Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State on Thursday sworn in Dr. Mohammed Goje as the substantive Secretary to the State Government (SSG), alongside 13 other appointees, in a ceremony at Government House, Damaturu.
The event also marked the inauguration of five Special Advisers, four Permanent Secretaries, two Commission Chairmen, and the Chairman of the Teaching Service Board.
Speaking after administering the oath of office, Governor Buni said the appointments were based strictly on merit, competence and loyalty. He described the approach as a deliberate strategy to combine experienced hands with young, energetic professionals capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly changing digital world.
“The Office of the Secretary to the State Government occupies a strategic position in governance. It serves as the coordinating office of Government, ensuring coherence in policy implementation and effective collaboration among Ministries, Departments, Agencies, development partners and other tiers of government,” the Governor said.
Buni praised Dr. Goje, who had served in an acting capacity since 29 April 2026, describing him as “brilliant, vibrant, youthful and energetic.” He commended Goje’s performance, noting that he discharged his duties with a high sense of responsibility, commitment, speed and loyalty.
The newly appointed Permanent Secretaries are Hajiya Hadiza Sabo, Zainab Abdu Saleh, Abdullahi Barde Kukuri and Liman Ibrahim Ali. Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Yabani and Engr. Mustapha Umar Goniri were appointed Chairmen of Commissions, while Alhaji Modu Sanda Gulani assumes office as Chairman of the Teaching Service Board.
The Special Advisers are Alhaji Saleh Suleiman, Hon. Abdu Mamman Zoto, Alhaji Mamman Musa, Engr. Mu’azu Ya’u and Dr. Babagana Mohammed Adam.
“As a matter of deliberate strategy, this administration has appointed several youths as Chief Executive Officers of government agencies to provide them with the opportunity to participate in governance and cultivate a crop of young leaders who would inject their knowledge and energy to promote good governance for a prosperous Yobe State,” the Governor added.
He urged the new appointees to discharge their duties justly, transparently and honestly, placing collective interests above personal ambitions. “It is said that good names are far better than gold and riches,” he noted.
Governor Buni also expressed appreciation to his immediate predecessor as SSG, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali, now the governorship candidate of the party, describing his contributions as dedicated, sacrificial and invaluable.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing all ongoing legacy projects, deepening institutional reforms, expanding economic opportunities, and strengthening agriculture and healthcare delivery as the tenure approaches its final phase.
“I am confident that when he assumes office as the Governor of the State next year, insha Allah, he would not only consolidate but expand the development initiatives of this administration through our mantra of Continuity, Consolidation and Innovation,” the Governor said.
Buni congratulated all the appointees and prayed for divine wisdom, strength and guidance in their new roles. He also called on citizens to continue supporting the government through constructive engagement and prayers for enduring peace, security and prosperity.
