Yobe State Governor, Hon. (Dr.) Mai Mala Buni, on Thursday deepened the state’s diplomatic engagement as he hosted ambassadors from Switzerland, Japan, the UAE, and Turkey in a high-level interactive session focused on peacebuilding, security, and long-term recovery.
The meeting, which also had in attendance the UK Development Director and the Head of GIZ, explored new avenues of partnership to support the Yobe State Action Plan on Solutions to Internal Displacement (SOLID), a model widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most effective post-conflict recovery frameworks.
Governor Buni highlighted significant progress recorded in stabilisation efforts across the state, noting improved peace, expanded access to essential services, and continued voluntary returns of displaced persons.
“Yobe is at the forefront of the durable solutions programme in Nigeria,” he said. “We have achieved the highest number of voluntary returns in the Northeast, with Mallam Dunari being the only community awaiting full resettlement.”
He emphasised that the gains were made possible through robust cooperation with development partners and called for strengthened coordination to transition seamlessly from humanitarian aid to long-term solutions.
Deliberations also centred on economic recovery, with agriculture and livestock development identified as critical sectors for job creation, food security, and investment. Governor Buni urged the diplomatic missions to support these pillars as the state shifts toward sustainable growth.
Commending the governor’s leadership, Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Patrick Egloff, applauded Yobe’s commitment to community resettlement and pledged Switzerland’s readiness to expand its collaboration.
“There is a true sense of commitment, and I would like to visit Yobe State to demonstrate our support,” he stated, encouraging Buni to use his role as Chairman of the Lake Chad Governors’ Forum to drive similar successes across member states.
Governor Buni described the diplomatic corps as “reliable partners” whose contributions have accelerated Yobe’s recovery. He reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to deepen cooperation as the state moves from crisis response to sustainable development.
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