Celebrating Dogo mai hanun kyauta @57, by Abba Dukawa
The purpose of human life is to serve, to show compassion and the will that would help others. Governor Hon Mai Mala Buni has been described by many as gentle, generous, humble, trustworthy, extremely loyal and down-to-earth, Mai Mala, displayed high and esteemed leadership qualities which endeared to the people of the state. In the lives of many, birthdays are usually periods for sober reflections.It is period for stocktaking. Numerous personalities with eyes on the verdict of history use such occasions to reflect on their contributions to the betterment of humanity.
Buni’s bold measures have set him apart as a leader, introducing reforms that transform state institutions for the betterment of the people. His politics, character, and vision are shaped by the philosophy of emancipation and improving lives, inspired by the late Aminu Kano. This guiding principle drives his commitment to creating positive change. MMB is revered as a visionary leader, selfless, and uncommon Nigerian who prioritises others’ feelings over his own. In addition Buni’s leadership philosophy emphasises the well-being of the masses, refusing to sacrifice their interests for political gain or personal agendas. His tireless efforts to address pressing concerns in Yobe State have earned him a reputation as a people’s governor, distinguished by his hard work and brilliance.
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He was elected as the yobe state governor at very critical situation in the state as Yobe had its own bitter taste of the Boko Haram insurgency, When he took over the mantle of leadership on 29th May, 2019, There were many communities that remained inaccessible due to the threat posed by the insurgents in Gujba and Gulani Local Government Areas. Now normalcy has returned to the insurgency most-ravaged areas, and reconstruction, resettlement, and rehabilitation of communities. In almost all parts of the state, people are now moving about pursuing their legitimate goals without hindrance.
Even though the state face scarce resources at its disposal, but the administration have been able to execute and complete the rehabilitation of Katarko-Goniri and Siminti-Godowoli roads, rehabilitation work is ongoing along Geidam-Bukarti, Bayamari-Yunusari, and Yunusari-Kanamma roads. In total, over 500km roads are being executed by the state government with a view to opening up the communities and their adjoining settlements for enhanced socio-economic activities. Under Buni’s administration Mass Housing policy, 2,350 houses across the 17 local government areas have been constructed, and the estate provided with basic facilities,
Through the Yobe State Education Trust Fund, the administration has been able to establish six new model schools, seven mega schools, nine new government girls day senior secondary schools, eight new co-education government day senior secondary schools, and an additional one for boys across the state. Over 4,000 teaching and non-teaching staff were recruited and posted to various primary and secondary schools, and 26,000 teachers were trained or retrained to enhance their capacities.
In the health sector, Federal Ministry of Health has recognised Yobe as the most improved state in terms of immunisation coverage, from 16% to 65%. The administration Provided one functional primary healthcare centre in each of the 178 Electoral Wards of the State, so far over 140 have been completed and commissioned. The administration also procured and launched 88 customised tricycle ambulances and distributed to remote areas to ease movement of patients to the health centers.
The Yobe State Drugs and Medical Consumable Management Agency (YODMA) established with a total drugs worth over billion of Naira to address drugs and medical supply system needs of the State. The State tertiary healthcare delivery service was enhanced with the provision of a well-equipped Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) Complex at the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital. The complex has 300-bed capacity with 7 blocks comprising the Gynaecology Clinic Ward, Obstetric Theatre, Labour and Delivery Suites, Emergency Paediatric, Paediatric Road, and a Special Baby Care Unit.T he complex has vastly increased the Teaching Hospital‘s bed capacity to over 700 and made it the biggest and one of the most equipped hospitals in the country. In addition, the State Emergency Medical Ambulance and Yobe State Healthcare and Health-related Facilities Inspection and Monitoring Agency was established to boost healthcare delivery in matters relating to domestic and road traffic accidents and monitoring of health facilities to provide best standard practice.
Bunis administration hope to reduce the incessant travel of patients outside the country and enable the citizens save medical foreign exchange for the state and the country. The teaching hospital has state of the art equipment including radio-diagnostic center equipped with MRI, 164 slides CT scan, Mammography, digital/mobile Xray, Ultra Sound among others. Our aim is to make Yobe State the hub of medical tourism in the Country.
Toward boosting commercial activities, the administration constituted the Ease of Doing Business Council under his chairmanship and investors can now get easy access to information on the administration business enabling reforms and potentialities of the State. In addition to achieving Socioeconomic Blueprints to the state Hon Buni wooing local and international investors toward invest in state deposits natural minerals resources like the gypsum and limestone deposits. MMB attended the numerous Public Private Partnership [PPP] meetings with the investor discussed include the establishment of a cement factory in the state. He also met representative Qatari investors from the office of Sheikh Saoud Bin Nasser Bin Khalid al-Thani aimed to exploring an investing partnership to set up a cement company and meat processing factory in Yobe State.
On political front party members described him as stabilisers for salvaging the party from Internal strive after the party became a ruling governing party in the country. In June 2020, the All Progressives Congress (APC) party underwent a significant transformation when its national working committee was dissolved, and a new interim committee was established. Chaired by Hon. Mai Mala Buni, this Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) has been instrumental in healing the party’s internal divisions. Under Governor Buni’s leadership, the party has made notable strides in repositioning itself to appeal to Nigerians and progressive-minded individuals.
The party has witnessed a surge in defections, with notable figures joining its ranks. These include the governors of former governors of Zamfara, Ebonyi, and Cross River states, as well as Chairman Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign organization, former Ogun state Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and Lt. Gen. Ihejirika. Additionally, two former speakers of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and Dimeji Bankole, and Barnabas Gemade, former PDP chairman, have also joined the APC. These developments are a testament to Governor Buni’s effective leadership and vision, which have yielded positive results for the party.
Honorable Mai Mala Buni is a man of his word, known for his boldness and unwavering commitment to his promises. He commands respect from his colleagues and people of Yobe and beyond due to his articulate expression of ideas and thoughts and is renowned for his exceptional ability to connect with people beyond his immediate circle, fostering meaningful friendships and partnerships. Those familiar with him attest that he finds fulfillment in helping others, always seeking opportunities to lend a hand or share his resources. Wishing him sound health and wisdom to deliver on the mission #ForAGreaterYobeState.
Dukawa, a public affairs analyst write in from Abuja and can be reach via abbahydukawa@gmail.com
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