From Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has sworn in Dr. Mohammed Goje as the substantive Secretary to the State Government (SSG), alongside 13 other appointees.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Government House in Damaturu, also witnessed the inauguration of five Special Advisers, four Permanent Secretaries, two Chairmen of Commissions and the Chairman of the Teaching Service Board.
Speaking after administering the oath of office, Governor Buni said the appointments were based on merit, competence and loyalty, describing the approach as a deliberate strategy to combine experience with the energy and innovation of younger professionals.
He said the strategy was aimed at positioning Yobe State to meet the demands of a rapidly changing digital world.
According to him, “The Office of the Secretary to the State Government occupies a strategic position in governance.
“It serves as the coordinating office of government, ensuring coherence in policy implementation and effective collaboration among Ministries, Departments and Agencies, development partners, and other tiers of government.”
Governor Buni commended Dr. Goje, who had been serving in an acting capacity since April 29, 2026, describing him as “brilliant, vibrant, youthful and energetic.”
He praised Goje for discharging his responsibilities with a high sense of responsibility, commitment, speed and loyalty.
The newly appointed Permanent Secretaries are Hajiya Hadiza Sabo, Zainab Abdu Saleh, Abdullahi Barde Kukuri and Liman Ibrahim Ali.
Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Yabani and Engr. Mustapha Umar Goniri were appointed Chairmen of Commissions, while Alhaji Modu Sanda Gulani was appointed Chairman of the Teaching Service Board.
The five Special Advisers are Alhaji Saleh Suleiman, Hon. Abdu Mamman Zoto, Alhaji Mamman Musa, Engr. Mu’azu Ya’u and Dr. Babagana Mohammed Adam.
Governor Buni said the appointment of young people to leadership positions in government agencies was part of his administration’s deliberate strategy to give them opportunities to participate in governance and develop the next generation of leaders.
“As a matter of deliberate strategy, this administration has appointed several youths as Chief Executive Officers of government agencies, to provide them with the opportunity to participate in governance and cultivate a crop of young leaders who would inject their knowledge and energy to promote good governance for a prosperous Yobe State,” he said.
The Governor urged the new appointees to discharge their responsibilities justly, transparently and honestly, while placing collective interests above personal ambitions.
“It is said, and good names are far better than gold and riches,” he added.
Governor Buni also expressed appreciation to his immediate predecessor as SSG, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali, who is now the governorship candidate of the party, describing his contributions to the administration as dedicated, sacrificial and invaluable.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing all ongoing legacy projects, deepening institutional reforms, expanding economic opportunities, and strengthening agriculture and healthcare delivery as the administration enters its final phase.
“I am confident that when he assumes office as the governor of the state next year, Insha Allah, he would not only consolidate but expand the development initiatives of this administration through our mantra of Continuity, Consolidation and Innovation,” Governor Buni said.
The Governor congratulated the newly appointed officials and prayed for divine wisdom, strength and guidance as they assume their new responsibilities.
He also called on citizens to continue supporting the government through constructive engagement and prayers for lasting peace, security and prosperity in the state.