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Tag: Buni

  • Buni commissions multi-billion naira research centre to tackle rising kidney disease in Yobe

    Buni commissions multi-billion naira research centre to tackle rising kidney disease in Yobe

    • …award scholarship and cash gifts to teen girls

    Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has commissioned the permanent site of the Biomedical Science Research and Training Centre (BioRTC) at Yobe State University, Damaturu, describing the facility as a strategic response to the rising burden of chronic kidney disease across the state.

    Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Thursday, January 29, 2026, Buni said the centre was established to develop sustainable, science-based solutions to the high incidence of kidney disease, particularly among communities located along the River Yobe.

    He noted that the disease has, over the years, claimed many lives, imposed heavy financial pressure on families, and placed significant strain on the state’s healthcare system.

    “This centre represents our resolve to confront kidney disease through evidence-based research rather than assumptions,” the governor said, adding that BioRTC will generate locally relevant data to uncover the root causes of the condition and guide effective policy decisions.

    Buni disclosed that the state government invested more than ₦800 million in constructing the permanent facility as part of a broader effort to strengthen health research capacity and enhance disease surveillance.

    He revealed that preliminary findings from ongoing research at the centre are already indicating a possible remote cause of kidney disease in the state, raising optimism for targeted prevention and treatment interventions.

    The governor commended Professor Mahmoud Bukar Maina for leading the centre’s kidney disease research initiatives, noting that the professor donated laboratory equipment valued at over ₦10 billion to support advanced scientific investigations.

    Read Also: Buni heads APC panel to tackle internal crises ahead 2027 polls

    Buni explained that BioRTC’s research framework is tailored to Yobe State’s specific environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors, stressing that dependence on foreign medical research has often failed to adequately address Africa’s unique health challenges.

    He recalled that in 2023, the state government engaged international partners in the United Kingdom to strengthen the centre’s nephrology research capacity, attracting support from global experts in epidemiology and kidney medicine.

    According to the governor, BioRTC has since gained international recognition, with scientists from the Janelia Research Campus in the United States describing the centre as a model for building research capacity in underserved regions.

    To complement research efforts, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving access to treatment for kidney disease patients, disclosing that the state currently provides free dialysis support and will establish an additional dialysis centre in Gashua this year to reduce travel-related hardship for patients.

    He also appealed to the Federal Government to establish a Federal Kidney Disease Centre in Yobe State, citing the scale and persistence of the health challenge.

    Beyond research and treatment, Governor Buni said BioRTC is also developing low-cost diagnostic tools that can support early detection of kidney-related complications at the community level, particularly in rural areas.

    He urged the Federal Ministry of Health to partner with the centre to scale up open, low-cost diagnostic innovations, noting that early diagnosis remains a major gap in the management of kidney disease in northern Nigeria.

    The governor further disclosed that over 1,000 health professionals, researchers, and students from Yobe State and across Africa have been trained through BioRTC’s capacity-building programmes, strengthening the local workforce needed to sustain kidney disease research and care.

    Governor Buni also called on the Federal Ministry of Education and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to recognise BioRTC as a national research and training centre, which would enable expanded funding for kidney disease studies and specialist training.

    He stressed that tackling kidney disease requires long-term investment in research, policy, and human capital, noting that BioRTC provides a platform to integrate all three.

    The commissioning ceremony also featured the celebration of three Yobe State students: Nafisa Abdullahi, Hadiza Kashim Kalli, and Rukayya Mohammed Fema who won the 2025 TeenEagle World Championship in London. Governor Buni described their achievement as evidence that sustained investment in education and science can produce global results.

    He announced full government scholarships up to tertiary level and a cash award of ₦10 million each for the students, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to human capital development as a foundation for addressing health challenges.

    Governor Buni concluded by reiterating that the fight against kidney disease in Yobe State will remain a top priority of his administration, pledging continued support for BioRTC as a hub for research, innovation, and life-saving interventions.

  • Buni signs Yobe 2026 budget into law, pledges transparency, fiscal discipline

    Buni signs Yobe 2026 budget into law, pledges transparency, fiscal discipline

    Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to accountability, probity, and transparency in public finance management.

    Speaking after assenting to the bill, Governor Buni said his administration would sustain its leading position in fiscal management, as recognised by the SIFTAS World Bank initiative.

    The 2026 budget, titled “Budget of Economic Growth and Infrastructural Transformation,” is valued at N515.532 billion. Of this amount, N291.903 billion, representing 62 per cent, is earmarked for capital projects, while N223.628 billion, or 38 per cent, is allocated to recurrent expenditure.

