Yobe Targets Master Plans For Damaturu, Other Major Towns, UN Agencies Support Initiative

The Yobe State Government has reiterated its commitment to strategic and balanced development with plans to develop comprehensive urban and local Master Plans for Damaturu and other major towns across the state.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG) stated this while receiving a team of experts from the UN-HABITAT, IOM, UNHCR and officials of the Yobe State Government, led by Dr. Christian Okafor of UN-HABITAT, who are in the state to work on the Yobe State Spatial Development Strategy, Damaturu Urban Plan and the Maisandari Local Action Plan.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali has while speaking on behalf of Governor (Dr.) Mai Mala Buni said the state government will expand town planning initiatives from that of Damaturu which has gone far to five major urban centres of Potiskum, Nguru, Gashua, Geidam and Buni-Yadi towards the development of modern and inclusive Urban Master Plans that will guide orderly growth and service delivery.

The SSG explained that the administration of Governor Mai Mala Buni, does not want a situation where citizens must converge in Damaturu to access development opportunities and basic services, stressing that development must be decentralised and brought closer to the people.

The SSG noted that government believes meaningful development cannot be achieved without productivity, functional infrastructure and strong systems, adding that emphasis is being placed on the provision of road networks, healthcare facilities, education infrastructure and other critical amenities across the state.

He disclosed that the government is currently investing heavily in all local government areas through massive road construction, rehabilitation of health facilities and other interventions aimed at ensuring access to development in all the 178 political wards of Yobe State.

Alh. Baba Mallam Wali mni further stated that the government is also empowering citizens through deliberate economic policies, particularly in agriculture, describing Yobe as an agrarian state with huge potential.

“In the last two years, government has spent a huge sum of money on agricultural empowerment and we intend to increase this investment this year to further boost income generation. Without increased income, there cannot be meaningful development,” he said.

The SSG assured the visiting team of the state government’s readiness to work closely with UN agencies, especially UN-HABITAT, IOM and UNHCR, to deliver positive, people-centred interventions that will improve living conditions and counter negative narratives associated with the state’s past challenges.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Dr. Christian Okafor of UN-HABITAT, said the team was in Yobe State to support the government in developing a robust Spatial Development Strategy, Damaturu Urban Plan and the Maisandari Local Action Plan.

Dr. Okafor explained that the initiative is aimed at providing a long-term framework for coordinated urban growth, infrastructure development and land-use planning that will enhance resilience, sustainability and inclusive development in the state.