By Yusuf Ali (SSA to Gov Buni)
Governor Mai Mala Buni (Chiroman Gujba) must be commended for his efforts and far-reaching interventions in various sectors that saved the Yobe economy from deep Covid-19 crisis.
In response to the Covid-19 crisis, Governor Buni introduced and implemented a suite of measures aimed at reducing the risks on Yobe economy, ameliorating the impact of the pandemic on the vulnerable and generally the people of Yobe State.
At a time of intense anxiety and panic world over, Gov. Buni demonstrated leadership that led us to thrived throughout the pandemic rather than just survived. When leaders have panicked and imposing restrictions, Buni was calm as he took steps for prevention and control without hurting the people and the economy.
Key among the interventions by Governor Buni in order to cushion the hardship of the pandemic, he directed all line government and security agencies to develop strategy for minimizing the negative impacts of the restrictions and to make sure people did not suffer in Yobe.
Governor Buni ordered that salary be paid by 20th of the months and ensured that workers are not only paid their entitlements but promptly. Many state governments have retrenched workers or reduced salary due to the Covid-19 crisis but nothing of such happened in Yobe.
Buni launched a specialized cash transfer program targeting small petty traders and business owners creating a social safety net of some sort for the vulnerables. Millions of naira were disbursed to women petty traders and others in the market front to expand their businesses.
The Governor also ensured massive distribution of foods to thousands of vulnerable families across the state. While the state strengthens its emergency preparedness, response and mitigation through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). It will be rall, Dr Mohammed Goje has been going places distributing food as palliatives to vulnerable households affected by the pandemic and other associated challenges.
Despite all the challenges faced the world over, Yobe has come out of the Covid-19 crisis even stronger and looking brighter ahead even as the tough economic times are still with us. Buni has remained focus on service delivery.
It's praiseworthy that with the prudent management of scarce resources, the state government has continued to provide essential services, project implementation and ensuring good governance to the people.
This is a covenant Buni entered with the people in 2019 to serve the people no matter the challenges. As Governor Buni once said "If we are correct in perceiving our victory to mean your mandate for progress, then progress shall you have. We are under no illusion as to why we are in office. Our business is the promotion of citizen's welfare".
...Yusuf Ali is a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) Digital & Strategic Communications to Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State. NNL.
