29 May: Yobe to Hold Maiden Town Hall Forum
By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
In a move towards inclusive governance, Governor Mai Mala Buni will engage with citizens of Yobe State on May 29 at a maiden townhall meeting in Damaturu.
Dr. Ibrahim Muhammed Yabani, Special Adviser to the governor on Radio, Television, and Digital Media, announced the initiative during a press briefing on Saturday.
He said that the forum would serve as a direct channel for Yobe citizens to interact with the governor, ask questions, and receive updates on government policies and projects.
He added that the townhall meeting would provide a platform for elected officials and stakeholders across the state to engage in open dialogue, share updates on ongoing projects and policies, and receive direct feedback from the governor.
“The primary objective of this forum is to bridge the communication gap between the government and the people,” Yabani said.
“It allows citizens to pose questions directly to the governor and receive clarifications on government activities.”
He noted that this would be the first time such an engagement is being organized in the state, drawing inspiration from global democratic practices.
“This political development is not new globally, but it is new to us in this format. It is a step toward transparency, inclusion, and participatory governance,” he added.
The adviser emphasized that the forum was designed to promote trust and accountability between government and the governed, enabling the public to play a more active role in shaping policies.
“The governor is ready to answer all questions—whether from individuals, the press, or civil society. We are creating an open space where no one feels excluded,” Yabani said.
Acknowledging that some journalists and media organizations have had limited opportunities to interact directly with the governor, he said the forum would provide them the opportunity to ask questions without bureaucratic barriers.
He also mentioned that while English would be the primary language of communication, future editions of the forum would incorporate widely spoken local languages such as Hausa, Kanuri, and Fulfulde for broader inclusivity.
“In the long term, we hope to organize separate town hall sessions in local languages to ensure wider participation,” he said.
Yabani stated that modalities were being put in place to ensure the event proceeds orderly without disruption.
He added that the forum would be community- targeted, with invitations extended to various segments of society, including civil society organizations, women groups, and media professionals.
“Public awareness campaigns through radio, television, and digital media are already underway to sensitize citizens about the event. While we may not accommodate everyone physically, we are leveraging media platforms to ensure widespread coverage and participation,” Yabani said.
