Gombe State Overview: What It’s Known for

Gombe State, Nigeria, is one of the new-generation states created by Sani Abacha. The state was established on October 1, 1996, and its capital is also named Gombe. Like every Nigerian state, Gombe’s government is led by an executive governor, elected every four years. This position is determined by the indigenes of the state through a voting system, with the winner becoming the governor. The state’s slogan is “Jewel in the Savannah,” reflecting the region’s geographical features. The history of Gombe State is closely tied to Bauchi, as it was carved out from Bauchi State. This article will explore its history, geographical features, population, and the people.

Location of Gombe

Gombe is located in the northeast of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It shares borders with several states: Borno to the north and northeast, and Yobe, which is about 87 miles away, also in the Gongola River vicinity. Taraba State is located approximately 36 miles to the south of Gombe. Adamawa State lies to the southeast, around 59 miles away, while Bauchi State is about 87 miles to the west. Gombe’s coordinates are 10°15′N, 11°10′E on the map.

Geographically

Gombe State is geographically situated in the tropical West Sudanian savannah. The Gongola River is the most important geographical feature in the region. This river flows across the state to the north and east into its tributary, Lake Dadin Kowa. To the south, Gombe’s geography also includes a small part of the Muri Mountains. Additionally, the region is home to various species of snakes, such as the puff adder, carpet viper, and Egyptian cobra, as well as some wildlife populations, including hippopotamuses.

Gombe State
Capital: Gombe Slogan: Jewel in the Savannah
Date of Creation:	1 Oct. 1996
Location	North Central
Executive Governor:	Muhammad Yahaya
Deputy Governor:	Manasseh Jatau
Population:	2.4 million as at 2006 Census
Language:	Fulani, Tangale and Others
LGA:	11
Postal Code	760

Topography

This defines the landscape of an area. In this context, the Gombe terrain includes agricultural plains, uplands, and high mountains, as well as the river lowlands around the Gongola water body. The central and northwest regions are mostly flat plains, while the southwest and northeast areas of Gombe are predominantly undulating, rough, and elevated uplands. Therefore, the state has a diverse surface.

Vegetation Zone

Unlike most Nigerian states that have mixed vegetation, Gombe has only the Sudan savannah type. This vegetation consists of short grasses of various species, with trees that are also relatively short and scattered throughout the area, alongside shrubs. Common tree species in the zone include acacia, baobab, and cotton plants. Additionally, the distinct rainfall and sunshine patterns influence plant life in the region.

Land Area

Out of Nigeria’s total land mass, Gombe State covers 18,768 square kilometers. It is the 21st largest state in surface area out of the 36 states. Furthermore, it represents 2.03% of the entire surface area of Nigeria. Let’s calculate it as follows:

Percentage = (Gombe land area/Nigeria land area) × 100

Percent = (18,768/ 923,769) × 100

Percentage = 2.03\%

Population Size

The population of Gombe is 2,365,040, according to the last census conducted. However, as of 2022, an estimate of the state population shows a growth to 3,960,100, making Gombe State the 33rd largest in population size out of all the states in Nigeria.

Languages and Ethnic Diversity

Gombe State is home to a variety of ethnic groups, making it linguistically diverse. Over 25 native languages are spoken across the state, with Fulfulde (the Fulani language), Tangale, and Tera being among the most widely spoken. Fulfulde, in particular, is prevalent across five Local Government Areas (LGAs): Akko, Dukku, Funakaye, Kwami, Yamaltu-Deba, and Nafada.

Other languages spoken by the people of Gombe include Awake, Bangwinji, Bolewa, Centúúm, Cham, Dadiya, Dera, Dikaka, Dza, Kamo, Kanuri, Kyak, Kushi, Longuda, Moo, Tula, Tso, Waja, Wurkun, Pipero, Yuwar, and Kasinawa.

Number of LGAs in Gombe

Gombe State is divided into eleven (11) Local Government Areas (LGAs), each headed by an elected local government chairman responsible for managing its affairs. Below is a list of the LGAs:

The largest local government area (LGA) in the state in terms of land area is Akko, which covers 2,627 square kilometers of the state’s total land area. According to the 2006 census, the population of Akko LGA was 337,853. Interestingly, Gombe LGA, which serves as the capital city, is the smallest in terms of land area, covering only 52 square kilometers. Despite its small size, it is highly populated, with a census population of 268,000. Yamaltu/Deba LGA holds the record for the highest population, with 355,248 residents according to the same census.

Climate

The climate in Gombe State is characterized by two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season is marked by high temperatures and minimal cloud cover. Temperatures in the state rarely drop below 52°F and can exceed 100°F. The average yearly temperature is approximately 97°F. This season typically lasts from November to March, with the hottest period occurring between February and April. April is the hottest month, with an average daily temperature of 86°F.

During the rainy season, temperatures become more moderate. The rainy season typically spans from April to October, with July and October being the coolest months, featuring average high temperatures of 90°F and lows of 58°F. August is the wettest month, receiving an average of 8.2 inches of precipitation, while December is the coldest month and experiences the least rainfall.

