Yobe State was created on August 27, 1991, when it was carved out of the former Borno State by the Military Government of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.
Early History:
Yobe State has a rich history tied to the ancient Kanem-Bornu Empire.
Traditional political institutions and emirates in the Kanem Borno have roots spanning nearly 1,000 years.
The Name: The state derives its name from the Komadugu Yobe River, a prominent water body flowing through the northern terrain toward Lake Chad.
Diverse Peoples: The Kanuri are the principal ethnic group. Other groups include the Karai-Karai, Ngizim, Bolewa, Bade, Hausa, Ngamo, Fulani, and Shuwa.
State Creation and Administration Creation: General Babangida’s regime split the old Borno State into Yobe and the modern Borno State to ease administration, improve governance, and foster localized development.
Damaturu was designated as the state capital.
Pioneer Leadership: Sani Daura Ahmed served as the first military administrator starting in August 1991.
Civilian Rule: Bukar Abba Ibrahim became the first elected civilian governor in January 1992 during Nigeria’s Third Republic.
Geography and Economy Location: Yobe lies in northeastern Nigeria, bordered by the Niger Republic to the north, Borno to the east, Gombe to the south, and Bauchi and Jigawa to the west.
Livelihood: Known as the “Pride of the Sahel,” the state features a semi-arid northern zone and a more agricultural southern zone.
Trade: Farming and cattle herding drive the economy, Potiskum hosts one of the largest cattle markets in Africa.
The State has three Senatorial zones which comprises Zone A, B, and C, but one grotesque that need to be addressed since the creation of the state was Zone C’s cries for non-holding the baton of the state, thirty five year after.
Only recently, in what seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel – Baba Mallam Wali emerges as the gubernatorial candidate of the ruling party All Progressive Congress {APC}, in the state.
Mallam Wali is from Nguru Local Government, a Local Government which formed part of Zone C which encompassed Bade, Machina, Yusufari, Karasuwa, and Jakusko Local Government respectively.
Who Is Baba Mallam Wali, mni ?
Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali began his education at Ngilewa Primary School, Nguru (1965–1972) before proceeding to Government Secondary School, Nguru (1972–1977).
He attended the School of Basic Studies, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and later earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A. Hons.) in Geography in 1981.
He further obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Rural Development from ABU in 1986.
He also attended the prestigious Senior Executive Course at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, earning the distinguished title of Member of the National Institute (mni).
After completing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), he began his professional career in 1982 as a Planning Officer with the Chad Basin Development Authority. Through hard work and competence, he rose to become Head of the Planning Division at the South Chad Irrigation Project, New Marte.
Between 1987 and 1989, he served as a Social Mobilisation Officer under the Mass Mobilization for Social and Economic Recovery (MAMSER) programme in Nguru Local Government Area.
Before the creation of Yobe State in 1991, Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali served in the Government of the former Borno State.
During this period, he held important positions, including:
– Principal Personnel Officer
– Principal Secretary to the Military Administrator of Borno State (1990).
In November 1990, he joined the North East Arid Zone Development Programme (NEAZDP), a major rural development initiative supported by the Federal Government of Nigeria, the European Union, and the governments of Borno and Yobe States.
During his time with the programme, he served as:
– Field Team Coordinator
– Deputy Programme Manager
– Programme Manager
In 2000, he was appointed as the Pioneer State Coordinator of the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) in Yobe State, where he served for three years, implementing programs aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable citizens.
Service to Yobe State Government
After his assignment with NAPEP, he continued serving the Yobe State Government in various senior positions.
In 2007, he was appointed Permanent Secretary, serving in several ministries, including:
– Ministry of Youth and Sports
– Ministry of Transport and Energy
– Ministry of Environment
– Office of the Secretary to the State Government (Administration and General Services)
Secretary to the State Government (SSG)
In 2015, Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali was appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Yobe State.
He served under:
– Governor Ibrahim Gaidam
– Governor Mai Mala Buni
As SSG, he played a vital role in policy coordination, public administration, and the implementation of government programs that contributed to the growth and development of Yobe State.
Mallam Wali Supporters on Friday The 25th September 2026 Held Grand Rally In His Hometown Nguru
The rally attracted thousands supporters from within and outside of Nguru and the entire zone, in fact, Nguru stand still throughout the period the rally lasted.
The Led throughout the rally was the Deputy Governor of Yobe State, himself, His Excellency Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana, alongside the star of the moment, the APC Governorship Candidate for 2027, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali, mni, the State Chairman of the APC, Alhaji Mohammed Gadaka, the Deputy Governorship Candidate, Barr. Saleh Samanja, members of the State Executive Council, members of the State House of Assembly, and top party stalwarts.
While, Addressing the mammoth crowd, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali, mni, thanked Nguru for making history and assured them that their loyalty to President Tinubu will never be in otiose.
The Deputy Governor, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana, said the mass defection from the opposition parties is an indication of the good omen in the state.
Hamisu Ado Nguru, wrote from Damaturu
danauwa@gmailcom
About The Author
