This guide comprehensively lists all the local government areas in Yobe State with their elected chairman. Yobe State, located in northeastern Nigeria was created on 27 August 1991 from Borno State.
Its capital is Damaturu, while Potiskum is the largest city by population. Fune is the largest by land area. Potiskum is also known for farming and has the biggest cattle market in Africa.
Yobe shares borders with Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, and Niger. The state has a hot and dry climate, except in the south, which gets more rain.
That being said, Yobe has faced attacks from Boko Haram, including in Damaturu and Potiskum. In 2013, a state of emergency was declared due to the insurgency.
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List Of Yobe Local Government Areas And Their Chairman
Yobe State is divided Into 17 local government areas, each with an elected chairman:
- Bade – Hon. Ibrahim Babagana Yurema
- Bursari – Hon. Lawan Bukar
- Damaturu – Hon. Bukar Adamu
- Fika – Hon. Audu Bukar Gadaka
- Fune – Hon. Baba Goni Mustapha
- Geidam – Hon. Mohd Musa
- Gujba – Hon. Dala Mala
- Gulani – Hon. Dayyabu Muhammad Ilu Njibulwa
- Jakusko – Hon. Alhaji Umaru Aguwa
- Karasuwa – Hon. Umara Muhammed Bukart
- Machina – Hon. Idrissa Mai Bukar
- Nangere – Hon. Samaila Musa
- Nguru – Hon. Muhd M Ahmed Mairami
- Potiskum – Hon. Salisu Muktari
- Tarmuwa – Hon. Muhammad Lamido Musa
- Yunusari – Hon. Bukar Gaji
- Yusufari – Hon. Baba Abba Aji
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Which Is The Largest LGA In Yobe By Population?
Fune is the largest local government area in Yobe State in both land area and population. Covering approximately 5,633 square kilometers, Fune LGA has a projected population of 474,700 as of 2022.
The area’s significance is not only due to its size but also because of its economic activities, which sustain the livelihoods of its residents. Fune LGA has a strong agricultural sector, with farming being the primary occupation of the people.
The fertile land and favorable climatic conditions support the cultivation of various crops, including sorghum, millet, groundnuts, cowpeas, maize, sesame, gum Arabic, and cotton.
These crops serve both local consumption and agricultural exports. However, agricultural productivity can be affected by challenges such as climate variability and security concerns, which sometimes impact farming activities.
Aside from crop farming, livestock rearing is another major source of income for the people of Fune. The region benefits from the broader livestock market activities in Yobe State, particularly with the presence of Potiskum, which hosts one of the largest cattle markets in Africa.
This trade supports the local economy by providing income to livestock farmers and creating business opportunities in related sectors, such as feed supply and veterinary services.
The livestock market also strengthens trade connections between Fune and other parts of Nigeria. In addition to agriculture and livestock, Fune LGA is rich in mineral resources. The area has deposits of gypsum and kaolin, which present opportunities for mining and industrial activities.
With the right investments, the mineral wealth of Fune could contribute to job creation and industrial development in the region.
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How Big is Damaturu Local Government Area?
Damaturu has a total area of 2,366 square kilometers, making it one of the largest areas in Yobe State in terms of land size.
According to the 2006 census, the population of Damaturu was recorded as 88,014 people. However, by 2022, the estimated population had increased to about 137,900.
The population density of Damaturu is around 37 people per square kilometer. Damaturu has played a big part in Nigeria’s history.
It was originally part of the Alagarno district but was later separated by the British when they took control of the Bornu Empire in 1902.
With time, the city developed into an important administrative and educational center. It is home to several institutions of higher learning, including Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, Yobe State University, and the College of Nursing.
Yet, the city has faced security challenges due to attacks by Boko Haram insurgents. Over the years, there have been several violent incidents, including bombings, prison breaks, and attacks on schools and government buildings.
Some of the deadliest attacks occurred between 2011 and 2015, with many people losing their lives. The group also targeted Yobe State University and public spaces, causing fear and destruction in the area.
In 2020, an attack on the Damaturu-Maiduguri highway resulted in the death of 30 travelers, with vehicles burned and people kidnapped.
These attacks have had a major impact on the city, affecting the lives of residents and disrupting economic activities. Geographically, Damaturu is located along the A3 highway.
The climate in Damaturu is hot for most of the year, with a rainy season that is humid and cloudy, while the dry season is windy and partly cloudy.
The highest temperatures are recorded between March and May, with April being the hottest month, reaching an average high of 104°F.
And, the cooler season occurs from July to September, with January being the coldest month, where temperatures can drop to 58°F at night.
