Bauchi @50: Governor Bala Mohammed Hosts Minister, NEDC Delegation as State Positions Itself for North-East Renewal
By Abdulwahab Muhammad Published by Alphapressmedia
As Bauchi State marks its Golden Jubilee, the Government House, Bauchi, played host to a high-powered delegation led by the Minister of State for Regional Development, Alhaji Uba Maigari Ahmadu, alongside the Board and Management of the North-East Development Commission (NEDC), in a courtesy visit that underscored the state’s growing strategic importance in the North-East recovery and development agenda.
Receiving the delegation, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed described the visit as both significant and symbolic, coming at a historic moment when Bauchi celebrates 50 years of statehood. He expressed appreciation to the Minister for personally leading the team, noting that the gesture reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive development and sustained engagement with Bauchi State.
Strengthening Federal–State Collaboration
Earlier, the Minister explained that the delegation was in Bauchi to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of ongoing NEDC projects and to commission completed interventions across the state. He disclosed that the team would spend several days inspecting projects spanning critical sectors including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and commerce.
According to him, the interventions are designed to address pressing developmental challenges, improve living conditions, and advance sustainable development in line with the NEDC’s mandate for the North-East region. He commended Bauchi State for prioritising education and human capital development, noting visible improvements in schools and learning environments.
Governor Bala Mohammed reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to effective, result-oriented collaboration with federal ministries, departments, and agencies—particularly the NEDC. He emphasized that such partnerships are essential for delivering people-centred projects with lasting impact, adding that Bauchi’s Golden Jubilee is not only a celebration of history but a call to consolidate gains and chart a forward-looking development agenda anchored on peace, resilience, and shared prosperity.
The Governor also recalled Bauchi’s tradition of openness and solidarity, noting that the state provided refuge to internally displaced persons (IDPs) at the height of the insurgency—an act that strengthened regional unity and brotherhood.
A major highlight of the visit was the commissioning of a modern fire service station at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, executed by the NEDC. The facility comprises a brand-new firefighting truck, a functional borehole to guarantee 24-hour water supply, staff offices, and operational support infrastructure.
While commissioning the project, Minister Uba Maigari Ahmadu urged the university community to take ownership and ensure proper maintenance of the facility, stressing that public assets must be protected and sustained.
The Managing Director of the NEDC, Mohammed Goni Alkali, explained that the project was conceived to safeguard lives and property within the university community, particularly given the concentration of laboratories, hostels, lecture halls, and critical infrastructure.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, the University Librarian, Dr. Dauda Adamu Bakum, described the fire station as a “beacon of security” for ATBU’s over 23,000 students and staff. He pledged that the university would integrate the facility into its emergency response protocols, training programmes, and community outreach initiatives.
Inspection of Ongoing Projects
The NEDC delegation also inspected ongoing projects across Bauchi State, including the construction of the Government Science Secondary School, Bauchi, where contractors were urged to deliver within three months in strict adherence to specifications.
Congratulating the people of Bauchi on their Golden Jubilee, the Minister described the milestone as a symbol of endurance, progress, and collective achievement. He reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to deepen development interventions that promote stability, economic growth, and improved livelihoods in the North-East.
A Strategic Hub for Regional Renewal
Governor Bala Mohammed concluded that Bauchi’s 50th anniversary is a moment to reinforce strategic partnerships that will deepen development and enhance service delivery. With strengthened collaboration between the Federal Government, the NEDC, and Bauchi State, the state is positioning itself as a strategic hub for renewal and sustainable growth in the North-East.
From the commissioning of critical infrastructure at ATBU to the extensive inspection of projects across the state, the visit by the NEDC delegation signals a renewed push for impact-driven development.
As Bauchi celebrates 50 years of existence, the state stands tall as a fortress of resilience and a beacon of regional renewal—charting a path towards a more inclusive and prosperous future for the North-East.
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