Buni Credits Increased Federal Allocation for Yobe’s Development Achievements
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has attributed the state’s progress in infrastructure and social services over the last three years to the increased revenue allocation to state governments by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Buni stated this on Sunday in Abuja while hosting Yobe indigenes resident in the Federal Capital Territory. He said the increased federal allocation had enabled his administration to implement projects and expand employment in key sectors.
The governor disclosed that his administration had employed about 15,000 workers in the health sector and recruited more than 9,000 qualified teachers, adding that these achievements would have been difficult under the previous revenue allocation arrangement.
He also said President Tinubu had demonstrated interest in Yobe State, citing the recent announcement on the Federal Government’s takeover of the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport in Damaturu, with plans to refund the state the cost of its construction.
According to Buni, the refund would allow the state government to channel more resources into projects that directly benefit residents.
He urged Yobe indigenes living outside the state to take an active part in its development by working with the government and contributing their professional knowledge, experience and resources.
“I am pleased with your individual accomplishments. You are great ambassadors of the government and people of the state, and you are doing us proud,” the governor said.
He described the meeting as an opportunity to build stronger partnerships and harness Yobe’s livestock, agricultural and mineral resources for economic growth.
In his welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Mohammad Goje, commended the Abuja-based indigenes for responding to the invitation, describing their participation as a sign of their willingness to support the state’s development.
Goje said the gathering brought together professionals, academics, development experts and private-sector leaders whose experience could help the state identify opportunities and maximise its resources.
Speaking on behalf of the Abuja-based Yobe indigenes, Baba Dala, SAN, praised the governor for creating a platform that recognises and involves citizens living outside the state.
He assured the governor of their willingness to collaborate with the government, while calling for the initiative to continue beyond the current administration to ensure sustained participation and inclusion.
Presenting the vote of thanks, the Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, Hon. Chiroma Buba Mashio, said the large turnout would encourage the government to sustain the engagement and expand opportunities for more indigenes to participate.
He also urged participants to return home and contribute to the state’s development programmes, stressing the importance of collective ownership and responsibility.
Prominent attendees included the 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 State for Finance, Dr Yerima Ngama; Dr Kole Shettima; Dr Garba Abare; Dr M.A. Abubakar; Dr Garba Iliya; Alhaji Tijjani Musa Tumsa; and serving and retired military officers, among other notable indigenes.
Buni Credits Increased Federal Allocation for Yobe’s Development Achievements