Buni swears in substantive SSG, advisers, permanent secretaries, others

By Ahmed Isah

Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe on Thursday swore in the substantive Secretary to the State Government (SSG), five Special Advisers, four Permanent Secretaries and three heads of government boards and commissions, charging them to enhance service delivery and justify the confidence reposed in them.

Independent News Reporters (INR) report that those sworn in included the substantive SSG, Dr Mohammed Goje, who had served in acting capacity since April 29.

Also inaugurated were the Special Advisers: Alhaji Saleh Suleiman, Hon. Abdu Mamman Zoto, Alhaji Mamman Musa, Engr. Mu’azu Ya’u and Dr Babagana Mohammed Adam.

The Permanent Secretaries are Hajiya Hadiza Sabo, Zainab Abdu Saleh, Abdullahi Barde Kukuri and Liman Ibrahim Ali.

Others are Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Yabani and Engr. Mustapha Umar Goniri as chairmen of commissions, as well as Alhaji Modu Sanda Gulani as Chairman of the Teaching Service Board.

Speaking shortly after administering the oath of office, Buni said the appointments provided the legal framework for the officials to discharge their responsibilities effectively and improve productivity in the public service.

He said the appointments were based on merit, competence and loyalty, in line with his administration’s commitment to efficient governance.

According to him, the government is deliberately blending experienced public officers with young professionals to position the state for emerging governance challenges in the digital era.

“The Office of the Secretary to the State Government occupies a strategic position in governance by coordinating government policies and ensuring effective collaboration among ministries, departments, agencies and development partners.

“The effectiveness of any government depends not only on sound policies, but also on effective coordination, disciplined execution and timely implementation,” he said.

The governor expressed confidence in Goje’s ability to lead the office, describing him as youthful, energetic and committed.

He said Goje had demonstrated responsibility, speed, commitment and loyalty since his appointment as acting SSG.

Buni also described the Special Advisers as professionals distinguished in their respective fields, while the Permanent Secretaries were seasoned career officers who attained the peak of the civil service through diligence and professionalism.

He added that the chairmen of the commissions and the Teaching Service Board would strengthen the institutions under their leadership with their wealth of experience.

The governor urged the appointees to deploy their expertise to improve governance and public service delivery across the state.

He said the state government had recruited 9,230 teachers and more than 14,000 health workers to strengthen education and healthcare services.

Buni added that the administration had invested significantly in human capital development through continuous training and retraining of public servants, earning recognition from the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) and the Public Service Institute of Nigeria.

He said the government had also appointed several young people as chief executive officers of government agencies to encourage youth participation in governance and groom future leaders.

The governor urged the officials to discharge their duties with integrity, transparency and selflessness, placing public interest above personal considerations.

He also called on commissioners, permanent secretaries, heads of agencies and local government chairmen to support the new SSG and other appointees to ensure effective governance.

Buni reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing ongoing legacy projects, deepening institutional reforms and expanding economic opportunities, agriculture and healthcare before the end of its tenure.

He commended the immediate past SSG and APC governorship candidate, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali, for his contributions to the administration and expressed confidence in his ability to sustain the state’s development agenda if elected governor.

The governor also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for the Federal Government’s continued support to Yobe through strategic interventions and partnerships.

He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to working with the Federal Government to improve the welfare of citizens and promote national development.

Buni congratulated the appointees and urged the people of the state to continue supporting the government through constructive engagement and prayers for peace, security and development.