Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has credited the significant developmental strides achieved by his administration over the past three years to the enhancement of federal revenue distributions under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The governor made this disclosure in Abuja during a gathering with indigenes of the state residing in the Federal Capital Territory.
Addressing the audience on Sunday, Buni explained that the state's recent infrastructure expansion and human capital investments would have been unattainable under previous revenue sharing frameworks. According to him, the state government successfully recruited approximately 15,000 personnel into the healthcare sector alongside over 9,000 qualified educators for public schools, milestones directly tied to improved financial inflows.
What impact does federal infrastructure support have on the state?
The governor highlighted the federal government's recent decision to take over the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport in Damaturu, accompanied by a commitment to reimburse the state for construction expenses. Buni noted that this development will free up state resources to execute additional community- focused projects. Consequently, he urged residents to support President Tinubu's political future in appreciation of the federal backing.
During the interactive session, Buni called on Yobe indigenes living outside the state to actively engage in local governance and developmental initiatives. He praised their individual achievements and proposed a strategic partnership to leverage the state's vast agricultural, livestock, and mineral wealth.
How did stakeholders react to the engagement?
Secretary to the State Government Dr. Mohammed Goje lauded the attendees for demonstrating a strong commitment to the progress of Yobe State. Speaking on behalf of the diaspora community, Baba Dala, SAN, commended the governor for initiating the interactive platform, noting that it was unprecedented in recognizing citizens residing outside the state.
Echoing similar sentiments, the Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, Hon. Chiroma Buba Mashio, encouraged the gathering to return home and contribute directly to ongoing developmental projects. The event drew several high-profile figures, including lawmakers, former Inspector-General of Police Usman Baba Alkali, former Minister of Finance Dr. Yerima Ngama, and other prominent stakeholders.