From Alhaji Yusuf, Damaturu
The Yobe State Government has recorded remarkable achievements across agriculture, security, infrastructure, education, and healthcare over the past seven years of Governor Mai Mala Buni’s administration, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Mohammad Goje, has disclosed.
Briefing journalists in Damaturu on Friday as part of activities marking the 7th anniversary of the administration, held under the theme: “Seven Years of Continuity, Consolidation and Transformational Leadership,” Dr. Goje said agriculture remains the backbone of Yobe’s economy, providing livelihoods for over 80 percent of the population.
According to him, the administration placed agriculture at the centre of its development agenda, convening a historic Agricultural Summit in 2019 and adopting the state’s first comprehensive Agricultural Policy.
He stated that key interventions include the distribution of 7,500 metric tonnes of NPK fertilizer at subsidized rates, procurement of 1,500 metric tonnes for irrigation farming, and acquisition of 40 Massey Ferguson tractors to boost mechanization.
He stressed that in livestock development, the government established Ruga settlements, built an Animal Research Institute along Potiskum Road, and set up Livestock Development Centres in collaboration with the Federal Government.
On environmental sustainability, the SSG highlighted the Damaturu Waterway Project, construction of strategic culverts in Ngalda, and reconstruction of the Alagarno Flood Control Gate to mitigate flooding and build climate resilience.
Dr. Goje further noted that the administration has restored peace and security through strong collaboration with security agencies, procurement of over 200 motorcycles and 60 patrol vehicles, rehabilitation of military infrastructure, and training of over 100 officials in security intelligence.
“In infrastructure, ongoing projects include the iconic Damaturu Flyover, dualisation of the 26-kilometre Damaturu–Kalallawa Road, and township roads across all local government areas.
“The education sector has seen the construction of seven Mega Schools and seven Model Schools, expansion of tertiary institutions, and scholarships for over 48,000 students.
“Healthcare transformation includes 143 new Primary Healthcare Centres, upgrade of general hospitals to specialist status, and coverage of over 350,000 residents under the state health insurance scheme (YSCHMA),” said Goje.
The SSG reaffirmed that Governor Buni’s leadership has positioned Yobe as a model of resilience, prudent governance, and sustainable development.