Abuja-based waste management and scrap operators have nominated Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahya, as the Best Performing Governor of the Year 2026, citing what they described as visible dividends of democracy across key sectors.
The Chairman of the Abuja Scrap and Environmental Waste and Scavengers Association, Muntari Mohammed, announced the nomination in Abuja on Tuesday.
Mohammed said the decision followed the governor’s “remarkable infrastructural renewal and people-focused economic empowerment drive” in Gombe State.
He noted that the nomination was endorsed by the Arewa Youths for Peace and Security, alongside the Global Information Team.
According to him, peace and security in Gombe have remained stable due to Yahya’s “determination, commitment and dexterity” in governance.
“Governor Inuwa Yahya has shown capacity in leadership. The level of peace enjoyed by the people of Gombe today did not come by chance,” Mohammed said.
He added that the administration’s approach to security had created room for development, investment and social cohesion.
On education, Mohammed said the state had recorded notable progress through improved learning facilities and policies aimed at human capital development.
He also praised the government’s community empowerment programmes, describing them as practical interventions that directly impact ordinary citizens.
“In education, security, human capacity development and community empowerment, we score him very high. That is why we unanimously nominated him,” he said.
Mohammed described Yahya as “an asset not only to Gombe State but to the nation,” urging other governors to emulate his governance style.
He disclosed that arrangements were ongoing to formally present the award to the governor, either in Abuja or Gombe.
“We shall be specially presenting the award to His Excellency. Good leadership deserves recognition,” he stated.
The group said the 2026 Performance Elevation Award was aimed at promoting accountability and encouraging leaders who deliver measurable results.
Yahya, a two-term governor, has consistently received commendations from various stakeholders for his focus on infrastructure, security reforms and inclusive development.
The organisers said the award would further spotlight governance models that prioritise peace, development and the welfare of the people.
