Buni’s UNDP Engagement Opens $250,000 Innovation Grant Window For Yobe

Yobe State is exploring a US$250,000 innovation grant opportunity under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Innovation Challenge initiative, following strategic engagements by Governor Mai Mala Buni’s administration to deepen development cooperation and unlock new opportunities for economic growth.

A statement issued by the Media Coordinator/Liaison Office of the SSG, Ibrahim Baba Saleh the opportunity emerged during a follow-up technical meeting in Damaturu between the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr

Mohammed Goje, and a UNDP delegation led by Mr Charles Mback, Head of UNDP Northeast Sub-Office, who briefed the state government on the proposed innovation support and other ongoing development interventions.

The meeting represents a significant follow-up to a high-level engagement in Abuja last week between Dr Goje, acting on the directive of Governor Buni, and the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms Elsie G. Attafuah.

The Abuja discussions focused on repositioning the longstanding Yobe–UNDP partnership beyond humanitarian assistance towards sustainable recovery, private-sector investment, innovation, youth empowerment and inclusive economic growth.

A major highlight of the renewed engagement is the proposed establishment of a University Innovation Pod (UniPod) at Yobe State University, Damaturu, as a strategic platform for advancing digital skills, applied research, entrepreneurship and technology-driven solutions to local development challenges.

The proposed innovation facility is expected to connect Yobe’s growing youth population with emerging technologies, enterprise opportunities and innovation networks, while supporting the state’s transition towards a diversified, knowledge-driven economy.

During the technical meeting, the UNDP delegation also provided updates on the implementation of the Durable Solutions Programme and ongoing interventions in education, healthcare and other priority sectors, reinforcing the importance of coordinated, government-led development partnerships.

Responding, Dr Goje reaffirmed Governor Buni’s administration’s commitment to providing the necessary institutional coordination and technical support to advance the proposed initiatives and facilitate their successful implementation, subject to applicable programme requirements.

He highlighted the administration’s sustained investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, livelihoods and institutional development, noting that Yobe was increasingly focused on translating recovery gains into sustainable economic opportunities and long-term development outcomes.

The SSG emphasised that strategic partnerships must move beyond discussions to clearly defined initiatives capable of delivering measurable benefits to communities, particularly young people, women and vulnerable populations.

The proposed US$250,000 innovation grant opportunity and UniPod initiative underscore the growing prospects of the Yobe–UNDP partnership, with the potential to strengthen the state’s innovation ecosystem, promote youth entrepreneurship and expand access to emerging economic opportunities.