The former Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Yobe State on Students’ Affairs and the state’s current Focal Person on Bilateral Education, Abdulmumin Liman, speaks to NewDailyPrime on matters in Northern Nigeria, issues surrounding the youth, and other related topics.
The Governor of Yobe State has been accused of consistently being absent from the state he was elected to govern. Does this indicate a lack of commitment to serving the people?
Governor Buni has consistently delivered on his mandates as enshrined in the constitution and even beyond. Looking at the significant progress made during his time in office, he has transformed Yobe beyond measure. The speculations about his absence are a result of his recent engagements with foreign and developmental partners, aimed at strengthening the state’s economic growth and revitalising the educational system for the citizens of Yobe. Residents of Yobe are extremely proud of and have endorsed his leadership style. As I speak to you, the Governor is present and has been actively participating in the development of our dear state, especially with the recent conclusion of the Lake Chad Governors’ Forum, which he hosted. The Governor has been around executing the dividends of democracy, fulfilling his campaign promises, and strengthening the administrative structure of the state, as always.
What has he done so far to improve the state?
Under his leadership, Yobe has attained great success in the following sectors: education, economy, health, and social security, prioritising youth development, employment, and empowerment to strengthen security, among other aspects. Yobe recently won the National Award of Excellence worth $500,000 in the category of quality healthcare delivery for Primary Health Care Services across the country. This and many other significant strides could not have been possible without a supportive, dedicated, and committed government. Buni is a visionary leader because he does a lot with the limited resources available. Yobe has been transformed by his tireless leadership efforts, with schools being built, hospitals across the 178 political wards, and internationally standardised modern markets with sesame plants across the three senatorial districts of the state. That’s why he’s being referred to as the architect of modern Yobe.
Education is a crucial issue in the North, with significant numbers of out-of-school children. What are the plans of Yobe State to improve access to quality education?
In Yobe, the situation is the opposite. We have immediately declared a state of emergency in the education sector. This led to increased efforts to revitalise the education system, which included the construction of mega secondary schools, modern schools, and the sponsorship of Yobe indigenes abroad to study medicine and paramedic courses to add value to the state. This declaration, along with the provision of a conducive educational environment, has drastically reduced the number of out-of-school children. The free food given to students, the laboratories available for scientific research, and digital libraries have given many children hope and encouraged parents to ensure their wards don’t miss out. In Buni’s words: “Quality education is mandatory, not a privilege.” Yobe has also introduced bursaries and scholarships for tertiary education students, making education completely free in the state. From kindergarten to senior secondary classes, all are free, and hundreds of thousands of JAMB forms are provided for prospective tertiary education students, with other welfare initiatives that include reduced tuition fees at state-owned tertiary institutions. These measures have significantly reduced the number of out-of-school children in the state.
Can you describe the key challenges facing Northern Nigeria today, and how do you think northern political office holders should address them?
he challenges facing Northern Nigeria today are largely centred around insecurity, such as banditry in the northwest and central regions. Boko Haram and other vices in the northeast are gradually becoming things of the past. Unity is paramount among the leaders of the region, and believe me, it has already begun. Not long from now, stability and normalcy will return as states take measures to bring an end to the issues of insecurity by involving local authorities and engaging the youth in securing their environments. This will go a long way in achieving peace in Nigeria.
What strategies are the northerners taking to combat poverty and improve the standard of living in Northern Nigeria, particularly in rural areas?
While the northern states may have their own plans, what I know has worked for my state is the multi-billion Naira agricultural investment, which empowers millions of youths. This has reduced the menace of idle youth and eradicated poverty, enhancing food security and economic prosperity in Yobe. If all governors in Nigeria adopt and implement this agricultural strategy to empower youth and women, Nigeria’s economy will prosper, and insecurity will be brought to minimal levels.
What is Yobe State doing to address the growing insecurity in the state, particularly issues related to insurgency, banditry, and kidnappings?
While the northern states may have their own plans, what I know has worked for my state is the multi-billion Naira agricultural investment, which empowers millions of youths. This has reduced the menace of idle youth and eradicated poverty, enhancing food security and economic prosperity in Yobe. If all governors in Nigeria adopt and implement this agricultural strategy to empower youth and women, Nigeria’s economy will prosper, and insecurity will be brought to minimal levels.
What is Yobe State doing to address the growing insecurity in the state, particularly issues related to insurgency, banditry, and kidnappings?
Yobe is safe. The state has previously suffered from Boko Haram activities, but that has now become a thing of the past, thanks to God. The state efforts in empowering the young, the elderly, and women, as well as establishing good relationships between farmers and herders, have calmed the situation and helped the state prosper. It is the state’s unwavering efforts toward improving security are worth noting on a national level, especially for states battling similar challenges. Banditry is minimal, and kidnappings are not known in Yobe. The citizens enjoy peace and stability while praying for a better nation as a whole.
How do you think northern governors can address insecurity in the region?
Northern governors can adopt the strategy of empowering youth, the elderly, and women while promoting employment opportunities. Every society with a high number of idle youths is bound to face insecurity challenges. Therefore, addressing insecurity starts with engaging the youth by providing them with opportunities to contribute to the development of their communities or by providing support for farming and other business ventures. This approach ensures that youth become vigilant and contribute to the security of their communities.
There is an intense debate in the Southwest regarding the establishment of Sharia law, which has raised significant concerns along religious lines. Considering the region’s religious diversity, do you think Sharia law should be implemented there?
The establishment of Sharia law could bring positive outcomes such as economic growth and peaceful coexistence in the southwest region. Considering the fact that both Islam and Christianity condemn cheating, stealing, backstabbing, fornication, and lies, if the law is properly enforced to protect these values, both religions would live in peace and harmony, as both encourage truthfulness, tolerance, respect, and love.
Northern Nigeria has a large youth population. As a youth leader, what are your plans to engage and empower the youth in terms of employment and political participation?
I have been an advocate for youth inclusion since my university days, campaigning against the idea of not voting or participating in elections. I believe that bad leaders are voted in by youth who think that not participating in the political system is the best option. With the right support, such as having a governor who mentors and encourages youth to take responsibility for the future, young people in my state have been prospering.
The leadership example set by young people in government has given them a clear view that they, too, can excel and contribute to society. Youth in Yobe have been key to the growth of their communities, with every youth becoming a leader in their area.
There have been controversies that President Bola Tinubu is sidelining the north. It has been noted that by the 2027 presidential election, the north may not support him. What do you say to this?
This statement alleging that Tinubu is sidelining the north is baseless, considering that many communities have benefited from his policies and gestures in less than two years of his presidency. I believe that Tinubu may receive even more votes from the northern part of the country in the 2027 election because we are satisfied with his leadership style. Many more positive initiatives are yet to be unveiled, making it a win-win situation to have Tinubu as president again in 2027.
Will you say the president has contributed largely to the north?
I may not be able to list all his contributions in the north, but I firmly believe that his support has been felt, particularly by the people of Borno state, whose houses and properties were affected by the recent large floods. The smiles returning to the community are still fresh as over 80 billion Naira has been allocated to reconstruct the Alaw Dam, which caused the flood. We are grateful to Mr. President.
Do you think the rejection of the tax reform bills was good for northern Nigeria?
I believe that the Governors’ Forum made the right decision in rejecting the tax reform bills, as they represent a large portion of the population and understand the impact these bills would have on their constituents. Their actions are in the best interest of the people they serve, and I stand by their decision.
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