The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory has praised Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his purposeful leadership, calling him a “unifying figure in a time of deepening regional divisions.”
The commendation came during a courtesy visit to the governor on August 7, 2025.
Rev. Dr Joseph John Hayab, Chairman of CAN in the North, lauded Governor Yahaya’s commitment to infrastructural development, economic empowerment, and peace-building.
He described the governor’s leadership as a model for a region in “dire need of healing, integration and purpose-driven leadership”.
Rev. Hayab urged Governor Yahaya, in his capacity as Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, to act as a unifying voice. “Northern Nigeria needs healing, and with your steady hand and inclusive vision, we are confident that a new narrative can be written for our people,” he said.
The CAN leader proposed a North-wide peace and unity initiative, emphasising the need to teach young people to see one another through shared humanity rather than religious or ethnic identity.
The CAN delegation highlighted key infrastructure projects in Gombe, including the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, mega schools, upgraded health facilities, and an expansive road network.
Hayab noted that these developments were “unmatched anywhere else in the country” and praised the governor’s inclusive governance, citing his swift intervention in a recent incident involving Christians as an example of compassionate leadership.
In his response, Governor Yahaya thanked CAN for choosing Gombe as the host for its youth wing NEC meeting, which he said was a testament to the state’s peaceful environment.
He called on the North to draw inspiration from the legacies of the late Premier Sir Ahmadu Bello, who championed unity and peaceful coexistence.
“In Gombe, we believe in the unity of our people, regardless of religious, ethnic or cultural differences. In the eyes of God, we are one. “There is no reason for hatred, no justification for division,” the governor stated.
He encouraged the faith leaders to become “ambassadors of peace, spreading the gospel of unity across Nigeria.”
Governor Yahaya also spoke about his administration’s DEVAGOM, a 10-year development plan created to guide the state’s projects and ensure they are sustainable and inclusive. He reaffirmed his readiness to collaborate with all groups in building a peaceful and united Gombe and Nigeria.