Gombe State has been hailed as a model of peaceful coexistence and unity among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups. Governor Inuwa Yahaya made this statement during a courtesy visit by the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye Orumogege III, in Gombe on Thursday.
In his address, Yahaya emphasized Gombe’s inclusive environment, noting that virtually every Nigerian tribe is represented in the state. “There is virtually no Nigerian tribe that is not in Gombe. We have been living happily with them and in the true spirit of Nigeria, we are one big family, one Nigeria,” he said.
The governor also praised the Yoruba community for their contributions to the state’s economic growth, highlighting the peaceful coexistence they have enjoyed for generations. “We are proud to say that if all the remaining states of Nigeria will be like Gombe, Nigeria will have been a different place,” he added.
The Emir of Gombe, Abubakar Shehu-Abubakar III, reiterated the strong, longstanding relationship between the people of Gombe and the Yoruba from Ogbomoso. “For over a century of living with the Yorubas in the state, there had never been communal conflicts between them and the people of Gombe,” he remarked.
Oba Ghandi Olaoye Orumogege III, on his part, praised Gombe as a beacon of peace, stating that the state exemplifies harmonious coexistence. “Gombe State is a reference point of peace in the country. Nigerians have a lot to learn from the state,” he said, commending Yahaya’s leadership in fostering unity.
The visit served to reaffirm the bond of friendship between the Yoruba people from Ogbomoso and the people of Gombe, celebrating more than a century of peaceful relations. Both the Emir and the governor pledged to continue nurturing peace and development in the state.