Yobe State Governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni has expressed confidence in the capacity of the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Mohammed Goje, to contribute meaningfully to the administration, while commending his immediate predecessor, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali for his contributions to the development of the state.
Governor Buni spoke at the swearing-in ceremony of Dr. Goje and 15 other newly appointed government officials at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Damaturu.
The Governor said Dr. Goje’s zeal for service, commitment and demonstrated capacity were among the qualities that informed his appointment as the substantive SSG, dismissing concerns in some quarters that he was too young for the position.
He said leadership should not be judged by age alone, stressing that competence, character, dedication, experience and the ability to deliver results were more important considerations in assigning responsibilities in government.
“Leadership is not defined by age alone. What matters is competence, vision, commitment and the ability to deliver,” Governor Buni said.
He said young people should not be regarded merely as leaders of tomorrow, but as important partners in the leadership and development of society today.
Governor Buni cited the example of Alexander the Great, who became King of Macedonia at the age of 20, as well as the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, who became Premier of Northern Nigeria at the age of 44, to illustrate that age alone does not determine leadership capacity.
He explained that Dr. Goje’s appointment was based on merit, proven capacity, integrity, dedication and his record of service to Yobe State.
The Governor urged the new SSG to justify the confidence reposed in him by working diligently with other members of the administration to consolidate the gains recorded across various sectors.
Governor Buni also paid glowing tribute to the immediate past SSG, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali, describing him as a dedicated, selfless and dependable pillar in the success of the administration.
He expressed appreciation for Wali’s loyalty, sacrifice and invaluable contributions to governance and the development of Yobe State during his tenure as SSG.
“Before I conclude this address, I wish to sincerely appreciate the immediate past Secretary to the State Government, and now our governorship candidate, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali, Mni, for his dedication, sacrifice and invaluable contributions to the success of this administration and the development of our dear state,” the Governor said.
Governor Buni said, Baba Malam Wali played a critical role in the implementation of key policies and programmes of the administration, noting that his experience and commitment contributed significantly to the progress recorded by the state.
He expressed confidence that Wali, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 election, possesses the capacity and experience to consolidate and expand the development gains of the present administration if elected.
“I am confident that when he assumes office as the Governor of Yobe State next year, Insha Allah, he will not only consolidate but also expand the development initiatives of this administration through our mantra of Continuity, Consolidation and Innovation,” he said.
The Governor said the administration had established a strong foundation for sustainable development through investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, power and youth empowerment.
He urged the newly appointed officials to approach their responsibilities with the same commitment, discipline and sense of duty expected of public servants, reminding them that public office is a trust that must be exercised in the interest of the people.
Governor Buni congratulated the newly appointed officials and charged them to work as a team to advance the administration’s development agenda and improve the lives of the people of Yobe State.
