Eid-el-Fitr: Inuwa Yahaya Joins Emir, Faithful for Prayers, Hosts World Bank, Tunisian Envoy in Gombe

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, on Friday joined the Emir of Gombe, Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, and Muslim faithful to observe the Eid-el-Fitr prayers, marking the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.

The two-Raka’at prayer, held at the Bubayero Central Mosque in Gombe, was led by the Deputy Chief Imam, Ustaz Aliyu Hammari.

Following the prayers, the Governor hosted a select reception at the Government House for dignitaries, including the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Matthew Verghis, and the Tunisian Ambassador to Nigeria, Moshen Antit.

Speaking through his Deputy, Manassah Daniel Jatau, Governor Inuwa Yahaya urged Muslims to sustain the virtues imbibed during Ramadan, particularly sacrifice, compassion, and generosity toward the less privileged.

He noted that adherence to these values would help address societal challenges, promote moral discipline, and drive collective progress.

The Governor also sympathized with the government and people of Borno State over the recent bomb explosion that claimed lives, stressing that Gombe State stands in solidarity with all communities affected by insecurity across the country.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya commended the visiting dignitaries for identifying with the people of Gombe during the Eid celebrations, reiterating that the state remains a beacon of peace, unity, and hospitality.

In his remarks, Matthew Verghis praised the Governor’s commitment to improving development indices across key sectors and assured of the World Bank’s continued support for Gombe’s socio-economic and infrastructural development.

“I am a brother and a great friend of Gombe and Nigeria. Let us continue to work together to advance our shared projects—cultural, economic, and social,” he said.

Similarly, Moshen Antit described his visit during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations as an honour, highlighting the importance of unity in strengthening bilateral relations between Tunisia and Nigeria.

As part of the festivities, the Governor led the visiting dignitaries to the Emir’s Palace to witness the traditional mini Sallah durbar, popularly known as Jafi.

Speaking after the durbar, the Emir of Gombe urged Muslims to uphold the teachings of Ramadan, emphasizing peace, love, and tolerance, while reaffirming the Emirate’s support for the government’s efforts in sustaining peace, security, and development.

The event concluded with the presentation of memorabilia by the Governor to the World Bank Country Director and the Tunisian Ambassador, underscoring the enduring spirit of hospitality in Gombe State.