    The governor commended the Yobe State House of Assembly for the timely passage of the bill, praising lawmakers for their constructive scrutiny and dedication to the welfare of the people.

    He said the budget prioritises key sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure and employment, with the aim of improving the quality of life of Yobe residents.

    Read Also: Buni heads APC panel to tackle internal crises ahead 2027 polls

    Sectoral allocations in the budget include N291.903 billion for capital projects focused on infrastructure development, roads, healthcare, and education, while N223.628 billion is set aside for recurrent services covering personnel and overhead costs. Other allocations include the economic sector at 47.7 per cent, social services at 38.9 per cent, administration at 12.4 per cent, and law and justice at 1.1 per cent.

    The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chiroma Buba Mashio said the passage of the budget reflected improved cooperation between the executive and legislature for the common good of the state.

    Mashio noted that Governor Buni had invested significantly in the legislature by enhancing members’ capacity through local and international training and projecting the assembly globally as an active member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

    He also disclosed that minor adjustments were made to the bill in the overall interest of the state.

    Earlier, Governor Buni also swore in Alhaji Adamu Jibrin as the new Chairman of Yusufari Local Government Council, following the death of the substantive chairman in Egypt. He urged the new chairman to prioritise security and collaborate closely with security agencies and traditional leaders to ensure peace in the area.

  • Buni approves N7.9 billion to clear five-;year gratuity

    Buni approves N7.9 billion to clear five-;year gratuity

    Yobe Governor Mai Mala Buni has approved the release of ₦7.9 billion for payment of five years outstanding gratuity to state and local government retirees.

    This was contained in a statement by Mamman Mohammed, Director General, Press and Media Affairs to the Governor in Abuja on Thursday.

    Mohammed stated that the Governor had on Monday conveyed the approval of N5.8 billion to Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Mohammed Abatcha, for payment of gratuity to retired State public officers.

    He also approved of ₦2.1 billion to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Jajere, for payment  of outstanding gratuities owed to retired local government workers covering the period from January 2020 to May 2025.

    Governor Buni further directed that, henceforth, the payment of gratuities should be integrated into the state’s monthly financial schedule, indicating that all cleared payments will be made monthly, alongside the regular pension payments, to avoid accumulation of backlog of retirement benefits.

    The clearance of the substantial backlog and institutionalization of the prompt monthly payment system has provided the much-needed financial relief and restoration of dignity in labour to all retirees.

    Read Also: Buni boosts security operations in Yobe, donates 47 vehicles to security agencies

    “The Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Head of Service are working in collaboration to ensure a seamless and transparent disbursement of these funds to all affected retirees immediately,” Abatcha added

    Jajere said: “This approval reflects the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare and its resolve to ensure that retirees who have served the state faithfully receive their entitlements promptly”.

    The two commissioners described the initiative as a bold financial step towards a broader economic and social agenda to ensure fiscal responsibility and priority to the welfare of Yobe State citizens, particularly those who have contributed immensely to its growth and development.

    They assured prompt compliance with a high degree of transparency to achieve the government’s objective of paying the retirees their entitlements as directed by the governor.

  • Buni boosts security operations in Yobe, donates 47 vehicles to security agencies

    Buni boosts security operations in Yobe, donates 47 vehicles to security agencies

    Yobe state governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, has reiterated that security of lives and property remains a top priority for his administration.

    The governor disclosed this at a ceremony in Damaturu, where he commissioned the distribution of 47 four-wheel drive vehicles and 50 motorcycles to various security agencies operating in the state.

    Governor Buni expressed appreciation to the federal government and security agencies for their efforts in maintaining peace and security in Yobe State.

    “I want to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander in Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, for his support in ensuring peace and security in Yobe State,” he said.

    He also thanked officers and men of the security agencies, vigilante groups, and hunters for their dedication to providing security across the state.

    The governor indicated that the logistics support was aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of the security agencies.

    Read Also: Education, healthcare, dignity are rights, not privileges, says Nwabunike

    “The purpose of today’s occasion is to step up the government’s efforts towards supporting security agencies to enable them to carry out their duties effectively and efficiently,” Governor Buni stated.

    The distribution included one vehicle each to Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) of the 17 Local Government Areas, and additional vehicles to the State Police Headquarters, Nigerian Army, Department of State Security Services, Nigeria Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), and National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Each of the 17 Local Government Chairmen also received a vehicle to support their security operations, alongside the allocation of 50 motorcycles across agencies.

