Yobe State Declared Safest in Nigeria: A Triumph Over Boko Haram
By Tada Jutha
In a bold declaration, Baba Malam Wali, the Secretary to the Yobe State Government (SSG), proclaimed that Yobe has emerged as the safest state in Nigeria.
This assertion comes on the heels of a significant reduction in Boko Haram attacks, which plagued the region from 2013 to 2023. Wali made these remarks during a media parley in Damaturu, celebrating five years of Governor Mai Mal Buni’s administration.
“Yobe has turned a corner,” Wali stated confidently. “The persistent threat from Boko Haram is now a shadow of its former self, allowing economic activities to flourish.”
Despite the progress, some communities in Gulani and Gujba Local Government Areas remain challenging to access due to lingering threats.
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However, Wali praised the combined efforts of the state government, the Federal Government, the military, and local vigilantes in restoring peace, particularly in the insurgency-ravaged border communities of Geidam, Yusufari, Yunusari, and Nguru.
“Normalcy has returned,” Wali declared, emphasising the completed reconstruction, resettlement, and rehabilitation (RRR) efforts in the affected areas.
He highlighted ongoing developments in Buni/Yadi and Malamdunari, showcasing the state’s commitment to rebuilding.
Furthermore, Wali stressed the state’s enhanced safety and attractiveness to both residents and investors. “People are now free to pursue their legitimate goals without hindrance,” he said.
In a move to bolster Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), the SSG outlined significant reforms, including the strengthening of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and the adoption of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability (SFTAS), and the Electronic Government Procurement System (e-GP).
These initiatives have garnered commendations from the Federal Ministry of Finance and the World Bank, which awarded Yobe a $5 million grant for aligning with global best practices in fiscal reforms and procurement.
As Yobe State celebrates this milestone, the leadership remains vigilant, committed to ensuring that the hard-won peace and progress continue to thrive.
