Gov Buni Okays N59.8bn For Key Projects

Yobe State governor, Dr Mai Mala Buni, has chaired a crucial State Executive Council (SEC) meeting on accelerating infrastructure development and strengthening security across the state.

The meeting held at the Government House, Damaturu.

Represented by his deputy, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana, the forum highlighted the administration’s commitment to improving citizens’ lives through strategic initiatives.

It approved N59.8 billion for the execution of key projects across the state.

The council said development projects remain a priority of the state government, and reiterated its commitment to addressing security challenges.

Governor Buni stated that Yobe has achieved relative peace, assuring that the government will not relent in its efforts.

The Executive Council reiterated its resolve to work closely with security agencies and local communities to ensure that safety remains a cornerstone of the state’s progress.

After the executive council meeting, the commissioner of Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Abdullahi Bego, alongside the Commissioner of Health, Dr Mohammad Lawan Gana, the Commissioner of Commerce, Kaigama Umar, and the Commissioner of Transport and Energy, Mohammad Mohammad Bara, briefed journalists on the meeting’s outcome.

The Commissioner of Information, Alhaji Abdullahi Bego, said several memos were considered and ratified, focusing on critical areas such as road construction, healthcare delivery, transport and energy, commerce and sports development, aimed at improving the living conditions of the people of the state.

Alhaji Abdullahi Bego said a total of (59, 845, 482, 013.9) fifty-nine billion eight hundred and forty-five million four hundred eighty-two thousand Naira was ratified by the council for approval, earlier granted for the execution of various projects and services in the state.

A breakdown of the approvals shows that N34.1 billion was committed to road construction, including the 59-kilometre Kaliyari–Bayamari road across Tarmuwa and Bursari local government areas, and the 53-kilometre Bayamari–Gaidam road linking Bursari and Gaidam.

In the commerce sector, N8.58 billion was approved for the construction of Jajimaji Modern Market and external works at the Machina and Buni-Yadi modern markets.

The council also ratified N5.35 billion for transport and energy projects, covering the procurement of power generators, the installation of underground armoured cables at Government House, and the deployment of 2,200 solar-powered streetlights across 11 local government headquarters. The projects also include the construction of a 33 kV line from Bukarti to Kanamma and the installation of transformer substations and distribution networks in Kanamma.

Healthcare delivery received ₦5.54 billion for the construction of a new office complex for the Ministry of Health and Human Services and the Hospital Management Board headquarters, the renovation of general hospitals in Damagum and Nangere, and the installation of dental equipment at the Yobe State Specialist Hospital, Damaturu. Additional generators will also be provided to key hospitals across the state.

In the sports sector, N3.35 billion was approved for additional works on the ongoing reconstruction and upgrade of the 27 August Stadium in Damaturu.

The council reiterated its commitment to policies and programmes aimed at improving the living conditions of the people and sustaining development across Yobe State.