By Mukhtar Gidado As Governor Bala Mohammed marks six years in office, Bauchi State celebrates a transformative era marked by su...
By Mukhtar Gidado
As Governor Bala Mohammed marks six years in office, Bauchi State celebrates a transformative era marked by substantial progress across various sectors. His administration's commitment to inclusive governance and sustainable development has significantly improved the quality of life for the state's residents.
Governor Mohammed's administration has prioritized education, leading to a significant reduction in out-of-school children from 1.2 million to approximately 521,000. Over 300 primary and secondary schools have been renovated or constructed, and more than 5,000 classrooms built. The government has also recruited and retrained teachers, enhancing the quality of education. Financial support has been extended to over 14,000 students covering WAEC, NECO, JAMB, NBAISE, and NABTEB fees. Additionally, the administration has modernized exam infrastructure and provided ICT training to students and teachers, preparing them for a digital future.
The health sector has witnessed remarkable transformation under Governor Mohammed's leadership. Many general hospitals and primary healthcare centers have been constructed or renovated, ensuring access to quality healthcare across the state. The flagship "Bauchi Healthcare Revival" project aims to provide healthcare services within a reasonable distance for every community. These efforts have led to a decrease in maternal and infant mortality rates.
To revitalize the agricultural sector, the administration has produced over 8,000 metric tons of fertilizer and trained 1,000 young farmers in modern techniques. Fertilizer distribution to over 10,000 farmers has significantly increased yields, positioning Bauchi as a food production hub.
Water they say is life , and in collaboration with the World Bank, the government executed a ₦20 billion water project to boost water supply in Bauchi metropolis. Key components include a 150-kilometer pipeline distribution, laying of 1,000-millimeter diameter transmission mains from Gubi dam to Warinje reservoir, and construction of seven million-liter reservoirs at Buzaye Hill. Similarly , more 3000 hand boreholes were sunk in different locations across the 20 local government councils of the state to ease the problem of scarcity.
Through the Kaura Economic Empowerment Programme (KEEP), the administration has launched sustainable initiatives:
- Distribution of 156 commercial buses to NURTW Members across 20 LGAs
- Distribution of 1,500 tricycles to Okada Unions to support local entrepreneurs.
- Implementation of a micro-grant scheme providing ₦50,000 each to petty traders, to support their businesses.
- Launch of the ₦75 million KEEP initiatives each per LGA for youth and women empowerment in the 20LGAs
- Allocation of ₦500 million as soft loans to traders and artisans and many other initiatives.
Governor Mohammed has also enhanced security by equipping military and paramilitary agencies with over 50 operational vehicles, improving their operational capabilities. The administration has also directed for the recruitment of 2,000 hunters across 20 LGAs to assist in combating banditry and other crimes, contributing to Bauchi's reputation as one of Nigeria's most peaceful states.
The administration has focused on improving power supply at the Yankari Game reserve to promote tourism. Efforts include the development of infrastructure to attract tourists and investors, leveraging Bauchi's rich cultural heritage and natural attractions. Bauchi Metropolis and other urban centers are currently undergoing a Sola power project to improve security and visibility.
Governor Mohammed's government has fostered partnerships with international organizations, including the World Bank and UNICEF, People’s Republic of China , Canada Uk , United Arab Emirate etc to implement projects in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, enhancing the state's development trajectory.
To address housing deficits, the administration had already completed the construction of 2,500 housing units across six emirate councils. Environmental initiatives include a tree-planting campaign to combat desertification and a special sanitation exercise to maintain cleanliness and prevent outbreaks of disease .
Infrastructure development is a hallmark of Governor Mohammed's tenure. His administration has constructed over 1000 kilometers of roads, including significant projects such as:
- Burga to Yelwan Duguri (68.4 km) linking Tafawa Balewa and Alkaleri LGAs.
- Itas to Gadau (24.5 km).
- Azare , Misau ,Jama’are , Ningi and Dass Township Roads .
- Bauchi Township Roads
- Dualization of major roads, including Kano Airport road (22 km), Maiduguri road (14 km), and Jos road (12 km). Additionally, the ongoing construction of flyovers at Wunti and Central Market has improved urban mobility. These are in addition to so many RAAM road projects scattered across the State .
The administration has created an enabling environment for private sector investment, particularly in agriculture and mining. Partnerships with international investors, including Chinese firms, aim to harness Bauchi's natural resources, boosting economic growth.
Governor Mohammed's administration has successfully accessed funds from various donor agencies by fulfilling counterpart funding requirements. This has facilitated the implementation of projects in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, contributing to the state's development.
Governor Bala Mohammed's six-year tenure has been marked by strategic initiatives and impactful projects across multiple sectors. His administration's commitment to inclusive governance and sustainable development continues to transform Bauchi State, setting a benchmark for effective leadership in Nigeria.
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