The Soun of Ogbomoso, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, has described Gombe State as a shining example of peace, unity, and economic prosperity in Nigeria.
The revered monarch made this remark during a courtesy visit to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya at the Government House, Gombe, as part of his week-long tour of the state.
Oba Olaoye, visibly impressed by the level of development and social harmony in Gombe, stated that his expectations were surpassed, particularly in terms of peaceful coexistence and infrastructure.
“I took a walk at night to see things for myself across major streets of Gombe metropolis, and what I saw was remarkable. Even in Ogbomoso, we do not have such beautiful streetlights. Gombe is clean, peaceful, and safe,†he remarked.
Expressing admiration for the state’s economic potential, the monarch announced plans to relocate one of his businesses to Gombe.
“We do not work at night in Ogbomoso because of darkness, but with what I have seen here, I am inspired. I am assuring you that I will move one of my companies to Gombe State to contribute to its thriving economy,†he declared.
Oba Olaoye also commended the warm hospitality of the Gombe State Government and the Emir of Gombe, Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III (CFR). He particularly lauded the Yoruba community in Gombe for their loyalty and warm reception.
In response, Governor Inuwa Yahaya attributed Gombe’s peaceful atmosphere to the strong social fabric that unites its diverse communities, emphasizing the state’s role as a melting pot of cultures and religions.
“Our strategic location in the Northeast has attracted people from various backgrounds, and our peaceful coexistence has significantly boosted our economy. The Yoruba community, in particular, has made invaluable contributions to our state’s economic growth,†the governor stated.
He further commended Oba Olaoye for defying negative narratives about the Northeast to visit Gombe, describing the visit as a rekindling of historical ties between Ogbomoso and Gombe.
Earlier, the Emir of Gombe, Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, noted that the visit was a testament to the deep-rooted economic and social connections between Gombe and Ogbomoso, reinforced over the years through trade and intermarriages.
“Social relationships flourish when people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds embrace one another as one. The presence of Your Majesty in Gombe today is a testament to our shared history and commitment to unity,†the Emir remarked.
