What can Gombe expect from Prof. Isa Ali Pantami? Yusuf Abubakar Ribadu explores the former Minister’s vision for poverty reduction, digital agriculture, education, industrialisation, infrastructure development, and institution-building as a blueprint for the state’s future.
As discussions about the future of Gombe State continue to gain momentum, many citizens are asking a simple question: What can Gombe expect from a man whose ideas and leadership transformed institutions at the national level?
The answer lies in the vision Pantami has consistently articulated throughout his public service career, a vision anchored on human capital development, innovation, economic empowerment, and inclusive governance.
In his recent interviews and acceptance speech as gubernatorial candidate, Prof. Pantami identified poverty as one of Gombe’s greatest challenges. For him, poverty is not merely an economic statistic; it affects education, healthcare, security, and social stability. The solution he proposed centered on sustainable empowerment through skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and job creation rather than short-term interventions.
Agriculture occupies a central place in this vision. Pantami has consistently advocated Digital Agriculture. He believes that transforming agriculture into a modern and profitable enterprise can create jobs, strengthen food security, and drive economic growth. His commitment to the sector is reflected in his book, Digital Agriculture: The Panacea for Global Food Crisis.
Beyond agriculture, Pantami sees industrialization as a pathway to prosperity. Drawing from his experience as a tailor who worked after school, he understands the realities of small businesses and entrepreneurship. Going by his track record, a Pantami-led administration would likely focus on attracting investment, supporting small and medium-scale enterprises, and promoting value-added production to position Gombe as a hub for manufacturing, processing, and enterprise development.
Infrastructure development is another area where Pantami has left a visible mark. The 76-kilometre Gombe–Kumo–Billiri–Kaltungo Federal Highway is widely regarded as a product of his sustained lobbying efforts while serving as Minister of Communications and Digital Economy. On 27 August 2022, he commissioned the road on behalf of the late President Muhammadu Buhari. Beyond roads, his efforts facilitated strategic projects in Gombe State, including the Gombe State University ICT Innovation Hub, the IT Innovation Hub at the Federal University of Kashere, and the Digital Economy Centre at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe. These physical infrastructures were built from the scratch.
Education remains the foundation of his development philosophy. As a professor and advocate of knowledge and skills, Pantami has consistently argued that sustainable development begins with investing in people. His focus extends beyond formal education to digital literacy, vocational training, technical skills, and innovation, all aimed at preparing young people for opportunities in the modern economy.
Social inclusion is another key pillar of his vision. He has repeatedly emphasized that development must reach women, youth, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable groups. His approach reflects a belief that governance should improve the lives of ordinary citizens and provide opportunities for those most in need.
Nigeria’s challenge of out-of-school children also features prominently in his thinking. As a product of both the Tsangaya and conventional education systems, Pantami understands how to bridge traditional and modern learning models.
Supporters believe this unique perspective could help Gombe develop innovative educational reforms capable of becoming a model for other states.
Equally important is his message of unity. Pantami has consistently maintained that Gombe’s ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity should be a source of strength rather than division.
Perhaps the most distinctive feature of Pantami’s public service record is his ability to build institutions. At NITDA, he championed reforms that repositioned the agency as a driver of Nigeria’s digital economy. As Minister he led initiatives that accelerated digital transformation in Nigeria. These achievements reflect a leadership philosophy focused not merely on projects, but on building systems capable of delivering long-term impact.
The challenges facing Gombe, poverty, unemployment, infrastructure deficits, and limited industrial capacity, among others require more than routine administration. They demand visionary leadership, strategic planning, and institution-building.
Pantami’s story is therefore not simply that of a former Director-General or Minister. It is the story of a public servant who has consistently championed innovation, knowledge, discipline, and development. As Gombe looks to the future, Pantami remains a Jewel in Savannah.
Yusuf Abubakar Ribadu Writes from Abuja
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