Journey for modern Yobe, Gov-buni transformative drive
Journey for modern Yobe, Gov-buni transformative drive.
By Yusuf Bukar Biriri.
Since assuming office on May 29, 2019, Governor Buni has steered the state through turbulent waters, emerging with a record of achievements that have touched every sector of governance and public life. Therefore, it is imperative to acknowledge and celebrate the monumental strides made under the present administration.
The administration’s commitment to security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development has positioned Yobe as a beacon of progress in the northeast subregion.
Restoring Security and Peace
One of the most profound achievements of Buni’s administration is the restoration of security and peace in areas previously ravaged by insurgency. When Governor Buni took office, many communities were inaccessible due to insurgent threats.
Through a combination of federal support, the bravery of security forces, local vigilante groups and the unwavering prayers of the people, normalcy has returned to these areas. Reconstruction, resettlement, and rehabilitation have been actively pursued, with significant developments in communities across the state and ongoing efforts in the Malamdunari community.
Today, people in almost all parts of the state can pursue their legitimate activities without fear, a testament to the administration’s dedication to peace and stability.
Healthcare delivery.
Buni administration gave top most priority to healthcare sector as part of his administration post insurgency recovery agenda, Buni healthcare equity, introduction of contributory healthcare management agency ( YSCHMA), YOHFIMA agency mandated to regulate all healthcare and health related facilities across the state.
Establishment of functional primary healthcare centres across all the 178 political wards of the state, introduction of free dialysis for kidney patient and sponsoring of African first and largest kidney research project, employment of 424 healthcare workers improve health sector and training and retraining of health providers and promoters.
Others includes the establishment of largest maternal and child health centre in capital city of Damaturu, under his administration. Yobe state even won 500,000 US Dollars in the northeast primary workers’leadership challenge for employing health professionals, ,and scaling health worker’s salary upward, investing heavily in hospital renovation, supplies of ample medical equipment among others.
Revolutionizing Governance
The governance sector in Yobe State has seen a remarkable transformation under Governor Buni. The administration has focused on manpower training, increasing internally generated revenue, and strengthening financial systems. The implementation of reforms such as the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), State Fiscal, Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability (SFTAS), and the Electronic Government Procurement System (e-GP) has minimised leakages and improved efficiency.
These reforms have not only earned commendations from the Federal Ministry of Finance and the World Bank but also secured a $5 million grant for the state, in addition to succession planning, manpower development.
Infrastructure Development: Building Roads and Bridges
Despite limited resources, the Buni administration has made significant progress in road construction and rehabilitation, including the ongoing construction of the Damaturu flyover and underpass. Completed projects include the rehabilitation of Katarko-Goniri and Siminti-Godowoli roads, Geidam-Bukarti, Nguru Balanguwa, Chinbusko Tagali, Damagum Gubana roads, Bayamari-Yunusari, and Yunusari-Kanamma, Chikuriwa_ Dawasa, Balangua_ Kumagannam, Jajere _ Danchuwa, roads.
Others are Karasuwa _ Galu, Fika_ Maluri, Bukarti_ Toshia, Garin Bingel Danchuwa, Potiskum_ Ngojin, Damaturu_ Gambir, Jajimaji garin Guna.New intercommunity road projects, such as the Damaturu-Kalallawa dual carriageway and first and second phases of township roads across the 17 local government areas set to open up communities for enhanced socio-economic activities and transportation of farm produce In total, over 500 kilometres of roads are being constructed, which is a testament to the administration’s commitment to connecting Yobe’s diverse regions and fostering economic growth.
The completion of the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport marks a significant milestone in Yobe’s transportation sector. The facility not only facilitates the transportation of livestock and agricultural products but also meets international standards for safe landing and take-off.
The administration’s purchase of new buses and cars to boost inter- and intra-city transportation and the electrification of several villages further enhance connectivity and economic activities across the state.
Boosting Commerce and Industry
The reactivation of key industries such as the Sahel Aluminium Company, Yobe Flour and Feed Mills Company, Dofarga Spring water and the Pre-stressed Concrete Pole Company reflects the administration’s commitment to industrialisation.
Construction of 7 modern markets in Damaturu, Potiskum, Nguru, Gashua, Gaidam, Yunusari, Ngalda and ongoing projects like the Potiskum Truck Transit Park and Mega Shopping Mall in Damaturu are set to boost commercial activities.
Establishment of Sesame seed processing factories to leverage taxis’is s agricultural strengths for economic growth. Also the procurement of city taxi to ease transportation within the major towns of the state.
Agricultural Transformation
Agriculture remains the backbone of Yobe’s economy, and Governor Buni’s administration has implemented policies to modernise and enhance agricultural productivity.
Initiatives include the procurement and distribution of subsidised fertilisers, improved seed, tractors, trashers and the introduction of modern farming machinery, and the establishment of Livestock Development Centres.
There are also existing partnerships with the Chad Basin Development Authority and the World Bank to improve agricultural development, and food security in the northeast state.
In 2024, and 2025 Buni’s administration in a quest to revitalise the agricultural sector provided and distributed multibillion-naira modern farm implements and equipment free of charge.
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Wealth Creation and Empowerment
To address youth restiveness and empower citizens, the administration created the Ministry of Wealth Creation, Empowerment, and Employment Generation.
Through this ministry, various vocational tools and equipment have been distributed to foster entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency, The initiative aims to stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities, particularly for the teeming youth and the 178 wards of the state.
, Environmental protection.
Yobe is a sahelian state with a fragile environment and Governor Buni undertook major efforts to mitigate environmental solar-powered erosion control, the projects reforestation programs and provision of solar powered cooking stoves, reintroduction of annual tree planting campaign and numerous programs towards the mitigation of environmental challenges and deserts encroachment in the state.
A Vision for the Future
As Governor Buni continues to consolidate on the achievements of previous administrations and pursue new initiatives, the future of Yobe State looks promising. The administration’s focus on infrastructure, education, healthcare, energy, commerce, agriculture, and empowerment reflects a comprehensive approach to development that meets the needs of all citizens.
In conclusion, the achievements of the Buni administration over the past six years are a testament to what can be accomplished with visionary leadership, dedication, and the collective efforts of the people.
The cordial working relationship with the Yobe State House of Assembly and the support of development partners have been instrumental in these successes.
As we look ahead, the continued trust and support of the good people of Yobe State will be crucial in building on this legacy and achieving even greater heights Governor Buni stressed.
