By Abba Dukawa
The purpose of human life is to serve, show compassion, and help others. Governor Hon. Mai Mala Buni has earned widespread recognition for his gentleness, generosity, humility, trustworthiness, and unwavering loyalty. His esteemed leadership qualities have endeared him to the people of Yobe State.
For many, birthdays are moments for sober reflection—a time for introspection and stocktaking. Numerous public figures use these occasions to reflect on their contributions to humanity’s betterment.
Governor Mai Mala Buni is celebrated for his exceptional ability to connect with people, transcending his immediate circle to foster meaningful relationships. Those familiar with him attest that he derives satisfaction from helping others and is constantly seeking opportunities to lend a hand or share his resources.
Buni’s bold reforms have set him apart as a leader, transforming state institutions for the benefit of the people. His politics, character, and vision are deeply influenced by the philosophy of emancipation and social improvement, inspired by the late Aminu Kano. This guiding principle fuels his commitment to creating positive change.
Hon. Mai Mala Buni is a man of his word, known for his boldness and steadfastness in fulfilling promises. He commands respect not only from his colleagues but also from the people of Yobe and beyond, owing to his articulate expression of ideas and thoughts.
As he celebrates 57 years of dedicated service to humanity, Buni is revered as a visionary leader—selfless, exceptional, and deeply concerned with others’ well-being. His leadership philosophy prioritizes the masses’ interests, refusing to sacrifice them for political gain or personal agendas. His tireless efforts to address Yobe’s most pressing issues have earned him a reputation as a people’s governor, marked by his hard work and brilliance.
Governor Buni assumed office in a critical period for Yobe State, which had felt the severe effects of the Boko Haram insurgency. When he took office on May 29, 2019, several communities in Gujba and Gulani Local Government Areas remained inaccessible due to the insurgency. Today, however, normalcy has been restored, with reconstruction, resettlement, and rehabilitation efforts underway in the most affected areas. People are now moving freely, pursuing their legitimate goals without hindrance.
Despite facing limited resources, the administration has successfully completed the rehabilitation of the Katarko-Goniri and Siminti-Godowoli roads, with ongoing work on the Geidam-Bukarti, Bayamari-Yunusari, and Yunusari-Kanamma roads.
The administration has also undertaken various intercommunity road construction projects, such as the 25.5-kilometer dual carriageway from Damaturu to Kalallawa for improved access to the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport. Additionally, the dualization of the Abattoir Junction-New Bye-pass Roundabout along the Potiskum road is helping ease traffic flow.
Buni’s administration is constructing numerous roads across the state, including the Damagum-Gubana, Bulanguwa-Kumagannam, Nguru-Bulanguwa, Danchuwa-Garin Abba-Garin Bingel, and Chumbusko-Tagali roads. Similarly, township roads in Damaturu, Nguru, Potiskum, Gashua, and Geidam are being developed, with over 500 kilometers of roads being executed to enhance socio-economic activities.
Under Buni’s administration, a mass housing policy has resulted in the construction of 2,350 houses across the 17 local government areas, equipped with essential facilities. Through the Yobe State Education Trust Fund, the governor’s administration has established new educational facilities, including six model schools, seven mega schools, and nine new government girls’ day senior secondary schools. More than 4,000 teaching and non-teaching staff have been recruited, and 26,000 teachers trained or retrained to enhance their skills.
In the health sector, Yobe has been recognized by the Federal Ministry of Health as the most improved state in immunization coverage, rising from 16% to 65%. The administration has established one functional primary healthcare center in each of the 178 electoral wards, with over 140 completed and commissioned. Additionally, 88 customized tricycle ambulances have been launched to ease patient transportation.
The Yobe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (YSCHMA) was established, enrolling over 100,000 people, including civil servants and members of the general public. The scheme allows patients to pay only 10% of medication costs. The Yobe State Drugs and Medical Consumable Management Agency (YODMA) has procured and distributed medicines to address the state’s medical supply needs.
Free healthcare services are provided for pregnant women, children under five, and accident victims during the first 48 hours, along with free dialysis for kidney patients. The administration also collaborates with development partners to combat child-killer diseases.
Governor Buni’s administration has enhanced tertiary healthcare with the establishment of a well-equipped Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) Complex at the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital, which now has a 300-bed capacity and state-of-the-art equipment. This has increased the hospital’s total bed capacity to over 700, making it one of the largest and most equipped hospitals in the country.
The administration aims to reduce medical tourism by providing top-tier medical services within the state, thereby saving foreign exchange. The teaching hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, including an MRI, CT scan, mammography, and digital X-ray.
In addition, the Shehu Sule College of Nursing in Damaturu has received improvements to its teaching and welfare facilities, including a new 200-bed student hostel and additional classrooms. Forty new Mersey Ferguson Tractors (MF375) have been distributed to large-scale farmers at subsidized rates to boost agricultural production.
Governor Buni is also attracting investment by promoting Yobe’s natural mineral resources, such as gypsum and limestone. His administration is in talks with international investors to establish cement factories and other industrial projects in the state.
In June 2020, the All Progressives Congress (APC) underwent significant transformation with the dissolution of its national working committee and the establishment of a new interim committee, chaired by Governor Mai Mala Buni. Under his leadership, the APC has seen increased defections, with prominent figures from other political parties joining its ranks. This demonstrates Governor Buni’s effective leadership in repositioning the party.
A fellow governor aptly described him as “Dogo Mai Hanun Kyauta” (The tall man with a generous hand), a testament to his selfless leadership and commitment to the welfare of others. We wish him continued health and wisdom as he works toward a greater Yobe State.
Dukawa is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja. He can be reached at abbahydukawa@gmail.com.