    Governor Buni directed Local Government Chairmen to take over maintenance of the vehicles allocated to the police in their respective areas.

    The Special Adviser to the governor on security matters, Brig. Gen. Dahiru Abdulsalam (rtd.), his boss for the support to security agencies.

    He assured the vehicles would be used judiciously to enhance security in the state.

    Gov. Buni emphasized that Security remains a paramount concern for the Yobe State government, with efforts aimed at bolstering the capacity of security agencies to protect lives and property.

    The Nation reports that the ceremony underscores the government’s commitment to addressing security challenges in Yobe State, reflecting ongoing efforts to ensure peace and stability in the northeast region.

  • Buni urges journalists to uphold truth, accuracy, responsibility in reporting

    Buni urges journalists to uphold truth, accuracy, responsibility in reporting

    Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has called on journalists to prioritise fact-checking, truth, and accuracy in their reportage, warning that sensational and inflammatory stories can undermine public peace and disrupt social harmony.

    Speaking at the closing of a three-day training workshop for members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Yobe State chapter, in Kano, Governor Buni—represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Baba Malam Wali—stressed the need for responsible journalism in an era of fast-evolving information technology.

    Read Also: Buni earns applause for Infrastructure, economic transformation in Yobe

    He urged journalists to wield their pens and devices with a deep sense of responsibility, noting that their words significantly influence communities.

    “By consistently prioritizing truth and accuracy, journalists can effectively contribute to promoting social harmony and development in Yobe State and Nigeria at large,” Buni said.

    Reflecting on the state’s experiences with the Boko Haram insurgency, he recalled its devastating effects on Yobe’s social fabric and economy, while acknowledging the progress made in rebuilding and restoring peace.

    Earlier, the State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Abdullahi Bego, thanked the governor for supporting media training in the state. He urged journalists to apply the knowledge gained to improve their work.

    The workshop featured topics such as media convergence, data journalism, social media, and career development, with presentations from resource persons including Prof. Danjuma Gambo of the University of Maiduguri and Dr. Kelle Shettima of the MacArthur Foundation.

  • Tasks before Buni

    Tasks before Buni

    • The onus is now on him as LCBGF chair to make life more meaningful in the Lake Chad region

    Nearly seven years after it held its inaugural meeting in Maiduguri, Borno State, from May 8–9, 2018, the Lake Chad Basin Governors Forum (LCBGF) for Regional Cooperation on Stabilisation, Peacebuilding and Sustainable Development returned to the Borno State capital for its 5th edition from January 29 – 31. Like the previous four meetings, it would yet be another time to focus attention on the twin calamities that have plagued Nigeria’s northeast and the countries adjoining the Lake Chad area. These are the climate-induced devastation linked to the shrinking of the Lake Chad that has rendered some 2.3 million people displaced, with over five million struggling to access food to survive; and the widespread violence from the Boko Haram insurgency that has also left 10.7 million people in dire need of emergency assistance.

    Clearly, it seems a coincidence that the meeting, hosted by the Yobe State government with the support of the African Union Commission and the United Nations Development Programme had as its theme – Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community, it could only have been a measure of how far the problem is from going away.

    Although, the inaugural meeting was held in the same Maiduguri in September, 2018, it was actually based on the recommendations of the Senior Officials’ Meeting of the Oslo Consultative Group on Prevention and Stabilisation in the Lake Chad Region held in Berlin in September 2017.  Then, the idea was to support the political process to stabilise the region in the face of the unrelenting devastation, and to prevent further crises, in line with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2349 (2017).

    It is a measure of how far the forum has come that the meeting has since held in Niger (2019), Cameroun (2021) and

    Chad (2023).

    We congratulate the chief host, Nigeria’s Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni, for rising to the occasion to deliver a worthy and befitting conference, and also for accepting to carry the burden of leading this important forum charged with bringing relief to the pains of the long-suffering people adjoining the Lake Chad area.

    Like those before him, Governor Buni has experienced the problems first-hand, and so understands their complexity and depth. Surely, if Nigerians in particular have been led into high expectations at this time, it could only be on account of the urgency of action needed to turn things around. We refer here to the scourge of poverty, the need to rebuild the shattered communities, resettle those displaced

    by the atavistic forces and, the imperative to rehabilitate the Lake Chad Basin ecosystems and its biodiversity, particularly now that things are beginning to calm down.

