Machina festival rekindles culture, offers hope for youth – Gov. Buni
By Ahmed Isah
Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe on Monday said cultural festivals could strengthen unity, inspire youth responsibility and preserve community values, as he attended the finale of the annual Machina Cultural Festival (MACUF).
Buni attended the colourful event alongside the President of the Ninth Senate, Sen. Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, Sen. Musa Mustapha, Hon. Tijjani Zannah Zakariya, prefects from the Republic of Niger, emirs from Nigeria and Niger, and other dignitaries.
The governor commended the Machina Emirate for sustaining the people’s heritage, describing the festival as a platform that connects generations and reinforces identity.
“The occasion is a perfect blend of the old and the new, reflecting who we are and where we are going,” Buni said.
He urged young people to shun drug abuse and other social vices, stressing that their conduct today would determine the quality of leadership tomorrow.
“You should make your parents, the emirate and the state proud by being upright and responsible,” he said.
Buni assured residents of the state government’s commitment to improving livelihoods through sustained investment in infrastructure and social services.
As part of the visit, the governor inspected the completed Machina sesame seeds processing plant awaiting commissioning, and the Machina market, which is nearing completion.
He commended Damuli Investment Company for adhering to specifications and timelines in the execution of the projects.
Earlier, Buni inaugurated a school, clinic, houses and a mosque built by a philanthropist, Alhaji Balarabe Abdullahi, popularly known as Balarabe DJ, at Rugar Balarabe village.
The governor described the gesture as a reflection of community spirit and called on other well-meaning individuals to support grassroots development.
Earlier, the Emir of Machina, Alhaji Dr Bashir Albishir Bukar Machinama, described the annual festival as a unifying platform that brings together people with shared history and heritage, thereby fostering mutual understanding and harmony.
The royal father called on traditional rulers to intensify advocacy for the preservation of cultural heritage, noting that it remained a veritable tool for promoting peace, boosting tourism and accelerating socio-economic development in the country.
