Gombe Residents Praise Jidda’s China Scholarship, Endorse His Reps Bid

By Najeeb Thani

Gombe communities have commended a philanthropist, Zakariya Jidda, for sponsoring students to China on scholarship, with several communities leaders endorsing his ambition for the Federal House of Representatives seat representing Gombe, Kwami and Funakaye federal constituency.

The support for Jidda has grown after he sponsored 30 youths from Gombe, Kwami and Funakaye local government areas to study in China.

Stakeholders have described the move as a major investment in human capital and grassroots empowerment.

At a town hall in Funakaye convened by the Zakariya Jidda APC Youth Support Group, community leaders, youth representatives and party loyalists praised the gesture.

They called it proof of inclusive leadership and long-term vision.

Comrade Nura Shuaibu Musa, the group’s coordinator, said the scholarship was structured to ensure equity, with beneficiaries selected from all three LGAs.

“This is not just about sending youths abroad. It is about securing the future of our constituency. Jidda understands the people’s needs and invests in them,” Musa said.

Musa added that supporters now believe Jidda can deliver effective representation at the National Assembly.

He urged the APC leadership and Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya to consider Jidda for the party’s ticket ahead of the 2027 House of Representatives election.

Uzaifa Ali Bigji, another citizen of the state, described Jidda as a consistent grassroots mobiliser whose philanthropy predates his political ambition.

“His track record speaks for itself. He has quietly supported communities for years. This scholarship is one of many interventions,” Bigji said.

Babangida Kupto said Jidda’s acceptance across the constituency makes him a strong contender with cross-party appeal.

“If given the APC ticket, he will be difficult to beat. The people trust him because he listens and responds,” Kupto noted.

Other stakeholders, including Sarkin Matasan Funakaye, Alhaji Musa Goje, and Hon. Muhammad Ajiya, called Jidda a unifying figure whose programmes reach all three LGAs.

Women leader, Wunan Anthony, said Jidda’s candidacy would boost women and youth participation in politics.

“He is committed to empowering women and youths to become self-reliant. He will do more with the mandate,” she said.