By Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
Yobe State Governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN has attributed the successes recorded in the state in the last three years to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for increasing the revenue allocation of sub-national governments in the country.
A press statement by Mamman Muhammad who is the DG Press and Media Affairs to the governor said, Governor Buni stated this in Abuja at the weekend while hosting Abuja based Yobe indigenes, saying, except for the rise in the federal allocation to the state, Yobe State wouldn’t have achieved this much in infrastructure development in the last three years.
“We employed about 15,000 workers in the health sector and over 9,000 qualified teachers in the education sector, these wouldn’t have been possible if we were receiving the old federal revenue allocation rates,” he noted.
The governor stated that President Tinubu has special interest in Yobe State. “Just recently, he announced the take-over of the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo airport, Damaturu, indicating interest to refund the state the cost of construction to undertake more people-oriented projects, therefore, our best is to ensure his victory in the 2027 election, in the interest of our state”.
He urged Yobeans outside the state to show interest and participate in the affairs of the state for effective collaboration to improve the lives of the people and fast-track development in the state.
“I am pleased with your individual accomplishments, you are great ambassadors of the government and people of the state, and doing us proud.
“I wish to extend the government’s hands of fellowship for a functional collaboration and partnership to move our dear state forward.
“This is a platform that gives every citizen of the state the opportunity to participate, collaborate and harness the rich livestock, agricultural and mineral resources Yobe State is endowed with for a prosperous future” Gov. Buni added.
Dr. Mohammad Goje, Secretary to the State Government, in his welcome address, commended the Abuja based Yobeans for honouring the invitation saying, it is indicative of their willingness to partner the government for a better Yobe State.
“I am particularly happy that the attendance cut across all sectors. It also shows your faith in the government and willingness to support the government in moving the state forward.
“The cream of outstanding professionals, academicians, development strategists and successful members of the private sector, gives Yobe state and its people a great hope for a prosperous future.
“This engagement therefore provides the opportunity to collectively come together to use our resources in tapping our potentials in the interest of the state,” Goje said.
Baba Dala, SAN who spoke on behalf of the Abuja based Yobeans commended Governor Buni for the initiative which has given every Yobean in Abuja a true sense of belonging.
“Your Excellency, you have made history, you have given us a sense of recognition, this is the only administration that has ever recognized its citizens outside the state.
“We will reciprocate this gesture by actively participating and collaborating with the state government to move the state forward,” Dala assured.
He pleaded for sustainability of the collaboration to go beyond the Gov. Buni administration, adding that the round table engagement provides opportunity for inclusion and participation.
Presenting the vote of thanks, the Speaker, Yobe State House of Assembly, Hon. Chiroma Buba Mashio, said the massive attendance of the members would spur government to keep the programme alive with much inclusion.
“You should please come home, to support our dear state in all its development programmes and projects. Let’s make it collective, let’s also have a collective ownership and participation, and contribute to the future of Yobe state and the future generations,” the speaker noted.
Prominent Yobe indigenes including the state APC governorship candidate, Baba Malam Wali Mni, Senators Mohammed Bomai and Musa Mustapha, Members of the House of Representatives, Former Inspector General of Police Usman Baba Alkali, former Minister of Finance, is Dr. Yerima Ngama, Dr. Kole Shettima, Dr. Garba Abare, Dr. MA Abubakar, Dr. Garba iliya, Alh. Tijjani Musa Tumsa, and several Military Officers, and many more others attended the engagement programme.
