Gov Buni Rallies Religious, Traditional Leaders For War Against Social Vices

Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, has called on religious leaders to intensify campaigns against social vices, particularly during festive periods such as Eid-el-Fitr, Eid-el-Kabir and Christmas.

A statement by the press sccretary’s office of the deputy governor, Hussaini Mai Suleh, said the governor made the call at the Government House, Damaturu, during a high-level meeting with security stakeholders from Zone B.

Represented by his deputy, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana, Governor Buni expressed concern over the alarming rise in immoral activities among youths, especially during festive seasons.

He urged Imams of Juma’a mosques and Christian clerics to use their respective platforms in Friday sermons and church services to consistently preach against social vices and promote moral values.

Governor Buni noted that acts such as drug abuse, fornication, rape, misuse of social media, and disrespect for elders are not only immoral but also undermine societal norms, threaten peace, and hinder economic development.

He emphasised the urgent need for collective action involving traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies, and community stakeholders to curb moral decadence and restore discipline among the younger generation.

The governor also called on parents and guardians to be more vigilant by closely monitoring their children and instilling strong moral values from an early age. He further encouraged sustained prayers for peace, unity, and progress in the state.

In his remarks, the Emir of Fika and chairman of the Yobe State Council of Traditional Rulers, Dr Muhammad Abali Ibn Muhammad Idrissa, charged leaders at all levels to preserve and promote the state’s cultural and moral heritage.

He advocated stronger collaboration between government and traditional institutions to reinforce values such as honesty, integrity, and hard work.

Similarly, the Emir of Potiskum, Alhaji Umaru Bubaram Ibn Wuriwa Bauya, commended the efforts of security agencies and urged them to intensify operations to ensure the protection of lives and property.

Security chiefs, including the Special Adviser on Security, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), appealed for greater support from parents, guardians, and community leaders to effectively tackle the menace.

Also in attendance were the Chief Imam of Yobe Mosque and Islamic Centre, Ustaz Hudu Mohammed Yusuf, and the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Yobe State, Rev. Musa Ibrahim Dinda, among other key stakeholders.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, Hon. Muhammad Isa Bello, member representing Mamudo Constituency in the Yobe State House of Assembly, highlighted the key resolutions reached.

The meeting unanimously resolved that social vices pose a serious threat to society as they destroy lives, fuel insecurity, and hinder economic development. It further emphasised that poverty and unemployment remain major drivers pushing many youths toward criminal activities and the pursuit of quick wealth.

Stakeholders stressed the critical role of parents in instilling strong moral values in children from an early age, while calling on religious leaders both Imams and pastors to intensify awareness on the dangers and consequences of immoral behaviour through sermons, public lectures, and community engagements.

The meeting also underscored the need for a collective response to emerging challenges such as the misuse of social media, moral decadence, corruption, erosion of respect for tradition and leadership, and increasing youth misconduct, noting that only a united effort can effectively address these concerns and restore societal values.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by all stakeholders to work collaboratively in combating social vices and building a morally upright, peaceful, and prosperous Yobe State.