By Sunday Elijah,
The newly inaugurated Executive Chairman of Billiri West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Nigeria’s Gombe State, Mr. Yila D. Maidawa, has pledged to focus on job creation, transparent governance and grassroots development as he begins his tenure in office.
In an appreciation message posted on the Billiri West LCDA Facebook page following his inauguration on Monday, Maidawa thanked residents of the LCDA for their support and confidence, promising to lead with dedication, integrity and fairness.
He said his administration would prioritise initiatives aimed at creating sustainable livelihoods, reducing poverty and improving the welfare of residents, adding that it would serve “diligently, transparently and in good faith” to promote the development of the council.
Maidawa also appealed to residents to support his administration, saying their cooperation would be crucial to its success.
“Our administration will remain open to constructive suggestions and partnerships that will help us build a more prosperous Billiri West,” he said.
Billiri West, with headquarters in Tal, is one of 13 Local Council Development Areas established under the Gombe State Local Council Development Areas (Creation and Administration) Law signed in August 2025. The reform increased the state’s grassroots administrative units from 11 constitutionally recognised local government areas to 24 councils, as part of efforts to bring government closer to communities and improve service delivery.
The newly created councils were initially administered through interim management committees pending elections. The first democratic elections into the LCDAs were later conducted, with the elected executive chairmen sworn into office on Monday, marking a transition from interim administration to elected leadership.
The Gombe State Government says the reform is intended to deepen grassroots democracy, strengthen local governance and accelerate development in underserved communities.
Reaffirming his commitment to inclusive leadership, Maidawa said he would work with residents and community stakeholders to deliver programmes that improve living standards across the LCDA.
