Gombe state is located in the North-east geopolitical zone of Nigeria and was created out of Bauchi state in 1996 by late General Sani Abacha.
The state has an area kilometer of 20,265 with a population of about 2.4 million. It shares boundary with Borno, Taraba, Adamawa and Bauchi states.
Gombe state has eleven (11) local government areas and also comprise of many tribal and ethnic groups.
If you are adventurous and love touring places or exploring uncharted hills and rock climbing where crowds will not be a menace to you, then Gombe state is the right place for you.
Aside from tourism, there are a number of investment opportunities in agriculture, water supply, power generation, solid minerals, industries and housing for the business minded.
So, when next you visit Gombe state, make sure you pay visits to one or more of its numerous centres of attraction some of which have been highlighted below.
Emirs Palace: The palace was built by the 10th Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Shehu Usman Abubakar. The palace is a blend of architectural designs with a touch of royalty. The palace serves as a venue for annual durbars. Activities are always going on at the palace, especially during Sallah, which usually attract thousands of people.
Tangale Hill and Peak: This is a tertiary, enchanting and beautiful volcanic hill south of Gombe while the peak is one of the highest peak in Nigeria and it is conical in shape. It is located in Tangale, 45 minutes’ journey from Gombe.
Kilang Hill: The Kilang hill is about 1000ft above sea level and an outstanding feature in north eastern Nigeria. 2km away from Yamaltu/Deba local government, the hill is the first feature that captures the attention of travelers approaching Kaltungo local government area of Gombe state.
Kilang hill and its surroundings are of great economic importance to the people of Popandi in terms of farming and economic trees. The hill is no easy place to hike with the terrains being rough, rugged with sharp stones and unidentified flora scattered around.
The kilang hill remains an unexplored sight with most evident activities around and atop the hills being farming, hunting, cattle rearing and sacrificial activities.
Tula Battle Field: It is a place where the British under the Kaltungo local government area command of Calyle first attacked and fought the Tula people. It is a historic place to visit. Students also visit on excursion in order to get a feel of colonialism.
Bima Rock Dadin Kowa: It is a wide and gigantic rock formed in a way that expresses beauty and elegance. The Dadin Kowa Hydro Electric dam situated in Deba local government area of Gombe State, 45 kilometers from the metropolis, is home to both Hydro Electric Dam, water supply and dry season irrigation.
The dam is the second largest dam in the country, carrying a capacity of 2.8 billion cubic liters of water and generating 39mw of electricity energy, changing the narrative of the people in the north east.
The Federal government has assured the government and people of Gombe State that the abandoned 39 MW Dadin Kowa Hydro Electric Dam will be completed and ready for commissioning by October this year.
Tomb of Buba Yero: Buba Yero is the founder of Gombe sukku Local Government area emirate. The tomb has been registered as a national monument. He was very influential and powerful that his tomb has been registered in Nigeria as a national monument.
Bormi Battle Site: Bormi is a place where a decisive 3km east of battle was fought between Sultan Bajoga in Attahiru and Major F.C Marsh, both in Funakaye local government area. Both men were killed during the war.
Gombe State Roundabouts: Yes! You got that right, Gombe state roundabouts are usually decorated by the present government His Exc. Alh. Hassan Ibrahim Dankwambo during Christmas and Sallah celebrations. People usually gather round them to snap pictures and feel the serenity and beauty of the environment. The roundabout is more beautiful to behold at night time.
By Mercy Kukah
