The Arewa Christian Youth Leadership Forum (ACYLF) has hailed the bold move by the Government of Gombe State under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, for forwarding a bill to the State House of Assembly seeking the creation of 13 new Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
In a press statement signed by Dunijir Gatama, National Chairman of ACYLF, the forum described the initiative as “a landmark for inclusive development, grassroots governance, and deeper democratic participation in Gombe State.”
“The creation of LCDAs is a historic step that will not only bring government closer to the people but also accelerate service delivery, strengthen peace, and foster inclusive participation across communities,” the statement reads.
Benefits of the Initiative
- Grassroots Participation: Citizens in rural and underserved areas will gain greater access to governance and decision-making.
- Improved Service Delivery: Tailored policies and quicker responses will directly address community needs.
- Economic Growth: The LCDAs are expected to spur local development, create jobs, and attract investment in agriculture, health, and education.
- Peace and Security: Working with traditional and community leaders, the LCDAs can proactively resolve conflicts and strengthen local security.
- Political Inclusion: Women, youth, and marginalized groups will gain stronger voices in leadership.
Challenges and Considerations
ACYLF also highlighted potential challenges, such as financial strain, overlapping responsibilities with LGAs, risks of politicization, and over-reliance on Interim Management Committees (IMCs).
To address these, the forum recommended:
- A phased and financially prudent rollout.
- Clear boundaries and frameworks for the new LCDAs.
- Early elections to replace IMCs with elected representatives.
- Inclusive appointments that reflect ethnic, religious, and gender diversity.
- Strong transparency and stakeholder engagement throughout implementation.
Conclusion
ACYLF reaffirmed its full support for Governor Yahaya’s vision of inclusive development and urged the Gombe State House of Assembly to give the bill expeditious passage for the greater good of the people.
The forum further noted that while LCDAs are legal under state laws, they are not constitutionally recognized as full Local Government Areas (LGAs) until amended into the 1999 Constitution by the National Assembly.
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