By Abdulkareem Haruna

Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria – “It is with a high sense of honour and fulfillment that I welcome my dear brothers and compatriots,” declared Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni on Thursday, as he inaugurated the 116th North East Governors’ Forum in Damaturu.

However, his welcoming remarks quickly transitioned to a stark assessment of the region’s challenges, primarily the “resurgence of Boko Haram insurgency activities” and the pressing need for economic diversification away from dwindling federal allocations.

Addressing his counterparts from Borno, Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba, and Bauchi states, alongside federal lawmakers, development partners, and security stakeholders, Governor Buni underscored the gravity of the security situation. “It is equally important that we are having this meeting at this moment when we record the resurgence of Boko Haram insurgency activities in some areas of the region, and the worrisome deployment of technology by the enemy,” he stated, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.

Buni called for a unified and strategic response, urging the governors to critically examine the evolving threats and forge a stronger “working synergy between the state and Federal governments, and the security agencies.” He stressed the imperative to “act fast to consolidate the gains achieved in peace, security and the socio-economic developments recorded in the last few years” and pledged to swiftly share the Forum’s resolutions with relevant authorities.



While acknowledging the federal government’s efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Buni also highlighted the increasing strain on state resources due to an over-reliance on federal allocations. “I am optimistic the Forum would once again reflect on measures that would contribute to unlocking the economic potential abundant in the sub-region,” he asserted, pointing to the unsustainable nature of the current fiscal model.

Agriculture emerged as a key area for potential growth and job creation. “As leaders, we have a moral obligation to make agriculture attractive, affordable and profitable through provision of machines, equipment and other inputs to exploit the rich vast arable lands and the massive population in the region to enhance food sufficiency, food security and economic prosperity,” Governor Buni passionately argued. He warned against the dangers of youth unemployment, which he identified as a significant factor in vulnerability to recruitment by extremist groups.

The Yobe governor expressed gratitude to the “local and international development partners who have continued to support our Resettlement, Reconstruction and Recovery programmes,” acknowledging their vital contributions to the region’s rebuilding efforts.

Concluding his address, Governor Buni reiterated his welcome to his fellow governors and stakeholders, expressing hope for “very rewarding deliberations and a memorable stay in Yobe State.”