Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has inaugurated two commissioners, a permanent secretary and 17 newly elected local government chairmen, telling the new office holders to put the public good ahead of individual ambitions as they assume their responsibilities.
Governor calls for public-focused leadership
At the swearing-in ceremony in Damaturu on Thursday, Buni administered the oath of office and said the officials must earn the trust placed in them by voters and the state administration.
He said their work should support his government’s reform programme, which he said has reshaped public administration and strengthened the delivery of services across Yobe State.
- The newly inaugurated officials were asked to treat public interest as their foremost obligation.
- They were urged to validate the electoral mandate and government confidence that brought them into office.
- Buni said they should operate in line with the administration’s governance-reform agenda.
Health-sector reforms cited as evidence of progress
The governor pointed to developments in healthcare as an example of the impact of institutional changes and public investment, saying Yobe’s medical services had been raised toward contemporary standards.
He said the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital carried out a total hip replacement operation earlier this year, while Damaturu Specialist Hospital completed a major maxillofacial procedure.
“These are two sophisticated medical surgeries that were hitherto performed only in a few advanced hospitals and developed countries,” Buni said.
He also highlighted new professional approvals for postgraduate medical training in the state.
- The West African College of Physicians has given full accreditation to the Community Medicine Department at Yobe State University Teaching Hospital for postgraduate residency education.
- The West African College of Surgeons has approved Damaturu Specialist Hospital to provide postgraduate residency training in obstetrics and gynaecology.
“Alhamdulillah, Yobe State is truly moving,” the governor said, praising civil servants for their courage, resilience and dedication. “You definitely make us proud.”
Political and administrative priorities
Buni restated his government’s pledge to improve living conditions for residents and reminded the incoming local government chairmen that they won their elections on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, or APC.
He called on them to help secure the party’s success in the next general elections.
New appointees
The officials inaugurated by the governor included the following senior appointees:
- Dr Abubakar Kagu, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice;
- Dauda Alhaji Idi, Commissioner for Livestock Development; and
- Fatima Makintami, Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice.
The ceremony also covered the inauguration of 17 newly elected local government chairmen.
