By Dr. Yusuf ILYASU Maina FCVSN
NEWSDAILYNIGERIA: Some leaders occupy office. Others leave an imprint. Governor Mai Mala Buni belongs to the latter category.
His leadership of Yobe State has been marked by wisdom, composure, political maturity and an uncommon ability to build bridges where others might build walls. He is, in many ways, a governor like no other—a leader whose calm disposition and inclusive politics have earned him goodwill across political divides. In the language of politics, Governor Buni has won over his adversaries not through confrontation, but through accommodation, reconciliation and sound judgment.
His latest masterstroke may also be his boldest: the deliberate elevation of young, highly educated and energetic sons and daughters of Yobe to strategic positions in government, including the state’s most powerful administrative office. The message from the streets is unmistakable: Youth O’Clock. The time has come for the youth.
There is something deeply symbolic about this decision. Governor Buni has carefully shaped his administration to harness youthful intelligence, integrity, energy and sophistication. For that foresight, he deserves sincere commendation.
But even more remarkable was his recent counsel to the young appointees: they must not monopolise the opportunities entrusted to them. They must also create space for those coming behind them.
That, to me, is the real masterstroke.
History offers young people both inspiration and warning. Nigeria has witnessed very young leaders rise to positions of authority—from Diete-Spiff in Rivers State to Muhammadu Buhari and the generation of military officers who converted youthful energy into political power. Yet some stayed too long, recycling themselves long after their youthful moment had passed.
The lesson is clear: youthful leadership must not become permanent leadership.
The late Maitama Yusuf captured this wisdom brilliantly when he warned that “the young breeds without the old breeds breed greed.” The new generation must therefore resist the temptation to shut the door behind them. They must make room for the older generation and draw from its institutional memory, experience and wisdom.
Your Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni, I salute your foresight and courage. You have opened the door to a new generation. It is now for the young men and women entrusted with responsibility to prove themselves worthy of the confidence placed in them.
The future belongs to the youth. But the greatness of their generation will be measured not only by how high they rise, but also by how many others they help to rise with them.
Youth O’Clock has come. Let them make it count.
Dr. Yusuf ILYASU Maina FCVSN