From Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe
Residents of Billiri East Constituency in Gombe State have called on the state government to strengthen security measures against recurring herders’ attacks and expand youth empowerment initiatives to tackle rising unemployment in the area.
The call was made during a constituency engagement forum where their representative in the Gombe State House of Assembly, Hon. Yakubu Daniel, presented his two-year performance report.
The event was organised by the Breach Initiative for Good Governance, in collaboration with the Advocacy Centre for Development (AC4D) and other partners.
Tagged “Let’s Talk With Our Representatives,” the meeting provided a platform for open dialogue between citizens and their lawmaker, encouraging transparency and accountability in governance.
While presenting his scorecard, Hon. Daniel outlined several projects executed under his stewardship, including the drilling of solar-powered boreholes, establishment of a primary healthcare centre, and distribution of fertilisers to farmers.
He also said he had implemented youth empowerment programmes to create job opportunities and reduce poverty.
“Our efforts are focused on bridging developmental gaps through effective legislation and impactful constituency projects,” Daniel said. “We remain committed to expanding these initiatives before the end of my tenure in 2027.”
Participants, however, expressed concerns over worsening security conditions in rural areas, lamenting that persistent herders’ attacks on farmlands had forced many farmers to abandon cultivation, thereby threatening food production and livelihoods.
They appealed to the government and security agencies to intensify surveillance and provide adequate protection for farming communities.
The residents also called for increased support for youth empowerment to reduce unemployment and curb social unrest.
Speaking at the event, the convener, Comrade Abdulaziz Sani, said the initiative was designed to promote participatory democracy by creating direct communication between elected leaders and the people.
“This engagement allows citizens to evaluate the performance of their representatives and contribute ideas toward better governance,” Sani explained. “It strengthens accountability and ensures that leadership remains people-centered.”
The meeting drew community leaders, women and youth groups, and civil society organisations, who commended the organisers for fostering inclusiveness and deepening democratic participation at the grassroots.