    Read Also: Buni gets COAS’ supporton Yobe security

    And, just like President Bola Tinubu – represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima – said in his opening speech at the meeting: “the Lake Chad region is not at ease, and neither should we be, this promised land of opportunity, which binds together the destinies of nations”. The president couldn’t have captured the moment better.

    As for the forum’s communique, it would appear that everything that needed to be said was contained in the 1,365-word draft. Most commendably are the actionable plans and strategic commitments it laid out on the basis of which the leadership is expected to be judged in the coming months. These range from strengthening the strategic support to, and operational capacity, of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and/or investment in trans-border security to ensuring that member states effectively occupy the Lake Chad Islands as a means of strengthening transboundary security, particularly the waterways.

    There is also the issue of non-state armed groups which the governors expect to be completely neutralised in member states, as well as the illicit arms trade, and drug trafficking and abuse, especially among the youths. They propose climate resilient initiatives as indeed environmental protection efforts to support the rehabilitation of the Lake Chad Basin ecosystems and biodiversity. They desire collaboration with traditional rulers, especially in facilitating reconciliation and reintegration processes, strengthening of women and youth engagement in stabilisation, recovery, and resilience initiatives, ensuring their needs and priorities are effectively addressed.

    The governors also seek a strengthening of resource mobilisation efforts through the Special Multi-Partner Delivery Fund (SMDF) and the Nexus Funding Facility (NFF), and other regional funding initiatives, to drive impactful and sustained progress, among others.

    None of the above could be said to be new propositions. As always, the problem is usually not what is on paper, but the absence of organised – or better still, coordinated – efforts to deliver them.

    So much for the plethora of bodies, all of which are saddled essentially with the same tasks; how has the forum in the past years been relating with other development partners currently undertaking remediation activities in the region? Surely, it cannot be business as usual – at least going forward. Aside the issue of paucity of funds, what the situation in the region dictates is collaboration, not duplication. For, while the tasks ahead may appear arduous and complicated; they are not  insurmountable. Aside the fact that the problems are not for any single institution alone to solve; often times, what constitutes the core challenge is how to develop and harness effective linkages – among multilateral agencies, development partners and local players – to deliver optimal results.

    It is one issue that the Buni-led leadership will do well to pay attention. Fortunately, since May, 2019 when he was elected governor, he has been pushing the pendulum of development further with a renewed sense of urgency in virtually all the areas that his position as LCBGF would require; the only difference now being that he has to work with others to realise the larger goals.

    Gov. Buni has his job cut out for him. He must hit the ground running.

  • BREAKING: Buni emerges chairman of Lake Chad Basin Governors Forum

    BREAKING: Buni emerges chairman of Lake Chad Basin Governors Forum

    Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has been elected as the new chairman of the Lake Chad Basin Governors Forum. 

    Buni assumed leadership of the forum during the 5th Meeting of the Lake Chad Governors Forum, where he was entrusted with the role for the next two years. 

    In his acceptance speech, Governor Buni expressed gratitude to his colleagues and delegates for electing him and pledged to collaborate closely with development partners and other stakeholders to achieve tangible results.

    He said: “It is gratifying that as we celebrate the successful end of this meeting, my colleagues have found me worthy of chairing the forum for the next two years.

    “I wish to on behalf of myself, the government and the people of Yobe state, commend and appreciate the decision of my colleagues for endorsing me as the new chairman of the Forum.

    “Let me use this opportunity to reassure you my dear colleagues that, l shall serve with a great sense of responsibility, and the commitment deserving of the office.

    “I shall liaise and work closely with you and all the development partners for us to be on the same page to work for the success of the forum, and the general development of the region”, Buni said.

    He specifically expressed gratitude to the outgoing chairperson Her Excellency Ildjima Abdraman, Governor of Hadjer Lamis province, Chad.

    “I especially thank the outgoing chairperson of this forum, Her Excellency Ildjima Abdraman, Governor of Hadjer Lamis province, Chad for her leadership,” Gov. Buni said.

    He added: “On this note, l humbly accept the decision of my colleagues, and the opportunity given to me and the Yobe state government to serve as the chairman of the Forum.

    “I wish to start by expressing my appreciation, and the profound gratitude of the government and people of Yobe state to Your Excellencies my colleagues the Governors of the Lake Chad Basin region, delegates and all other stakeholders for attending and also contributing to making this event a success story.

    “I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his leadership and commitment to peace, security, and development of the Lake Chad Basin region.

    Read Also: Gov Buni approves recruitment of 424 health workers in Yobe

    “I am convinced that we have made our stay here in the last few days very memorable and fruitful; with justice done to the theme of the meeting “Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security, and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community.

