Sen. Ibrahim Gaidam. CON, FCNA, FCPA, FIMCN

Celebrating Yobe State at 34: Honouring Our Past, Building Our Future.

Today marks a remarkable milestone in our collective journey as a people, as we celebrate the 34th anniversary of the creation of Yobe State. This occasion is not only a moment of joy and thanksgiving but also a time for sober reflection on our history, our struggles, and the sacrifices that brought us this far.

As one who has been privileged to serve this state in various capacities — as Governor, as Senator, and now as Honourable Minister of Police Affairs — I feel a deep sense of gratitude to Almighty Allah for preserving us and guiding our progress through the years.

On this day, we remember with profound respect and affection our late leaders, heroes, and patriots who gave their all for the realization and growth of Yobe State. Many of them are no longer with us, but their legacies remain alive in our hearts and in the foundations of this great state. Their vision, sacrifices, and struggles built the stepping stones upon which we continue to advance. I pray that Almighty Allah grants them eternal rest and admits them into Jannatul Firdaus.

We also salute those who laboured tirelessly during the early days of statehood — our elders, traditional rulers, opinion leaders, public servants, and ordinary men and women — whose unity, courage, and resilience transformed the dream of Yobe into reality. Without their determination, the Yobe story would have remained untold.

History will forever remain kind to General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd.), the then President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, whose bold and visionary decision on August 27, 1991 gave birth to Yobe State. For this, we owe him enduring gratitude, for he gave our people a home, an identity, and the opportunity to shape their own destiny.

As we mark this 34th anniversary, I call on all sons and daughters of Yobe — at home and in the diaspora — to hold fast to the values of peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and unity. Our diversity should be our strength, not a source of division. Only in unity can we consolidate the progress we have made and overcome the challenges that confront us.

Over the years, Yobe has faced trials, especially in the areas of security, development, and social stability. Yet, the resilience of our people has remained unbroken. Together, we have withstood storms, and together we shall build a brighter tomorrow. Let us continue to invest in education, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, and human capital, for these are the pillars upon which our future must stand.

To the younger generation, I say: the responsibility of taking Yobe to greater heights lies with you. The dreams of our founding fathers must be carried forward with renewed zeal, innovation, and commitment to service. May you be the torchbearers of peace, unity, and development.

On this historic occasion, I reaffirm my personal commitment and that of the Ministry of Police Affairs to supporting policies that will strengthen peace and security in our state and across the nation. Security is the bedrock of progress, and only in an atmosphere of peace can development truly thrive.

As we celebrate Yobe @34, let us lift our voices in gratitude to Almighty Allah for His blessings, and in prayer for the continued growth and prosperity of our dear state. May He bless Yobe, protect our people, and crown our efforts with success.

Happy 34th Anniversary to the good people of Yobe State.

-Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, CON.
Honourable Minister of Police Affairs

"In Honour of a Life of Integrity and National Service: Tribute to Late President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.

It is with deep sorrow and solemn reflection that I mourn the passing of our beloved leader, and elder statesman, Former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR—a man whose life was a blueprint for integrity, sacrifice, and principled leadership.

Buhari was not just a former President or Head of State. He was a man who stood out in every way—an incorruptible leader, a man of his word, and a shining example of patriotism. He was the kind of leader whose presence brought calm, whose silence held meaning, and whose actions always spoke louder than any words. A rare gem of character and courage, he served Nigeria with unmatched discipline and dedication.

My personal encounter with him—particularly during my tenure as the Governor of Yobe State—left an indelible mark on me. During his presidency, I had the honour of working closely with him, and I can boldly testify that late Buhari was a leader who genuinely respected people, regardless of status or background. He respected me deeply as a person, and that respect extended beyond official dealings. His humility, simplicity, and sincerity were not a façade—they were who he truly was.

I vividly remember one of our official outings together, where beyond our public engagements, we shared conversations that reflected his deep love for Nigeria and his unshakable belief in unity, justice, and peace. He often reminded us that leadership is not about privilege, but about service, and he led by example every single day.

His legacy is enormous and enduring:

He championed the fight against corruption like no one before him.

He brought discipline and prudence back to governance.

He invested heavily in security reform and national infrastructure.

He restored Nigeria’s dignity on the global stage.

He upheld democratic values even when it was difficult.

He proved that integrity is not weakness, but strength.

He was a gold fish—and as we say, gold fish have no hiding place. His light shone not just in Nigeria, not only across the African continent, but throughout the global community. He was respected by world leaders, admired by many, and studied by historians who continue to learn from his leadership style.

Former President Buhari lived a life of sacrifice and simplicity. He never pursued personal gain. He gave his life to this nation, even when he had every reason to retire in comfort and silence. Yet, he answered the call again, and again, for the sake of the people.

On behalf of myself, my immediate family, and the entire Ministry of Police Affairs, I extend our deepest condolences to his beloved wife, children, and the entire Buhari family. May Almighty Allah (SWT) grant them the strength to bear this irreparable loss, and may our beloved Leader find eternal peace in Aljannatul Firdaus.

Nigeria has lost a pillar. Africa has lost a voice of reason. The world has lost a statesman.

But his legacy lives on—in our hearts, in our institutions, and in the history of a grateful nation.

Rest in peace, Buhari.
Rest in peace, the incorruptible leader.
Rest in peace, Nigeria’s gold fish.

Senator (Dr) Ibrahim Gaidam. CON, FCNA, FCPA, FIMCN.
Minister of Police Affairs
Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Police Affairs Minister ,Senator Gaidam Mourns Ex-Yobe Governor, Bukar Abba Ibrahim.
By
Dr. Liman Goje

The Minister of Police Affairs, His Excellency Senator (Dr) Ibrahim Gaidam, expressed shock over the demise of ex-Yobe Governor, Alhaji Bukar Abba Ibrahim.

Senator Gaidam described his sudden death as “a colossal loss not only to the family and people of Yobe but the entire nation.”

In a statement by his Special Assistant, Dr. Liman Goje, Gaidam described the late Senator as a politician whose contributions to the development of his state and the country will never perish on the sand of time.

“The Minister recalls that late Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim stood firm and played a frontline roles in the activities which led to the eventual return and enthronement of democracy in the country,”.

Senator Gaidam calls on family members, friends and associates of the late elder stateman who held the Walin Gazargamu traditional title to take solace in the fact that the late Senator played the parts assigned to him diligently, conscientiously and patriotically, enjoining them to emulate the good virtues that he left behind.

“Senator Gaidam prays that Almighty Allah will grant the soul of the departed eternal rest.” Amin.

Sen. Ibrahim Gaidam. CON, FCNA, FCPA, FIMCN Ibrahim Gaidam is a Nigerian politician who is the incumbent Minister of Police Affairs.