Gov Buni Bags BusinessDay Award Over Mega Agric Empowerment Programme

Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has received national recognition for his administration’s far-reaching agricultural interventions as the state emerged winner in the agriculture competitiveness category at the 2025 State Competitiveness and Investment Readiness Awards (SCIRA) organised by BusinessDay Newspaper.

The award, which recognised Yobe as the “Most Improved State in Agriculture and Agro-Industrial Growth” for 2025, was presented during a colourful ceremony held at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja.

The Yobe State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Hon. Abdullahi Bego, disclosed that the award was conferred on the state in recognition of the remarkable achievements recorded under Governor Buni’s mega agricultural empowerment programme and other strategic interventions aimed at boosting food production and strengthening food security.

According to him, the award reflects the growing national acknowledgment of the administration’s commitment to transforming agriculture into a viable driver of economic growth and sustainable livelihoods.

The Commissioner noted that the recognition was largely influenced by the government’s massive investments in agricultural mechanisation, input distribution and farmer support initiatives implemented across the state over the past two years.

He explained that the Buni administration procured and deployed more than 300 tractors to enhance mechanised farming, distributed over 20,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser and supplied hundreds of thousands of agricultural implements and agro-chemicals to farmers across the 17 local government areas of the state.

Bego added that the interventions have significantly increased access to modern farming tools, improved crop productivity and expanded agricultural activities among rural communities, thereby contributing to improved food security and economic empowerment.

“The award is a testament to the visionary leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni and his unwavering commitment to agricultural development, food sufficiency and economic prosperity for the people of Yobe State,” he said.

The award was presented by the Publisher of BusinessDay Newspaper, Mr. Frank Aigbogun, and received on behalf of the Yobe State Government by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Ali Mustapha.

Members of the state delegation at the event included the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Hajiya Salamatu Yahaya Nangere; the Focal Person on Special Agricultural Intervention, Dr. Dilala; and the Executive Director, Yobe State Council for Arts and Culture, Hajiya Husna Ibrahim.

The BusinessDay State Competitiveness and Investment Readiness Awards celebrate states that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to economic growth, investment promotion and sectoral development through innovative policies and impactful programmes.