Governor Buni Honoured as Sardaunan Fune and Receives Prestigious SONA Award
By Ibrahim Umar,
Kanempress News,
17th, April,2025
First African Leader Inducted into the Society of Neuroscientists of Africa Hall of Fame
The Executive Governor of Yobe State, His Excellency Hon. Mai Mala Buni (CON, COMN), has been conferred with two remarkable honours in recognition of his exemplary leadership and contributions to science, research, and community development.
In a statement issued by Mamman Mohammed, Director General of Press and Media Affairs to the Governor, it was confirmed that Governor Buni received these prestigious recognitions on the same day—one from the Fune Emirate Council, appointing him as Sardaunan Fune, and another from the Society of Neuroscientists of Africa (SONA) for his contributions to advancing science and research.
In a ceremony led by Deputy Governor Hon. Idi Barde Gubana (Wazirin Fune), representatives of the Fune Emirate Council officially presented Governor Buni with a letter of appointment as Sardaunan Fune. The Governor was then adorned with the traditional regalia of the Sardauna, symbolizing his new status within the Emirate Council.
Expressing his gratitude, Governor Buni commended the Fune Emirate Council for the honour and pledged to uphold the responsibilities of his new title. He urged the people of Fune Emirate to embrace peace and unity, transcending ethno-cultural and political differences.
On the same day, Governor Buni received international recognition from SONA during their conference in Marrakech, Morocco. Honoured for his outstanding contributions to science, research, and innovation, particularly his efforts in tackling kidney disease, the Governor was inducted into the SONA Hall of Fame, becoming the first African leader to receive this distinction. He was also granted Honorary Membership in the prestigious society.
Represented at the event by Dr. Mahmoud Bukar Maina, his Honorary Special Adviser on Science, Research, and Innovation, Governor Buni was commended for pioneering key initiatives, including the Biomedical Science Research and Training Centre (BioRTC)—Nigeria’s first and only open-access biomedical research facility. Since 2022, BioRTC has trained over 300 African scientists and partnered with international institutions to advance research in Yobe, Nigeria, and across Africa.
Another landmark initiative under his administration is the Kidney Disease Research Project, the first of its kind in Africa to be fully funded by a state government. The project involves over 50 experts conducting extensive research, analyzing more than 2,000 human and 1,000 environmental samples to address the rising burden of kidney disease in Yobe and beyond.
Governor Buni’s administration remains committed to empowering scientific institutions, fostering innovation, and using research to address pressing societal challenges, spanning public health, education, and economic development. His leadership has positioned Yobe State as a pioneer in science-driven governance and innovation.
These dual recognitions—both traditional and international—underscore Governor Buni’s commitment to progress and excellence. His achievements continue to bring prestige to Yobe State and Nigeria, solidifying the state’s role as a hub for innovation, scientific advancement, and cultural heritage.
