Yobe State Governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, has attributed the successes recorded by his administration in the last three years to improved federal allocations under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Buni stated this in Abuja on Sunday while hosting Yobe indigenes based in Abuja.
According to him, without the rise in federal allocation to states, Yobe would not have achieved the current level of infrastructural development.
“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 said.
The governor noted that President Tinubu has special interest in Yobe, adding that the recent announcement of the federal government takeover of the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport, Damaturu, with a pledge to refund the cost of construction, would enable the state to undertake more people-oriented projects.
“Therefore, our best is to ensure his victory in the 2027 election, in the interest of our state,” Buni said.
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.
“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,” he added.
Earlier, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Mohammed Goje, commended the Abuja-based Yobeans for honouring the invitation, saying it was indicative of their willingness to partner with 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,” Goje said.
Speaking on behalf of the Abuja-based Yobeans, Baba Dala, SAN, commended Governor Buni for the initiative, saying it had 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.
In a vote of thanks, the Speaker, Yobe State House of Assembly, Hon. Chiroma Buba Mashio, said the massive attendance would spur government to keep the programme alive with more 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 future generations,” he said.
Prominent Yobe indigenes at the engagement included the state APC governorship candidate, Baba Malam Wali, Senators Mohammed Bomai and Musa Mustapha, members of the House of Representatives, former Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali, former Minister of Finance, Dr. Yerima Ngama, Dr. Kole Shettima, Dr. Garba Abare, Dr. M.A. Abubakar, Dr. Garba Iliya, Alh. Tijjani Musa Tumsa, senior military officers and several others.
