By Mala Abdulazeez
Yobe State government has expressed its interest in partnering with the Moroccan government on agriculture and local government administration.
The state delegation to Morocco, led by Secretary to the State Government Baba Malam Wali, initiated the partnership through the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLGA) in Rabat, Morocco.
During a meeting with UCLGA Secretary General Jean Piere Elong Mbassi, the team discussed funding modalities for local development projects in Yobe State.
According to a statement issued by the DG Press and Media Affairs to the Yobe State Governor, Mamman Mohammed, Mbassi said the projects would be funded through the African Forum for Decentralized Cooperation (FACDI), with 60% provided by FACDI, 20% by the Moroccan government, and 10% in-kind contributions (including land) from the benefitting local governments.
The Secretary General noted opportunities for local governments to combat climate change, desert encroachment, and floods.
Responding on behalf of the Yobe State Government, Baba Malam Wali described the discussions as fruitful, noting that the state government would expedite the registration process to facilitate the funding program.
He added that the state government would explore capacity-building opportunities for local government staff through the College of Administration Management and Technology (CAMTEC) Potiskum.
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Alh. Ibrahim Adamu Jajere stated that the Buni-led administration is committed to changing local government administration in Yobe State.
“The partnership is to make local government councils proactive in administration and development,” he said.
“The state Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has the mandate of His Excellency Gov. Mai Mala Buni CON to support local government councils in delivering efficient services to the people.”
“We would be on the same page to fast track the partnership in the interest of our people,” Jajere assured.
Commissioner for Higher Education Prof. Muhammad Bello Kawuwa urged the UCLGA to adopt a “train the trainer” approach for wider coverage.
Damaturu Local Government Council Chairman and Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Bukar Adamu, assured the readiness of the 17 local councils to register, participate, and benefit from the partnership.
