GOMBE’S KOMBAT: TYCOON’S BILLION-NAIRA PHILANTHROPY EARNS HIM YOUTH SUPPORT FOR GOVERNORSHIP
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu, Democracy Newsline Newspaper – 27th November 2025
A new wave of political sentiment is spreading among Gombe indigenes in Kano, as the Coalition of Gombe Youths Resident in Kano has publicly declared support for renowned business icon and philanthropist, Engr. Aliyu Muhammad “Kombat.” Their endorsement, announced on Wednesday, is rooted in what they described as his unmatched humanitarian contributions to the people of Gombe State.
In an exclusive interview with Democracy Newsline, the coalition’s Interim Chairman, Mal. Abubakar Umar (popularly known as Habu Kwadi), portrayed Engr. Kombat as “a man of God, wholeheartedly committed to saving humanity at all costs.” He emphasized that the businessman’s generosity extends far beyond symbolic gestures, touching the daily lives of thousands.
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According to Habu Kwadi, one of Engr. Kombat’s most remarkable contributions is his payment of school fees for over 30,000 students across public and private schools in Gombe State. The gesture, estimated at ₦100 million, provided relief to families struggling to keep their children in school.
Teachers and school administrators in various communities have acknowledged his interventions, noting that truancy and dropouts significantly reduced following the support. Some principals described the assistance as a “turning point” for many vulnerable students, especially orphans.
Beyond education, Engr. Kombat’s philanthropic drive includes empowerment programmes for women and children, particularly widows, single mothers, and internally displaced families. Beneficiaries have received cash assistance, food packages, sewing machines, grinding machines, and other tools aimed at fostering financial independence.
Community leaders say these projects have lessened the burden on social support systems and encouraged many young women to move into micro-businesses.
In his most recent intervention, the philanthropist sponsored over 100 citizens to Hajj and Lesser Hajj. Many of the beneficiaries described the gesture as “life-changing,” especially those who had never embarked on a religious journey outside their communities.
Additionally, Engr. Kombat has donated cars, motorcycles, tricycles, and working tools to individuals selected based on need and community recommendations. These items have enabled new sources of income, especially for youths previously unemployed.
In a climate where access to capital remains a major obstacle for aspiring entrepreneurs, Engr. Kombat is said to have disbursed ₦5 million to ₦10 million to several small business owners across the state. The funds have been used to establish new ventures in agriculture, retail, transportation, and manufacturing.
The initiative has created job opportunities for many young people who now work in these emerging enterprises.
To further address youth unemployment, Engr. Kombat established a skills acquisition centre where hundreds of young men and women receive training in ICT, welding, tailoring, catering, electrical repairs, and other trades. Graduates of the centre are often given starter packs to help them launch their own businesses.
Stakeholders say the programme has contributed to reducing crime and idleness among youths.
Engr. Kombat has also invested in the construction and renovation of Islamic schools across different local government areas. These structures are aimed at promoting religious education, discipline, and moral instruction, especially in rural communities where such facilities are scarce.
Local scholars and community leaders have praised these interventions for helping preserve cultural values and expanding access to learning.
Reflecting on the philanthropist’s long list of humanitarian efforts, Habu Kwadi noted that Engr. Kombat’s generosity stands out in the history of the state.
“We challenge anyone to name a private individual who has used his personal wealth to uplift the poor the way Engr. Kombat has done since Gombe became a state in 1996,” he declared. “This is why we, as young people, are openly urging him to contest for the governorship seat. His compassion, dedication, and sincerity have already demonstrated the kind of leadership many people desire.”
While Engr. Kombat has not publicly expressed political ambitions, the voices urging him to serve in a greater capacity continue to grow. As the 2027 political atmosphere gradually builds, many observers say philanthropy-driven leadership may shape a new chapter in Gombe State’s democratic journey.
