Gombe Youth Summit Calls For Action On Policy, Innovation, Enterprise

By Najeeb Sani

The Gombe State Youth Parliament has concluded the Gombe Youth Empowerment Summit, (GO-YES 2026) with a renewed call for stronger investment in young people, effective implementation of the newly approved Gombe State Strategic Youth Policy and increased support for youth-led enterprises and innovation.

Held at the Custodian Hotel Hall in Gombe, the Summit served as the flagship event of Gombe Youth Week 2026.

It was organised to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day under the theme, “Youth Empowerment for a Sustainable Future.”

The gathering brought together government officials, traditional institutions, development partners, private-sector leaders, civil society organisations, academia, youth groups and young people to deliberate on practical pathways for advancing youth empowerment and sustainable development in the state.

Among the dignitaries present were the Secretary to the Gombe State Government, who was represented by Permanent Secretary Bala Sarki, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Waziri, the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Forest Resources, Hon. Yusuf L. Jalingo, and the Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Investment Promotion Agency, GOSIPA, Farouk Daudu.

Representatives of various MDAs, organisations, companies and partner institutions also attended.

A major highlight of the Summit was the keynote address titled “Gombe State Strategic Youth Policy: Overview and Opportunities,” delivered by Dr. Bachama Yusuf, Chairman of the Association of NGOs in Gombe State.

Dr. Yusuf described the recently approved Strategic Youth Policy as an important framework for coordinated youth development and stressed the need for effective implementation, stakeholder collaboration and meaningful youth participation.

The event also featured a panel discussion on “From Potential to Prosperity: Building a Youth-Led Economy.”

The discussion examined entrepreneurship, innovation, access to finance, skills development and strategic partnerships as critical pathways to building a stronger youth-led economy in Gombe State.

Another highlight was the launch of THE INNOVATOR, the official magazine of Gombe Youth Week.

The publication is intended to provide a platform for documenting youth stories, ideas, innovations and conversations around youth development and the future of young people in the state.

The Summit also witnessed the unveiling of the Gombe Youth Enterprise & Innovation Fund, which is designed to expand opportunities for youth-led businesses and innovations through partnerships, mentorship and business development support.

GO-YES 2026 marked the end of a three-day Gombe Youth Week programme that began with a Thank You Solidarity March from the Emir’s Palace to the Government House. The week also included community service, a free medical outreach, and sports and enterprise activities held at the Pantami Township Stadium.

Speaking at the Summit, the Speaker of the Gombe State Youth Parliament and Chairman of the Gombe Youth Week 2026 Central Planning Committee, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Danladi, stressed that young people should not be regarded merely as beneficiaries of development but as active partners and drivers of Gombe State’s socio-economic transformation.

The speaker expressed appreciation to the government, traditional institutions, MDAs, private-sector organisations, development partners, civil society, media practitioners, volunteers and the general public for their support and participation throughout Gombe Youth Week 2026.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the parliament to sustaining the partnerships established through the programme and translating the momentum generated by GO-YES 2026 into practical opportunities, stronger youth participation and lasting impact for young people across Gombe State.

The Summit concluded with the drafting of a communiqué containing recommendations and commitments arising from the discussions.