Governor Mai Mala Buni formally opened the 2025 Armed Forces Emblem Week at WAWA Hall, Government House, Damaturu, pledging significant financial support to veterans and their families. The state government announced a donation of N30 million while the governor added a personal donation of N5 million, signalling renewed attention to the welfare of ex-servicemen and women in Yobe State.
Speaking at the launch, Governor Buni called on well-meaning individuals, organisations and the private sector to contribute generously to the legion, stressing that collective support is vital to improve living standards and ease the transition of veterans back into civilian life. The governor framed the donation as part of broader state efforts to consolidate peace and deliver people-oriented projects across communities affected by insecurity.
Lt. Jarma Goje (Rtd), Chairman of the Legion, thanked the governor for the donation and for the state’s continued investments in post-conflict recovery. He noted that the administration’s development projects had already made a tangible difference to residents’ quality of life, and he urged further assistance to bridge remaining gaps in veteran services.
Yobe veterans support and urgent operational needs
Despite the financial pledge, the legion faces pressing operational challenges. Lt. Goje revealed the organisation currently operates with only one serviceable Toyota Hilux, limiting its ability to carry out official duties and outreach. He appealed for additional vehicles and logistical support to ensure the legion can function effectively and respond to veterans’ needs across the state.
Another concern raised at the event was unemployment among veterans’ children. Lt. Goje reported that many who have completed tertiary education remain without jobs, placing additional strain on veteran households. He appealed to government agencies, private employers and development partners to consider targeted hiring, training programmes and apprenticeship schemes for those graduates.
Organisers described Armed Forces Emblem Week as an opportunity to honour the sacrifices of military personnel while focusing on their reintegration and welfare. Beyond financial donations, the week will draw attention to veterans’ health, housing and employment needs, and is expected to bring together stakeholders from government, civil society and the private sector.
Analysts say such initiatives can strengthen community resilience and complement security gains by addressing socio-economic drivers of instability. For Yobe State — which has invested in peacebuilding and reconstruction after periods of unrest — targeted support for veterans is seen as both a moral obligation and a practical step towards long-term stability.
The legion’s appeals and the governor’s donations set the tone for follow-up action. Local leaders and veteran advocates will monitor how funds are disbursed and whether commitments translate into concrete programmes, including employment pathways for graduates, transport and outreach capacity for veteran services, and expanded access to social support.
As Armed Forces Emblem Week unfolds, stakeholders in Yobe are expected to press for sustainable measures that move beyond one-off donations, including partnerships that can create jobs and strengthen veteran welfare systems. The launch in Damaturu underlined a renewed drive to back those who served the nation and to ensure their families share in the state’s recovery and development gains.
Key Takeaways:
- Governor Mai Mala Buni launched the 2025 Armed Forces Emblem Week in Damaturu and announced a N30 million state donation plus a personal N5 million pledge to support veterans.
- Officials urged public and private contributions to improve veterans’ livelihoods and reintegration into civilian life.
- Legion Chairman Lt. Jarma Goje (Rtd) praised the governor but highlighted operational gaps, including only one serviceable vehicle and high youth unemployment among veterans’ children.
- The event underscores renewed commitment in Yobe to honour military service and address social and employment needs for veteran families.
