Gombe State heritage tourism drive begins with MoU to restore monuments, build museum, and boost economy through cultural preservation

Gombe State heritage tourism has received a major boost as the state government signed a landmark agreement to restore historic monuments and build a state-of-the-art museum.

Also read: We will capitalise on Taraba’s vast tourism potential – Gov Kefas

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), sealed with heritage restoration experts Exceeda Construction Ltd, marks the first such initiative in the state’s history.

It aligns with Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s vision to preserve Gombe’s identity while using cultural assets to drive sustainable development, create jobs, and position the state as a global cultural tourism destination.

Key heritage sites slated for restoration and adaptive reuse include the old Native Authority Works Department (Gareji), Gidan Magani, the Gombe Native Authority Secretariat (Beit el Mali), Tudun Hatsi Mosque, and the Old Staff Quarters of GSSS Gombe.

These colonial and pre-independence era landmarks will be transformed into educational and tourism attractions without losing their original character or architectural integrity.

Presiding over the signing, Secretary to the State Government Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi described the monuments as “living testimonies of our history, identity and cultural heritage,” adding that the project will inspire future generations while strengthening Gombe’s cultural hub status.

Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Hon. Mijinyawa Tilde, called the agreement a “watershed moment” for the state’s cultural renaissance.

Representatives of Exceeda Construction pledged to uphold historical authenticity and deliver to the highest professional standards.

This initiative follows recent United Nations recognition of the Mbormi Tomb in Funakaye LGA as an international monument.

Also read: Taraba To Hold World Tourism Day At Mambilla Plateau, Woos Foreign Investors Through Tourism

During a recent tour, UN Assistant Secretary-General Mohammed Fall lauded Gombe’s cultural treasures and promised partnership in preserving them.