HOW YOBE RESIDENTS BUILT EMIR’S PALACE – MONARCH

The Emir of Potiskum, His Royal Highness Alhaji Umaru Bubaram Ibn Wuriwa Bauya, has narrated how residents of the emirate came together to finance the construction of the sitting Emir’s Palace through communal efforts after the old palace became dilapidated.

Speaking with Arewa PUNCH in an exclusive interview, the monarch said the initiative began shortly after he ascended the throne in 1994 when the state government challenged newly appointed emirs to build befitting palaces.

According to him, rather than depending entirely on the government for the funding, he decided that the project should belong to the people.

“Thanks to my background at the Government Craft School, I understand the practical aspects of building projects. Rather than waiting for the government to do everything, I decided that the project should belong to the community. I explained to the people that the palace was a symbol of the Emirate and the Emirate belongs to every citizen,” he said.

The Emir said youths across the emirate immediately mobilised to raise funds for the ambitious project.

“Young people organised themselves to raise funds, moving from place to place and eventually gathering about N1.5 million. Later, the government provided a take-off grant of about N3.5 million. I merged these funds into a single project account,” he stated.

Bubaram Ibn Wuriwa Bauya further disclosed that elders also contributed by donating construction materials, while professionals volunteered their services free of charge.

“Respected elders volunteered their time to mobilise building materials like sand, gravel, and stones. We also received professional assistance from a female architect who volunteered her expertise to prepare the initial design. Individuals like Abdu Farfara and Alhaji Shuaibu Alaraba offered continuous support,” the Potiskum Emir said.

According to His Royal Highness, the palace remains one of the greatest symbols of unity in the emirate.

“The palace was built through communal efforts. After it was completed, I looked for the female architect to thank her again, but she was nowhere to be found. She was a truly patriotic Nigerian. Whenever visitors admire the palace, I feel happy because it represents what a united community can achieve through collective responsibility,” he added.

Continuing, Bubaram Ibn Wuriwa Bauya stressed that the project was never about personal legacy but about strengthening the institution of the emirate.

“If my intention had been to accumulate personal wealth, I would never have embarked on projects of this nature. Leadership is about serving people and leaving behind enduring institutions,” the monarch pointed out.