Religion

The majority of Gombe’s population practices Islam, accounting for approximately 65-70% of the state’s residents. The Christian minority is primarily concentrated in Kwami and Akko Local Government Areas.

Occupation

The economy of Gombe State is predominantly agricultural. A significant portion of the population, particularly in rural areas, is involved in farming and livestock rearing. Major crops cultivated in the state include tomatoes, maize, cassava, yams, millet, sorghum, groundnuts, and rice. Some crops, such as rice in Akko, tomatoes in Kwami, and maize in Billiri, are grown on a large scale, making the state a hub for local trade. These crops supply raw materials to major industries like Flour Mills Nigeria Ltd, Crown Flour Mills, and Dangote Staple Food Group.

Livestock rearing, including cattle, goats, sheep, camels, and horses, also contributes significantly to the local economy. Additionally, traditional crafts such as weaving and cotton dyeing are common and serve various cultural and economic purposes.

Complete List of All Governors of Gombe State (1996 till Present)

This section contains information about the past and current governments of Gombe State, including their names and periods in office.

Who Was The First Governor Of Gombe State?

Joseph Orji was the first to govern the newly created Gombe State when it was established in 1996. He became the military administrator of the state by appointment under the directives of General Sani Abacha. Orji managed the affairs of Gombe State from October 7, 1996, to August 1998. He retired from the military as a Group Captain after being asked to retire, following the transition plan to a civilian government in 1999.

About The Current Governor Of Gombe State

Mr. Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya is the 6th and current governor of Gombe State. He began his tenure on May 29, 2019. Yahaya is a businessman and politician in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He was born on October 9, 1961. He graduated with a B.Sc. in Accounting from Ahmadu Bello University in 1983. After graduation, Yahaya started his career as a Principal Accountant at the Investment and Property Development Company of Bauchi State, a role he held until 1985. Later, he served as the Managing Director of A.Y.U. Civil Engineering Company Limited.

Yahaya’s career in politics began when former Gombe State Governor, Muhammad Danjuma Goje, appointed him Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development in 2003. This position motivated Yahaya to join politics officially that same year.

In 2018, he contested the Gombe State gubernatorial election under the All Progressives Congress (APC). Yahaya won the election with 364,179 votes, defeating his closest rival, Usman Bayero Nafada of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 222,868 votes. Yahaya was declared the winner by INEC and sworn into office on May 29, 2019.

About The Current Deputy Governor Of Gombe State

Mr. Manassah Daniel Jatau is the Deputy Governor of Gombe State. He was nominated by Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya as his running mate in the 2019 governorship election, which brought them to power.

A Brief History of Gombe State

Gombe State as we know it today was originally part of Bauchi State. Before the arrival of colonial powers, the area consisted of various smaller states. The Fulani were the predominant tribe occupying the northern and central parts of the region, while the central and southern parts were home to the Tangale people and other minority ethnic groups.

In the 1800s, the Fulani Jihad, led by Usman dan Fodio, overpowered the northern part of present-day Gombe, establishing the Gombe Emirate, which remains in existence to this day. Meanwhile, the Tangale tribes, known for their resilience, retained control over the southern region, where they installed the Maidom as their leader.

With the British invasion, the Gombe Emirate came under siege and eventually fell under British colonial rule. The British incorporated the region into the Northern Nigeria Protectorate, which later became part of British Nigeria. After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, the area was initially part of the Northern Region until 1967, when the country was reorganized into states, and the region became part of the North-Eastern State.

In 1976, the North-Eastern State was split into several states, leading to the creation of Bauchi State, which included Gombe as one of its regions. Finally, in 1996, Bauchi’s western part was carved out to establish Gombe State as we know it today.

Over the years, Gombe State has undergone several transformations. Its people are primarily farmers and livestock rearers. However, the rise of insecurity, including the activities of Boko Haram, has significantly disrupted farming and other economic activities in the region.

Educational Institutions

Gombe State boasts several institutions of higher learning, offering opportunities in various fields, including medicine, nursing, midwifery, horticulture, and technology. These institutions include polytechnics, universities, and colleges, providing a wide range of educational options for aspiring students. Below is a detailed list of the institutions in the state:

Universities in Gombe State

Polytechnics in Gombe State

Colleges in Gombe State

Note: There are six universities, two polytechnics, and sixteen colleges in Gombe State to meet the academic needs of the people.

Most Frequently Asked Questions

When was Gombe State created?

Gombe State was established on October 1, 1996, from part of Bauchi State by General Sani Abacha.

How many local government areas are there in Gombe State?

Currently, the state has 11 local government areas.

How Many Wards Are in Gombe State?

Gombe State consists of 114 wards (also referred to as polling units), which are spread across the 11 local government areas (LGAs). These wards are the designated voting areas assigned by INEC.

The table below shows the LGAs, the number of wards in each LGA, and their corresponding ward names.