Governor Mai Mala Buni explained why his administration considered young technocrats for strategic appointments to key government positions, citing examples of young people who became leaders at a young age and delivered above expectations in the country.
According to Buni, the administration’s recent appointments of young, energetic, and qualified people demonstrated his confidence in the capacity of young people, as evidenced by the appointment and swearing-in of Mohammed Goje as the youngest Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in the history of Yobe State.
Goje was the first appointee Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA) in 2019. Through his exceptional dedication, professionalism, hard work, integrity, innovation, and commitment to public service, he distinguished himself as a result-oriented leader who consistently delivered on his responsibilities.
His elevation to the office of SSG is not only a recognition of merit and outstanding performance but also a clear message that young people are capable of leading, delivering results, and contributing meaningfully to governance when given the opportunity.
Buni, speaking shortly after the swearing-in ceremony at Government House in Damaturu, appointed Mohammed Goje as the substantive Secretary to the State Government (SSG), along with 13 other appointees, in a ceremony that underscored his administration’s commitment to competence, youth inclusion, and institutional strengthening.
He also inaugurated five special advisers, four permanent secretaries, two commission chairpersons, and the chairman of the Teaching Service Board.
Governor Bni emphasised that all appointments were made strictly on merit, competence, and loyalty, a strategic approach aimed at blending experienced hands with young, energetic professionals to position the state for 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,” Governor Buni said.
The governor praised Goje, who had been serving in an acting capacity since April 29, 2026, while describing him as “brilliant, vibrant, youthful, and energetic.”
He also commended his execution of duties with a high sense of responsibility, commitment, speed, and loyalty.
“As you are aware, this administration places a high premium on competence and productivity. The appointments of the SSG, Special Advisers, Permanent Secretaries, Chairmen of Boards and Commissions were done purely on merit, competence and loyalty.
“As a matter of strategy, this administration is blending experienced and competent hands with young, energetic and resourceful professionals for our state to be in tune with the changing times of the digital World.
“It is a fact that the effectiveness of any government depends not only on sound policies, but also on effective coordination, disciplined execution and timely implementation.
“In Mohammed Goje, we have a brilliant, vibrant, youthful and energetic Secretary to the State Government, who is ably ready to perform his duties as the Secretary to the State Government. I am proud to say that since he was appointed as Acting Secretary to the State Government on 29th April 2026, he has executed his duties with a high sense of responsibility, commitment, speed and loyalty,” Buni emphasised.
“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, adding: It is said, and good names are far better than gold and riches.
Buni also used the occasion to express appreciation to the immediate past SSG, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali, noting the party’s gubernatorial candidacy, 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 programme,” the governor said.
The governor congratulated all appointees and prayed for divine wisdom, strength, and guidance in their new roles, while calling on citizens to continue supporting the government through constructive engagement and prayers for enduring peace, security, and prosperity.
Before his current elevation as SSG, Mohammed Goje was a distinguished leader and humanitarian worker serving as the Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA) in June 2019
Goje worked as a Humanitarian and Vaccine Analyst with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), supporting a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) tripartite grant in Yobe State.
Goje is known for his humility, modest behaviour, and commitment to peacebuilding and youth leadership. He treats people equally, regardless of their background, and prioritises humanity in his activities.
Goje has been involved in various initiatives, including flood disaster risk reduction efforts, collaborating with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Nigeria to disseminate climate predictions and develop emergency preparedness plans.
Goje has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, dedication to public service, and a strong commitment to improving the lives of people in Yobe State and beyond. He coordinated disaster response efforts, such as providing support to communities affected by windstorms and floods in Yobe State.
It would be recalled that during the September 12th Maiduguri flood disaster in 2024, Goje-led YOSEMA teams to rescue thousands of lives with flying boats when there were none in Borno State; he provided unimaginable support to the vulnerable women and children.
He developed strategic plans to shift from reactive to preventive disaster management approaches, focusing on enhanced coordination, timely information dissemination, and strengthening early warning systems.
He received several awards, including the General Excellence Award in Youth Leadership and Peace Building from the North East Star Magazine, recognising his contributions to peace, stability, and coexistence in Yobe State and the Northeast region, among many others.
Responding, Mohammed Gojo expressed his sincere appreciation to Governor Mai Mala for the confidence and trust reposed in him through the appointment and confirmation as the Secretary to the Yobe State Government.
He said, “Your Excellency’s sustained confidence in my ability to serve at this important period in the history of our state is an honour I deeply cherish and a responsibility I accept with humility and a renewed commitment to serve with integrity, diligence, professionalism, and absolute loyalty in advancing the Buni administration’s vision for a peaceful, prosperous, and economically viable Yobe State.
“I am particularly grateful to those who travelled from far and near across the country to share in this memorable occasion despite their demanding schedules. Your solidarity, encouragement, and demonstrations of goodwill have strengthened my resolve to serve our dear State with greater dedication, fairness, humility, and the fear of Almighty Allah.
“As I assume the responsibilities of this office, I seek your continued prayers, guidance, and support. I remain committed to strengthening the machinery of government, promoting effective service delivery, and contributing my utmost to the sustainable development and prosperity of Yobe State.
“May Almighty Allah abundantly reward your kindness, continue to bless our leaders with wisdom, and grant enduring peace, unity, and progress to Yobe State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Goje praised.
Commenting on the elevation, Abubakar Mohammed Kareto, a public affairs analyst, described it as right pegs in the right holes, considering Goje’s antecedent in the humanitarian sector.
He said, “It is a fact that in the delicate architecture of state governance, the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) serves as the indispensable bridge between executive vision and administrative reality.” Again, it is the engine room where policies are refined and where the machinery of the bureaucracy is calibrated to meet the aspirations of the people. For me, the confirmation and swearing-in of Dr. Goje Mohammed on Thursday by his principal as the SSG of Yobe State is a masterstroke in strategic governance. It is a decision that signals a shift toward a merit-driven, technocratic leadership model,” he noted.
Remember, Goje’s appointment is not a typical political appointment but is a product of a deliberate global grooming process.
“It is clear that this has definitely equipped him with a sophisticated understanding of governance that is rare in contemporary public service,” Abubakar explained.
He will surely bring to the table a world-class framework for strategic leadership, refined by international exposure, which is rarely found in the mainstream public service.
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