News
Buni: Another Year of Employment, Empowerment and Exemplary Initiatives
Buni: Another Year of Employment, Empowerment and Exemplary Initiatives
By: Abdulmumin Kolo Gulani
Governor Mai Mala Buni’s pace-setting of 2,670 youth employment into Yobe State Government which comprises of 15 people from each political ward across the state is something to be proud of in second term of his one year in office.
Apart from the aforementioned employees, there are several doctors, nurses, midwives and lab attendants recuited in Yobe State University Teaching Hospital. Again, there are 225 candidates that were appointed in Yobe State University as replacement, Umar Suleiman College of Education Gashua and other institutions, agencies that are numerous to mention.
On the issue of empowerment, His Excellency Hon. Mai Mala Buni has created a Ministry for Wealth Creation, Empowerment and Employment Opportunity, headed by Hon. Aji Yerima Bularafa. Through the Ministry, Gov. Buni has empowered thousands of youth in Yobe through various initiative that are numerous to mention.
Recently, through his Domestic Personal Assistant, Hassan Shettima, Governor Mai Mala Buni CON has empowered more than 200 people with bags of rice, mats, blankets and grinding machines.
Others are; generators, Computers, GSM repair equipments, weaving machines and cash as capitals for the beneficiaries.
In the same vein, Yobe Microfinance Bank PLC is always at the forefront in empowering youths in the state. The Managing Director of the Bank, Dr. Sheriff Almuhajir is always initiating programs that will aid the masses.
On his exemplary leadership initiative, Yobe state is quite different as the state government takes measures against hoarding, bulk purchase, and transportation of grains and other food items to curb hunger and starvation in the state.
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe state has earlier presided over an emergency meeting on the issue of food security in the state where he expressed deep concern over the hoarding of grains and other essential commodities, creating artificial scarcity with more hardships to the people.
His spokesperson, Mamman Mohammed, said that government would roll out concrete measures to cushion the effects of the rising cost of foodstuff and other commodities.
It’s also on record that Yobe is among the best states that distributed a large quantity of food items to its people through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
Yobe SEMA is always unique in terms of proper distribution to the deserving people, especially the needy. According to the Executive Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Goje, SEMA has distributed food items to over 165,000 beneficiaries across the state. This is a great testimony of a man with human feelings.
On the other hand through the State Coordinator of North East Development Commission (NEDC), Dr. Ali Ibrahim Abbas, the distribution of food items in Yobe State from the commission is second to none.
Indeed, there is the dire need for other governors to emulate Buni as we all know the best quality of a politician is honesty, God-fearing and empathy. A faithful and effective politician is trustworthy and reliable. He must capture the essence of truth, display sincerity, candour and practice what he preaches. He makes decisions and accepts responsibility for his actions and inactions.
The same is true in his dealing with his people. He makes promises and keeps those promises, somebody people can rely on. He should love people with all his heart, might, mind, soul and strive to help them as a true mark of a responsible leader. And, of course, Governor Buni possesses these qualities.
There’s no doubt the benefits of pity and its impact are numerous to mention In Islam but it’s noted that whoever adorns himself with it has adorned himself with a quality of the Messenger of Allah and those of that quality have been specially promised Allah’s mercy because they have shown others mercy and pity. And It is a great pillar upon which a strong, cohesive Muslim society should be built; with affection and pity for one another. It is a reason to gain Allah’s forgiveness, blessed and exalted, and the ennoblement of His pardon. Just as its opposite is a reason for His wrath and anger.
May Allah continue to guide our leaders on the right path.
Congratulations Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON on your one year in office as second term Governor of Yobe State.
*Abdulmumin Kolo Gulani writes from Damaturu, Yobe State
Buni: Another Year of Employment, Empowerment and Exemplary Initiatives
News
Troops arrest suspected gun-runner in Taraba, recover weapons and ammunition
Troops arrest suspected gun-runner in Taraba, recover weapons and ammunition
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops deployed at Ibi and the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wukari have arrested a suspected gun-runner and recovered weapons, ammunition, and other items during an intelligence-led operation in Taraba State.
Security sources disclosed that the troops acted on credible intelligence about a suspicious Peugeot vehicle heading toward the Ibi waterside area. The troops swiftly mobilised to intercept the vehicle and apprehended the suspect.

The suspect, identified as Abubakar Ibrahim, 48, from Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, was arrested during the operation.
Items recovered from him include six locally fabricated weapons bearing various registration numbers, two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one Peugeot 504 vehicle, a Q Seven mobile phone, seven bottles of perfume with rubbers, seven charms, one mentholatum rub, two small containers of Vaseline, and the sum of N1,400 in cash.
