed that GOSUPDA generated substantial revenue during his tenure, exceeding its regular revenue targets.

He said the agency’s performance and commitment to its responsibilities were recognised by the National Youth Forum, which honoured him with an Ambassador Award.

Samanja described the recognition as an encouragement to continue contributing to the development of Gombe State.

He maintained that the reforms and activities implemented by GOSUPDA during his tenure were aligned with the land reforms and urban development policies of the Inuwa Yahaya administration.

The former chairman expressed appreciation to Governor Inuwa Yahaya for giving him the opportunity to serve and contribute to the development of the state.

He also thanked residents of Gombe for their patience, cooperation and support, which he said enabled the agency to discharge its responsibilities effectively.

Samanja urged residents to extend the same cooperation to his successor, stressing that continued collaboration between GOSUPDA and the public would be essential to sustaining the progress already recorded and consolidating the agency’s achievements.

He further pledged to continue supporting Governor Inuwa Yahaya in various capacities towards the development of Gombe State.

On the 2027 general elections, Samanja called for unity among stakeholders and members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), saying their support would be crucial to the success of the party at all levels in Gombe State and across the country.