Operational guidelines necessary tool for YETFund’s take-off – Gov. Buni
Story from Haruna YUSUF, Abuja
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has stated that operational guidelines are necessary for the smooth take-off of the Yobe State Education Trust Fund (YETFund).
The governor made the assertion while declaring open a retreat organised by the YETFund to develop operational guidelines for the Fund.
Represented by his deputy, Honourable Idi Barde Gubana, Governor Buni who noted that YETFund was established to address the appalling situation in Yobe schools, said that the operational guidelines are to lay a solid foundation for the YETFund’s smooth take-off.
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The governor said the development of the operational guidelines for the Fund to take off was in fulfilment of his many pronouncements in May, 2019 which led to his declaration of state-of-emergency in the state’s education sector.
“It may be recalled that in my inaugural speech on 29th May 2019, I made several pronouncements one of which is the declaration of a state of emergency on the basic and secondary education in the state. This was immediately followed by convening a summit on education where experts and professionals in the education sector from both within and outside the state were in attendance to deliberate widely on the future of education in Yobe State.
“The outcome of the education summit recommended a series of action plans which includes, among others, the establishment of the Education Council and Yobe State Education Trust Fund (YETFund),” the governor said.
Speaking further, he said, “Today’s occasion (retreat) is a clear testimony of our commitment and focus to lay a solid platform for multifaceted development pursuits with the intent of raising the quality of education.”
He stressed that the composition of members of YETFund was carefully made to achieve their objective.
“The government was very meticulous in the appointment of members of the Fund as it was done after consideration of certain criteria such as integrity, diligence and vast experience in the area of education administration as well as proven national and international exposure.”
Governor Buni appreciated the efforts of the team members toward making sure that the organisation runs smoothly.
“As we may be aware, operating a trust fund is indeed a declared tax that requires patience, perseverance, dedication, and teamwork. In this regard, I would like to appreciate the efforts being made by the trust fund to collect funds on pledges made by individuals and corporate bodies during the education appeal fundraiser, held early this year. I urge you to continue with the good work.
It could be recalled that an appeal fundraising event was held at the Sheraton Hotel, Abuja February 2022 where the sum of over N125 million was donated by top dignitaries from various states.
READ ALSO: YETFund: Borno gov’t, Senator Bomoi donate N125 million
Also speaking, the Chairman, YETFund Board of Trustees, Engr Muhammed Abubakar, in his remarks reiterated that the development of the operational guidelines’ documents is a necessary tool for YETFund to engage effectively with benefactors and beneficiaries alive.
He said that after the governor’s declaration of a state of emergency on education, it became a necessity to establish a non-treasury source of funding for education, so they decided to set out a fundraiser.
READ ALSO: Dignitaries commend Buni as Yobe education fundraiser reaches N10 billion and counting
“We intend to meet multilateral development, financing agencies, bilateral financing agencies, corporate social responsibility interventions, crowdfunding and federal investments or other funds. The fund is expected to have a prudent financial application and management; transparency and accountability are hallmarks of the Fund.
“YETFund is registered under the Company and Allied Matters Act 2020 and the company is private and the liability of the members is limited by guarantee. The corporate headquarters is in Damaturu and we have the annexe office in Abuja,” the chairman stated.
