Barka Da Sallah Buni: A Progressive Leader For Yobe

Barka Da Sallah Buni: A Progressive Leader for Yobe

By Hussaini Ibrahim

As Yobe State comes together to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, it is important to recognize a leader whose governance reflects the true spirit of this festival—sacrifice, unity, and hope. Governor Mai Mala Buni has emerged as a transformative figure whose visionary leadership and inclusive policies have reinvigorated Yobe’s social and economic landscape.

In an era when many regions grapple with political and developmental challenges, Buni’s steady hand and commitment to progress have set Yobe apart as a model of resilience and forward-thinking governance.

In his recent Eid-el-Kabir message to the people of Yobe, Governor Buni reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to three key pillars: strengthening security, boosting agriculture, and expanding infrastructure.

He urged citizens to embrace the festival’s timeless lessons of sacrifice, tolerance, and generosity—values that have clearly shaped his leadership style. Furthermore, Governor Buni called on residents and pilgrims in Saudi Arabia to use this occasion to pray for lasting peace and prosperity in Yobe and Nigeria as a whole.

Central to Buni’s success is his relentless pursuit of unity and peace. His administration’s collaborative efforts with security agencies, traditional rulers, and religious leaders have fostered reconciliation and social cohesion across Yobe State. Consequently, community trust has been restored, and residents feel safer and more hopeful about the future.

Reports indicate a significant decline in communal conflicts and an increase in peaceful coexistence, reflecting the effectiveness of these inclusive strategies. In line with this, Governor Buni commended security agencies, vigilante groups, and hunters for their tireless efforts in maintaining peace, while urging citizens to support them with timely intelligence and cooperation.

Moreover, Buni’s unwavering focus on youth inclusiveness underscores his understanding that the future of Yobe depends on its young population. Given that over 60% of Yobe’s residents are youth, his government’s investment in education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship has been critical.

Through initiatives like the “Yobe Youth Empowerment Scheme,” thousands of young people have gained skills and employment opportunities, reducing youth unemployment by nearly 13 percentage points since 2016.

Notably, partnerships with organizations such as the Nigerian Youth Service Corps and international development agencies have enhanced the reach and impact of these programs.

Further demonstrating his commitment to youth empowerment, Governor Buni recently reassured citizens that salary obligations will not hinder new recruitments into the civil service. During an interactive session marking his sixth anniversary in office, he emphasized that despite significant financial commitments—including over N600 million monthly for feeding boarding school students and N200 million monthly for retirees’ gratuities—his administration remains focused on expanding job opportunities for qualified youths.

He stressed, “I won’t sit like a Village Headmaster waiting for money to come. It is my duty as Governor to seek opportunities, engage development partners, and secure resources to drive our development agenda.” This proactive approach has allowed Yobe to continue recruiting young talents, improving efficiency, and reducing unemployment in the state.

Complementing these efforts is Governor Buni’s commitment to the welfare of NYSC Corps Members serving in hard-to-reach areas of Yobe State. The ongoing distribution of the Buni Palliative support package rolled out in strategic phases, has reached several Local Government

Areas through the coordinated efforts of Local Government Inspectors. For instance, Yusufari Local Government Inspector, Mele Alh. Nochiya has been actively distributing palliatives to Corps Members, demonstrating the initiative’s widespread reach and impact.

Corps Members have widely expressed profound gratitude for this support, which boosts their morale and ability to serve with renewed dedication. This initiative exemplifies Governor Buni’s thoughtful approach to inclusiveness, recognizing the vital role Corps Members play in the state’s development.

In line with his administration’s vision for a modern, livable city, Governor Buni has also approved the remodeling and redesign of Damaturu’s four major roundabouts as part of a bold urban renewal agenda.

This initiative complements the ongoing construction of Damaturu’s first-ever flyover and reflects a blend of tradition and modernity. Each roundabout has been carefully designed to symbolize Yobe’s unique heritage:

● The Gashua Road Roundabout features an airplane design, signifying the state’s investment in aviation and its ambition for global connectivity via the nearby Damaturu International Cargo Airport.

● The Gujba Road Roundabout showcases a canoe sculpture, paying homage to the 8,000-year-old Dufuna Canoe and highlighting Yobe’s rich archaeological significance.

● The Potiskum Road Roundabout celebrates the vibrant cultural motifs of the state’s diverse traditions.

● The Maiduguri Road Roundabout is designed with a calabash motif, symbolizing Yobe’s enduring hospitality and craftsmanship.

This urban transformation project, overseen by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, promises to elevate Damaturu’s status as a cultural and infrastructural beacon in the Northeast.

The planned upgrades to major roads and the incorporation of advanced streetlights and lush landscaping reflect Governor Buni’s holistic approach to development that honors the past while embracing the future.

Turning to broader development, the administration’s commitment to infrastructure and agriculture has delivered visible improvements across the state. Governor Buni announced plans to dedicate more resources over the next two years towards sustainable security, agricultural growth, and infrastructural development.

He encouraged farmers to take full advantage of the rainy season to enhance food production, while also advising flood-prone communities to heed safety warnings. From rehabilitating over 150 kilometers of rural roads to constructing new schools and healthcare facilities, Buni’s government has laid the foundation for sustainable development.

The establishment of the Yobe State Specialist Hospital in Damaturu, for instance, has expanded access to critical medical services, while scholarship programs are helping students overcome educational disruptions.

These initiatives have boosted public confidence and attracted crucial support from federal and international partners.

Governor Buni also used the occasion to wish residents a peaceful Eid celebration, cautioning against reckless driving during the festivities—a reminder of his care for the wellbeing of all citizens beyond governance alone.

Additionally, his administration’s efforts in affordable education have positioned Yobe as a leader in low university and college fees, while recognition from the World Bank through the State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability (SFTAS) program attests to its commitment to good governance.

Ultimately, Governor Mai Mala Buni’s leadership is a living embodiment of the values celebrated during Eid-el-Kabir—sacrifice, submission, and community spirit. As Yobe State and Nigeria mark this important festival, his tenure stands as a shining example of how purposeful governance rooted in unity, youth empowerment, and selfless service can bring about meaningful transformation.

In Governor Buni, Nigerians find a leader whose dedication quietly yet powerfully redefines true public service.