Introduction

Yobe is a state located in northeastern Nigeria. It is mainly an agricultural state, created on 27 August 1991, carved out of Borno State. The capital of Yobe State is Damaturu, and its largest city by population is Potiskum. Potiskum Local Government Area is a place for farmers and marketers, hosting the largest cattle market in Africa.

Historical Background

Yobe State was established on 27 August 1991, carved out of the old Borno State by the Babangida administration. The creation aimed to enhance administration and development, given Borno’s large land area and ethnic rivalries.

Yobe State has a rich historical heritage connected to the Kanem-Bornu Empire, which played a significant role in trans-Saharan trade and the spread of Islam in the region. The Kanem-Bornu Empire, which existed from around 700 to 1380 and later as the Bornu Empire until 1900, controlled areas that are now part of Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, Libya, and Chad1. The empire was known for its military prowess, economic ventures, and as a major point of contact in trade between North Africa, the Nile River valley, and the sub-Saharan region.

Geography

The state borders Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, and Jigawa states, and the Republic of Niger. It lies mainly in the dry savanna belt, with hot and dry conditions for most of the year, except in the southern part which receives more annual rainfall.

Climate

Yobe has a warm climate with daily temperatures around 37 °C (98.6 °F). November is the sunniest month, and rainy days occur between August and December.

Economy

Yobe State’s economy is primarily agricultural, with rich mineral deposits, including gypsum and kaolin. It produces gum arabic, groundnuts, beans, and cotton. The state also hosts one of the largest cattle markets in West Africa, located in Potiskum.

Governor

On 29 May 2019, Mai Mala Buni assumed office as the governor of Yobe State under the APC (All Progressives Congress), with Idi Barde Gubana as the Deputy-Governor.

Ethnic Groups

The major ethnic groups in Yobe State are the Fulani, Karai-karai, and Kanuri. Other ethnic communities include Bolewa, Ngizim, Bade, Hausa, Ngamo, Shuwa, Bura, Marghi, and Manga.

Language

Languages spoken in Yobe State include Duwai, Shuwa Arabs, and Zarma, among others.

Tourist Attractions

Tourist attractions in Yobe State include:

  • Gooya Valley
  • Ngazargamu
  • Dagona Birds Sanctuary
  • Gujba Forest Reserve
  • Dufuna canoe

Education

Tertiary institutions in Yobe State include:

  • Federal College of Education (Technical), Potiskum
  • Federal Polytechnic Damaturu
  • Federal University, Gashua
  • Mai-Idris Alooma Polytechnic
  • Shehu Sule College of Nursing and Midwifery, Damaturu
  • Umar Suleiman College of Education
  • Yobe State University

Transport

Federal Highways

  • A3: East from Bauchi State at Baino via Potiskum and Damaturu to Borno State at Ngamdu, part of the Trans-Sahel Highway (Trans-African 5).
  • A338: North from Gombe State at Ngalda as the Jangadoli-Fika-Ngalda Road to Potiskum.

One Road to Niger

  • Nguru–Gashua–Damask Road: Across the north of the state via Baiomari and Geidem to Maine-Soroa.

Other Major Roads

  • Gamawa Road: Northwest from Potiskum to Bauchi State at Zindiwa.
  • Jakusko-Potiskum Road: North from Potiskum, with the Gashua-Jakusko Road continuing north via Katamma.
  • Dapchi-Damaturu Road: North from Dapchi to Baiomari as the Damaturu-Gashua Road.
  • Damaturu Road: South to Borno State at Kamuya Wuru.
  • Azare-Potisum Road: West to Bauchi State near Lele.

Railways

The 1067 mm Cape gauge Western Railway Line northeast from Kano via Jigawa State terminates at Nguru.

Airports

  • Potiskum Airstrip

Religion

The inhabitants of Yobe are mainly Muslims, with Sharia law established in the state in 2000 by Governor Bukar Abba Ibrahim. There are also Christians in the state, although no Roman Catholic diocese has its seat in Yobe.

Politics

The state government is headed by a governor elected through a democratic process. The governor works closely with the State House of Assembly, the law-making arm of the state. The electoral system in Yobe State is a modified two-round system.

Natural Resources

Yobe State has deposits of trona and gypsum.

Healthcare

The state administration has improved healthcare delivery by lifting a moratorium on hiring and providing incentives for staff retention. The free-drugs policy and decentralized drug supply have increased access to healthcare. The state is dedicated to renovating and building new primary healthcare facilities.

Desertification

Residents of Yobe State are concerned about desertification, which could negatively impact their quality of life.

Notable People

  • Uwani Musa Abba Aji: Nigerian Jurist and Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria
  • Usman Albishir: Former senator and Senate Minority Leader
  • Mamman Bello Ali: Former senator and governor of Yobe State
  • Idris Alkali: Former chief of administration, army headquarters
  • Usman Alkali Baba: Current Nigerian inspector-general of police
  • Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai: Senator representing Yobe South Senatorial District
  • Imrana Alhaji Buba: Activist, social entrepreneur, recipient of Queen’s Young Leader Award
  • Audu Bulama Bukarti: Senior analyst in the Extremism Policy Unit of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change
  • Mai Mala Buni: Current Governor of Yobe State
  • Goni Modu Bura: Former deputy governor, former senator, and current ambassador to Syria and Lebanon
  • Adamu Ciroma: Former Minister and Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria
  • Ibrahim Gaidam: Former governor and senator for Yobe Zone A
  • Buba Galadima: Politician and National Secretary of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) party
  • Bukar Ibrahim: Former governor of Yobe State and senator
  • Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim: Member of the House of Representatives and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
  • Waziri Ibrahim: First republic minister and presidential candidate of GNPP in the second republic
  • Alwali Kazir: Former chief of army staff
  • Ahmed Lawan: Senator and Senate President of the 9th National Assembly
  • Zakariya Maimalari: Brigadier-general killed in the 1966 Nigerian coup d’état
  • Mahmoud Bukar Maina: Scientist, educator, and science communicator
  • Adamu Garba Talba: Former senator Yobe south
  • Adamu Waziri: Former minister of Police Affairs
  • Mala Mohammed Daura: Vice Chancellor of Yobe State University, Damaturu

Conclusion

Yobe State stands as a historically and economically significant region in northeastern Nigeria. With its roots in the Kanem-Bornu Empire, the state has played a crucial role in trade, agriculture, and the spread of Islam. Its economy thrives on farming, cattle trade, and natural resources like gypsum and trona. Despite challenges such as desertification and security concerns, the state continues to invest in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Yobe is also home to notable political figures and scholars who contribute to Nigeria’s development. As the state progresses, efforts to address environmental and economic challenges will be key to ensuring sustainable growth and improved living standards for its people.