10,000 Youths in Power: APC Hails Buni’s Bold Inclusion Drive in Yobe

By Musa Garba

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State has revealed that Governor Mai Mala Buni has appointed no fewer than 10,000 young people into key leadership roles across his administration, in what the party described as a landmark move toward inclusive governance.

On Friday in Damaturu, the state APC Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Gadaka, made the disclosure during the 2026 Yobe Leadership and Innovation Summit. Gadaka, who was represented by Mohammed Gulani, said the appointments cut across strategic positions, including members of the State Executive Council, heads of boards and parastatals, as well as special advisers, focal persons, and senior special assistants.

According to him, the appointments underscore the governor’s deliberate effort to empower young people and integrate them into decision-making processes within government.

He added that, beyond political appointments, over 400 youths had also benefited from foreign scholarships under the state’s Recovery Through Education and Scholarship (RETES) initiative, a program designed to rebuild human capital and expand opportunities for the younger generation.

Speaking at the summit, convened by the Centre for Leadership and Good Governance, Damaturu, its chief convener, Alhaji Baba Shehu, commended Governor Buni for what he described as a courageous commitment to youth inclusion, despite initial resistance from entrenched political interests.

Shehu urged future leaders in the state to sustain the inclusive governance model, noting that the policy had strengthened institutions and fostered a new generation of capable leaders. He added that the performance of the appointees across various sectors demonstrated their capacity and justified the confidence reposed in them.

Also contributing, the state commissioner for basic education, Dr Abba Adam, emphasised the critical role of young people in national development, describing youth as a driving force behind societal progress.

He noted that nations that prioritise youth development often record rapid growth, citing global examples of how investments in young populations have translated into sustainable development.

In a similar vein, stakeholders at the event called on the beneficiaries of the governor’s inclusive policies to justify the opportunity by demonstrating loyalty, discipline and commitment to public service.

Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Road Traffic Management Agency (YOROTA), Bature Goniri, disclosed that the appointees had collectively resolved to support candidates endorsed by Governor Buni in the forthcoming state and National Assembly elections.

He described the governor’s youth-focused governance model as a reference point not only for Yobe but for other states across the country, noting that it has redefined participation and leadership among young people in public service.

Yobe Gets New Police Boss as Jibrin Assumes Command

By Njadvara Musa, Damaturu

A new chapter has begun in Yobe State’s security leadership as CP Usman Kamfani Jibrin has officially taken over as commissioner of police, following the promotion of his predecessor, Emmanuel Ado, to the rank of Assistant Inspector General (AIG).

The announcement was made by the Nigeria Police Force through its Yobe State Command, confirming that Jibrin resumed duties on April 9, 2026, as the 34th commissioner to head the command.

Police spokesperson in the state, Superintendent Dungus Abdulkarim, said the transition is part of routine postings within the force, noting that the outgoing commissioner has moved on to higher responsibilities after his elevation.

Jibrin, a native of Illela Local Government Area in Sokoto State, brings with him decades of policing experience. He studied political science at Bayero University Kano, graduating in 1991, and later obtained a master’s degree in public administration from Enugu State University of Science and Technology in 2016.

He began his journey in the police in 1994 as a cadet assistant superintendent and has since built a solid career spanning operations, investigations, and administration.

Throughout his service, Jibrin has handled several critical assignments across the country. He has worked as a Divisional Crime Officer and Divisional Police Officer, served as a Tactical Commander in Delta State, and held Area Command positions in Ozoro, Onitsha, and Aba.

He also led the Inspector-General’s Special Taskforce on Pipeline Vandalism and later served in key roles, such as Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of CID in Kaduna, DC Operations in Rivers State, and DC Administration at the Force CID in Abuja. He equally handled operations at Zone 8, covering Kogi and Kwara States.

Before his latest posting, Jibrin was in charge of police welfare at the force headquarters after serving as commissioner for research and planning.

Having served in several states including Enugu, Delta, Kaduna, Anambra, Abia, Rivers, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, and the Federal Capital Territory, he is expected to leverage his wide experience to strengthen security in Yobe.

The command expressed confidence in his leadership, assuring residents that he will focus on professional policing, protection of lives and property, and improved collaboration with communities to maintain peace across the state.

GADA Hails Yobe’s Top Audit Ranking, Commends Accountant-General’s Drive for Transparency

By Jamila Muhammad

The Gulani Area Development Association (GADA) has congratulated the Yobe State Government over its impressive performance in the 2025 Subnational Audit Efficacy (SAE) Index, describing the achievement as a strong endorsement of the state’s commitment to accountability and prudent management of public resources.

In a congratulatory message, GADA particularly praised the Accountant-General of Yobe State for the role played in strengthening financial discipline and institutional accountability, following the state’s emergence among the top three best-performing states in Nigeria in the latest audit ranking.

The association said the recognition reflects the steady progress Yobe has made in public financial management and transparent governance, noting that the development has further enhanced the state’s reputation as one of the leading examples of good governance in the country.

GADA’s National President, Alhaji Mohammed Shuaibu Gulani, said the feat was not only a source of pride for Yobe people but also proof that responsible leadership and sound administrative systems can deliver measurable results.

According to him, the ranking shows the impact of deliberate efforts aimed at strengthening public sector auditing and ensuring that government resources are managed in a way that benefits citizens.

He said the achievement has positioned Yobe as a benchmark for other states seeking to improve transparency, accountability and institutional performance.

“Your dedication to strengthening institutional frameworks and ensuring prudent management of public resources has not only brought honour to Yobe State but has also positioned it as a model for other states across the federation,” he said.

GADA also prayed for greater success for the state’s financial management team, expressing hope that the momentum would be sustained in the interest of good governance and development.

The association described the honour as well deserved and urged public officials across the state to build on the recognition by deepening reforms that promote accountability, efficiency and public trust.