Yobe Flags Off Distribution of 50,000 Bags of Grains to Vulnerable Households

The truck loads of assorted grains for distribution 

By Joe Hemba 

Governor Mai Mala Buni, of Yobe state has officially flagged off the distribution of 50,000 bags of assorted grains to vulnerable households across the state. 

The event was held on Monday, September 22, 2025, in Damaturu, is part of the administration's ongoing Food Security Drive program aimed at mitigating the impact of recent floods and providing succor during the lean farming season.

In his address, Governor Buni emphasized that the initiative is a significant milestone in the government's efforts to ensure food sufficiency and security for its people. 

He noted that the distribution is timely, as it addresses the challenges faced by farmers who have exhausted their food stock before the new harvest.

"This is in line with the government's vision and mission of food security and resilience building for efficient and effective recovery from natural disasters such as this year's floods which claimed some lives and properties," the Governor stated. 

He also extended his condolences to the families and victims of the flood disaster in the state.

The distribution program is designed to reach a wide range of beneficiaries, ensuring that the most vulnerable segments of the population are supported.

According to the Governor, each beneficiary will receive a 50kg bag of grains delivered directly to their doorstep. The targeted beneficiaries include:

 * 5,580 primary school teachers

 * 1,780 Primary Healthcare Center workers

 * 2,400 persons with special needs

 * 1,200 Tsangaya Mallams

 * 2,000 junior cadre civil servants

 * 2,000 staff of tertiary institutions

 * 600 staff of Teaching and Specialist hospitals

 * 25,500 vulnerable persons across the 17 local government areas.

Governor Buni also used the occasion to highlight his administration's commitment to promoting agricultural development. 

He recalled previous interventions, including the distribution of agricultural equipment such as tractors, ploughs, fertilizers, and irrigation pumps to promote mechanized farming and boost productivity. 

The Governor reassured the public that the government would continue to invest in agriculture, with a focus on irrigation farming to ensure food sufficiency and economic prosperity.

He commended the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for its alignment with state-level efforts to achieve food security through the Renewed Hope Agenda. 

Gov. also praised the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and its partners for their proactive and collaborative efforts in providing timely interventions.

Governor Buni gave a stern warning to those involved in the distribution exercise, urging them to be honest and ensure that the grains reach the intended beneficiaries. He also advised the beneficiaries not to sell the grains, but to use them to overcome hunger and live with dignity.

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Hope Rises as Yobe secures first medal at Gateway Games

Charity in Blue belt Against her Bayelsa opponent 

By  Joe HEMBA, from Abeokuta 

In a thrilling breakthrough, Team Yobe has clinched its maiden medal at the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State, courtesy of Charity Jatau's stunning silver medal in the 48kg Judo category.

Jatau lost the gold to her Bayelsa opponent in a very keenly fought match with both athelets exhibiting professionalism with tactics.

This impressive achievement has catapulted Team Yobe onto the medal table, fueling optimism among team members and officials about accumulating more medals.

IMPACTONLINENG eports that the contingent had a tough outing in the team events, struggling to find their footing and ultimately falling short of expectations having had a grueling four-days travel nightmare to Abeokuta.

Despite the setback, the team is focusing on the individual events, determined to make a strong comeback.

As the athletic events are just underway, the Director of Sports, Dr. Abubakar AbdulRaham Ago, exudes confidence that Yobe will snatch numerous medals before the tournament concludes. "Despite encountering setbacks in team events, we're refining our strategies to secure additional medals," he said.

Our Correspondent gathered that With the momentum generated from Jatau's remarkable silver medal, Team Yobe is poised to make a resounding impact in the singles and doubles events, potentially adding more glitter to their medal tally for the state.

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National Festival: Yobe Athletes Plagued by Travel Woes, Suffer Early Festival Setbacks

 

YOBE Female Hockey Team before their match with Kaduna at Abeokuta

KFrom Joe Hemba, Abeokuta 

The Yobe contingent at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta is enduring a truly challenging start, as the team has stumbled in all their opening fixtures, raising concerns among fans and officials alike. 

This dismal performance is being widely attributed to acute fatigue, a direct consequence of a grueling four-day road journey to the festival venue.

A reliable source close to the team revealed a travel nightmare that began with their seemingly luxurious bus breaking down not once, but twice on the arduous trek to Abeokuta. 

Their troubles were further compounded when they found themselves unexpectedly gridlocked for hours by an accidented vehicle in Ekiti State, turning what should have been a manageable trip into an endurance Nation

Investigation gatered that In a desperate bid to salvage their participation, some Yobe athletes were reportedly ferried into Abeokuta on a trailer to make it for the festival's opening ceremony on Sunday evening. 

The remaining athletes, arriving at an odd hour of 4:00 AM on Monday morning, were then thrown into competitive matches merely hours later, a scenario that undoubtedly hampered their good performance.

ImpactOnlineng reports that the consequences of this travel ordeal were clearly evident on the field as Yobe's male hockey team suffered a defeat at the hands of a determined Ogun State squad.

 Meanwhile, the football team endured a double blow, succumbing to spirited challenges from both Imo (1-0) and Kaduna ,3-1). The female hockey team, despite a valiant effort, also tasted a narrow defeat against the formidable Kaduna Queens.

