Unlocking the Dividends of Democracy in Yobe -By Abba Dukawa

Despite political skepticism from opposition politicians, Governor Mai Mala Buni has proven his commitment to serving Yobe State’s people, prioritizing their needs over personal interests since taking office. His political vision aligns with the masses’, focusing on their welfare and well-being. Notwithstanding the challenges, Governor Mai Mala Buni remains committed to Yobe State’s , focusing on state and citizens’ needs despite obstacles

Since taking office, Governor Mai Mala Buni’s administration has made significant strides in various sectors, including infrastructure development, healthcare, education, road construction, agriculture, and women and youth empowerment. Notably, the administration has offered local and foreign scholarships, boosting citizens’ confidence in the state.”

Despite insurgency and insecurity challenges in the state, Governor Mai Mala Buni has made concerted efforts to combat insecurity. Notably, he has engaged with Service Chiefs and Heads of Security Agencies to find lasting solutions, ensuring peace and security across the state. Over the past six years, the Yobe State government has provided over 400 vehicles to support the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Police, and other security agencies, enhancing their operational capabilities.

Under Governor Mai Mala Buni’s leadership, Yobe State has made significant strides in transforming education. To address the pressing issue of out-of-school children, he convened the state’s inaugural education summit, seeking solutions. With approximately 4.4 million out-of-school children residing in Yobe (about a third of Nigeria’s 13.2 million), the summit marked a crucial milestone in the administration’s efforts to revamp the education sector.

To expand access to education, the administration established model primary and junior secondary schools in each of the state’s three senatorial districts, with plans for further expansion to all 17 local government areas. This initiative has yielded significant results, including increased school enrollment and the rehabilitation of structures damaged by Boko Haram insurgents.

Furthermore, Governor Buni’s administration has established six new Model Schools, seven Mega Schools, nine Government Girls’ Day Senior Secondary Schools, eight co-educational Government Day Senior Secondary Schools, one additional boys’ school, and an IDP School in Buni-Yadi.” These initiatives were complemented by the construction of new classrooms, laboratories, ICT centers, hostels, and other essential facilities, as well as the provision of teaching and learning materials to primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, fostering a conducive learning environment for students and pupils. These new schools are strategically located in affected areas, aligning with the administration’s State of Emergency Declaration on Education initiative.” The administration has also awarded scholarships to hundreds of high-achieving students, both male and female, to pursue various fields, including Petro-Engineering, Medicine, Anesthesia, and Pharmacy, locally and internationally.

Yobe State’s health sector has seen significant achievements, the state government has constructed, refurbished, and equipped over 138 Primary Health Care centers, increasing access to essential services. Free Dialysis Program*: hundreds patients receive free dialysis treatment every month at the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital.

Yobe State was recognized as a leader in primary healthcare, winning $500,000 in the North-East sub-region leadership challenge.The state allocated 15% of its 2025 budget to the health sector, to promote healthcare delivery services. The state has upgraded four general hospitals to specialist facilities and eight Primary Health Care centers to general hospitals, enhancing healthcare infrastructure.

The Buni Expanded Free Healthcare Scheme provides free basic healthcare to vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, children under five, and people living with disabilities. More than hundred thousands residents have been enrolled in the scheme, with 222 primary healthcare providers and 24 secondary healthcare facilities supported through capitation and fee-for-service arrangements. Yobe State University Teaching Hospital has secured full accreditation to train 25 resident doctors, a monumental achievement for the state’s healthcare sector.

Since 2019, the state Yobe State’s infrastructure development under Governor Mai Mala Buni’s administration has seen significant progress in various sectors. Construction and rehabilitation of over 500 kilometers of roads, connecting communities and fostering economic growth complete road projects. Township roads and drainages in five local government areas. Damaturu flyover construction.

Commissioning of new electricity infrastructure for the Nguru Mass Housing Estate, Expansion of the National Grid to more communities. Installation of solar streetlights in 11 local government areas. Mass Housing Policy delivering 2,350 housing units with basic amenities at a 50% discount on an owner-occupier basis. Improved water supply with new solar-powered boreholes and reticulations in Damaturu, Buni-Yadi, Nguru, Geidam, and Potiskum. Construction of modern markets in Potiskum, Geidam, Yunusari, and Ngalda, Damaturu Mega Shopping Mall construction and Potiskum Truck Transit Park development. These infrastructure developments aim to drive economic growth, enhance the quality of life for residents, and support the state’s overall progress

Despite financial constraints, Governor Buni’s administration has successfully implemented developmental projects that enhance human capital development. To achieve its socioeconomic objectives, the administration is proactively seeking local and international investments to leverage the state’s natural mineral resources. Notably, Governor Buni has engaged with Qatari investors to explore opportunities for establishing a cement company and meat processing factory in Yobe State.

The administration has revitalized and upgraded government-owned industries, including the Gujba Fertiliser Blending Plant, Polythene, Woven Sacks Factory, Yobe Flour and Feed Mills, and Sahel Aluminium Companies, to enhance production capacity. This initiative seeks to boost internal revenue generation and create jobs.

To realize its vision for Yobe State, the administration has introduced transformative policies and programs designed to unlock the state’s vast potential and propel it towards greatness. Building on the substantial progress achieved over the past six years, Governor Mai Mala Buni has consistently prioritized the welfare of the people, eschewing political expediency and personal interests for the greater good.

As Chairman of the APC’s Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Governor Mai Mala Buni spearheaded the party’s transformation, bridging internal rifts and rebranding it to appeal to a wider demographic. Under his leadership, the APC has attracted notable defections, including governors from Zamfara, Ebonyi, and Cross River states, as well as prominent figures such as Gbenga Daniel, Lt. Gen. Ihejirika, Yakubu Dogara, Dimeji Bankole, and Barnabas Gemade. Governor Buni’s people-centric approach has earned him recognition as a diligent and empathetic leader. His administration’s commitment to enhancing citizens’ lives reflects his sense of duty and selflessness.

Dukawa write in from Kano, can be reached at abbahydukawa@gmail.com