Military sources said the suspect and the recovered items are currently in custody and will be transferred to the Brigade Headquarters for further investigation.
The sources added that the general security situation within the Area of Responsibility remains calm but highly unpredictable, noting that troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain satisfactory.
The arrest is part of ongoing efforts by security forces to curb the proliferation of illegal arms and criminal activities in Taraba and adjoining areas.
Troops arrest suspected gun-runner in Taraba, recover weapons and ammunition
News
ISWAP kills professor in targeted abduction on Maiduguri-Damboa highway
ISWAP kills professor in targeted abduction on Maiduguri-Damboa highway
By: Zagazola Makama
ISWAP terrorists have reportedly killed Professor Abubakar Mohammed el-Jumma of the Nigerian Army University Biu following a targeted abduction along the Maiduguri-Damboa highway on March 25, 2025.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the attackers, described as light-skinned foreigners, specifically targeted Professor el-Jumma, suggesting the abduction was premeditated. The perpetrators were reportedly in possession of his photograph before carrying out the attack, confirming that the operation was deliberate and planned.
Authorities have confirmed that no ransom demands were made and attempts to negotiate his release were unsuccessful. ISWAP later informed the family of Professor el-Jumma’s death and that his burial had been carried out within their enclave.
The incident demonstrates ISWAP’s growing capability to exploit local vulnerabilities with the support of spies and sympathizers.
The group’s targeting of high-profile individuals, including academics and community leaders, reflects a shift towards calculated kidnappings designed to spread fear and disrupt governance and education in the North East.
No official statement has yet been issued by Nigerian Army University Biu authorities regarding the incident.
ISWAP kills professor in targeted abduction on Maiduguri-Damboa highway
News
Bayelsa East Leaders, Elders, Women, Youths To Protest Over Marginalization In Sen Douye Diri Administration
Bayelsa East Leaders, Elders, Women, Youths To Protest Over Marginalization In Sen Douye Diri Administration
Leaders, stakeholders, women and youths in Bayelsa East Senatorial District has perfected preparations to stage a peaceful protest against Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri over marginalization and neglect in political appointments in the government since inception.
The people of the east also deserves sensitive offices in the government for their resolute support for the government since inception, but they have been marginalized. The office of the deputy governor from the east will balance the political structure.
Marginalization of the east people in sensitive government appointments is an outright disrespect to the former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, King Alfred Diette-Spiff, Gen. Melford Okilo, and other leaders from the east senatorial district.
Even though the speaker of the state house of assembly is not considered, there are other competent individuals eminently qualified to handle the office of the deputy governor for the remaining years of the government.
The governor should consult former president, and other leaders from the east to chose a deputy governor from either Ogbia, Nembe or Brass.
The eastern region planned peaceful protest is a furtherance expression of dissatisfaction in accordance and solidarity with the group, the Bayelsa State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress Grassroot Movement (BSAGM) condemnation of Governor Diri administration over marginalization of appointments.
According to the eastern people, the governor has consciously and deliberately marginalized the east in sensitive political appointments in the government, pointing out that all the top offices in the government are handled by his relatives from Kolokuma-Opokuma and Sagbama.
For instance; all government house appointments are handled by his relatives, the chief of staff, deputy chief of staff, Director of Domestic, Director of Transport, including S.A Political, and other sensitive appointments in the government.
Governor Douye Diri has deliberately neglected and marginalized the east, we will exercise our constitutional right of a peaceful protest to express our dissatisfaction to the world.
Since the creation of Bayelsa State, successive administrations had maintained political conglomeration across the three senatorial district in the state, but Diri administration had neglected the east from inception.
The east is only been marginalized, and neglected in Diri administration. Alamieyeseigha, Jonathan, Sylva, and Dickson carried out fair, equal appointments, infrastructure across the state, in their administrations.
Successive governments since 1999, had fairly and transparently distributed political appointments across the senatorial district, but the contrary is Diri’s administration.
It is absolutely unfortunate that the east had been undermined by Diri, running a one-sided government of Kolokuma-Opokuma, and the whole state is watching the government.
In exercise of constitutional right of a peaceful protest, the east will carry out a peaceful protest to government house next week to publicly express their dissatisfaction to the world over the undemocratic marginalization of appointments in Diri administration.
Signed:
Chief Samuel Azibator – Ogbia
High Chief Nengi Sylvanus -Nembe
Chief Williams Naworio – Brass
Bayelsa East Leaders, Elders, Women, Youths To Protest Over Marginalization In Sen Douye Diri Administration
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