Mohammed Balumi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, expressed his palpable disappointment with the team's initial outings. However, he remains optimistic, holding out hope that the Yobe athletes, now hopefully more rested, will display renewed vigor and deliver improved performances as the festival progresses.

The Director of Sports Yobe State, Dr. Mohammed Ago said all hopes is not lost, at least with the Female Hockey Team which Still has two matches to compete for.

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National Sports Festival: Northeast Zonal Eliminations Begin in Damaturu

Second Right; Dr. Mohammed Ago Abdulrahman, Director Sports Yobe State, Mohammed Balumi, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Sports, Yobe State; Okey Emmanuel, Zonal Sports Coordinator National Sports Commission with other officials during the flag off of the games.

...Yobe makes strong start, female hockey team already qualified

By JOE Hemba, Damaturu

The Northeast Zonal Team Sports Competition has commenced in Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State, as part of preparations for the final selection of athletes for this year’s National Sports Festival.

Declaring the event open, Governor Mai Mala Buni urged all athletes to compete fairly, assuring them that the state has put in place all necessary measures for a smooth and successful tournament.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mohammed M. Balumi, Governor Buni emphasized his administration's commitment to the development and welfare of athletes. He also encouraged participants to embrace the hospitality of Yobe State while assuring them of their safety throughout the competition.

The Zonal Coordinator of Sports at the National Sports Commission, Mr. Okey Emmanuel, described the event as Nigeria’s equivalent of the Olympics, underscoring the importance of selecting only the best athletes for the festival.

“This competition is like Nigeria’s Olympics, and only the best of the best will be selected. I urge all athletes to play by the rules and make their respective states proud,” he stated.

The zonal elimination tournament, which will run for four days, features athletes from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe states.

A cross section of athletes at the August 27 Stadium Damaturu during the kick of the games

The Chairman Yobe State Sports Writers Association, Mr. Duku JOEL, acknowledge the role of the Sports writers in the development of sports across the country and the State.

He commended Yobe State Government for hosting the event, while urging journalists to uphold the ethics of the profession.

The team games to competed FOOTBALL, HOCKEY, VOLLEYBALL, BEEACH VOLLEY BALL AND BASKET BALL, HAND BALL, CRICKET, ABULA 

Meanwhile, the State Hockey Female team has already qualified for the main even after defeating Adamawa Female team with 2-1

The State Football team also defeated Adamawa State : Yobe 4 - 0 Adamawa, while the Handball (Male) beat Bauch with  21 goals against  15 Bauchi

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Yobe State Partners with Moroccan University for Sabbatical and Exchange Programmes

Yobe SSG, Baba Malam Wali with other members of his delegation in Morocco 

From JOE Hemba

 In a bid to enhance academic excellence and capacity building, the Yobe State government has initiated a partnership with Mohammed VI University in Ben Guerir, Morocco. The collaboration aims to facilitate sabbatical opportunities for lecturers and establish exchange programmes for students, opening doors to international learning experiences. 

 A high-powered delegation from Yobe State, led by Secretary to the State Government, Baba Malam Wali, visited the Moroccan university on Thursday to present the proposal. The discussions centered on expanding educational opportunities for Yobe’s students and faculty members, aligning with the state’s vision for academic and professional growth. 

 Lamia Idbilti, the university’s Director of Corporate Communications, welcomed the initiative, emphasizing that Mohammed VI University already operates 160 partnership programmes globally and would be pleased to add Yobe State to its network. She highlighted the institution’s commitment to offering direct sponsorships for students pursuing undergraduate, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees across various disciplines. 

 “Our university provides exchange and scholarship programmes in fields such as agriculture, medical sciences, computer engineering, architecture, green technology, humanities, and hospitality, among others,” Idbilti explained. She further noted that Yobe State stands to benefit significantly in emerging fields like science energy and nano-engineering, particularly in the development of green energy solutions.

 Recognizing the potential impact of the partnership, Baba Malam Wali affirmed the Yobe State government’s readiness to meet all necessary requirements to ensure that lecturers from the state’s higher institutions can participate in sabbatical programmes, while students can access the exchange and sponsorship opportunities. 

 “This is a valuable opportunity for our academic staff to broaden their expertise and for our students to gain exposure to world-class education,” Wali stated. 

 Prof. Mohammed Bello Kawuwa, the state’s Commissioner for Higher Education, described the initiative as a game-changer for Yobe’s education sector. He highlighted that most of the courses offered under the exchange programme have strong entrepreneurial prospects, equipping graduates with marketab

“These programmes will not only enhance knowledge but also provide direct employment opportunities and foster wealth creation for our people,” Prof. Kawuwa remarked. 

 Echoing the urgency of the collaboration, Alh. Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe, CEO of the consulting firm African Network Center, assured that efforts were already in motion to finalize the necessary procedures.

 “We are moving swiftly to solidify this partnership. Our goal is to ensure that both staff and students from Yobe State can commence their programmes as soon as possible,” Gara-Gombe emphasized. With this ambitious initiative.

 Yobe State is positioning itself as a hub for academic excellence and international collaboration, leveraging global partnerships to drive educational and economic transformation.

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