    “It is my hope as the host governor that we will internalize, domesticate, and act on the lessons and resolutions of this meeting; to move forward from discussions to an all-inclusive action-packed implementation that ensures everyone is carried along for the growth and development of the region.

    “Therefore, we look forward to a more robust partnership, support, and the needed resource allocation for us to individually and collectively actualize our shared ambition of building a better and prosperous region for our people. I thank you so much and wish us all journey mercy back to our respective destinations.”

  • Buni approves N70,000 minimum wage for Yobe workers

    Buni approves N70,000 minimum wage for Yobe workers

    Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, has approved the payment of N70,000 new minimum wage for civil servants in the state.

    Buni, in a statement by his Director-General, Press and Media Affairs, Alhaji Mamman Mohammed, in Damaturu on Saturday, said the payment would take effect from December.

    According to Mohammed, the approval is contained in a memo signed by the governor, following recommendations by a committee on the minimum wage earlier constituted by the state government.

    Read Also: Governor Buni and the Potiskum Modern Market

    “The committee had recommended for a reconciliation of local government finances to ensure a hitch-free transition process of the local government councils from the existing salary structure to the new minimum wage.

    “The reconciliation process, which is nearing completion is expected to be concluded soon for approval, and quick enrolment of the local government employees into the new minimum wage salary structure,” he said.

    The aide said that the state government expected civil servants to reciprocate the gesture by putting in their best towards effective service delivery.

    (NAN)

  • Buni declares Wednesday public holiday in honour of late ex-governor Ibrahim

    Buni declares Wednesday public holiday in honour of late ex-governor Ibrahim

    Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni, has declared Wednesday, February 7th, 2024, as a work-free day in honour of the late former Governor, Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim.

    In a statement released by Governor Buni’s spokesman, Mamman Mohammed, the people of the state will also use the work-free day to observe the three-day prayers for the late former governor of the state, Bukar Abba Ibrahim.

    Read Also: Buni commends Tinubu’s efforts to safeguard Nigeria from bandits

    Governor Buni urged the citizens to utilize the day for prayers in honour of the departed leader, who passed away in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, February 4.

    The statement explained that the prayers will take place at the Government House Mosque in Damaturu, where condolences from both within and outside the state have been pouring in.

    The Nation reports that Governor Buni, accompanied by government officials and the late governor’s family, has been receiving sympathizers at the Government House in Damaturu as the state government takes over the funeral and condolences rites to honour, Bukar Abba Ibrahim.

    Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim after a protracted illness died in Saudi Arabia on Sunday where he was also buried the following day.

  • Buni commends Tinubu’s efforts to safeguard Nigeria from bandits

    Buni commends Tinubu’s efforts to safeguard Nigeria from bandits

    Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni, has lauded the dedicated efforts of President Bola Tinubu in securing the nation from the threats posed by bandits and criminal elements.

    Speaking during an event for the Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Damaturu, Governor Buni revealed details of his recent meeting with the president in Abuja.

    Responding to inquiries about his discussions with President Tinubu, Governor Buni emphasized the significance of their interaction on the critical issues of security and the welfare of Yobe residents.

    He highlighted the president’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of both Yobeans and the entire nation.

    He stated: “Yes, it is true that I met with the President in Abuja last week, and we had a very productive discussion. As the father of the Nation, Mr. President provided me with deep insights into his relentless efforts to secure the lives of people across the country from the clutches of criminals and bandits. The President was also explicit about his plans to enhance the lives of rural and common people in the country.”

    Governor Buni’s meeting with President Tinubu was prompted by the alarming surge in attacks in Yobe State, including a recent audacious assault on his convoy along the Maiduguri/Damaturu Highway.

    The attack resulted in six security personnel sustaining injuries, with one policeman feared dead.

    Yobe state has experienced a resurgence of Boko Haram attacks, including the burning down of a power transmission line from Gombe to Damaturu and parts of Borno State on December 22, 2023.

    Read Also: Buni challenge permanent secretaries on fresh ideas

    The insurgents used Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to bring down three poles of the 330KVA High Tension Line near Kasaisa Village, close to Yobe State University Damaturu.

    Last year, over 20 villagers lost their lives in Geidam Local Government due to Improvised Explosive Devices planted on the road.

    Just last week, insurgents brutally attacked Gaidam, resulting in the tragic killing of a pastor and six other villagers in their sleep.

    Governor Buni’s discussions with President Tinubu aimed to address and tackle these security challenges head-on.