Bauchi State, on Tuesday, February 3, marked its 50th anniversary with a week-long series of activities, as stakeholders commended Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed for what they described as transformative leadership since 2019.
The Golden Jubilee celebration, themed “Bauchi at 50: Honouring the Past; Building the Future,” featured a symbolic 50-tree planting exercise, sporting events, a state durbar, a public lecture and a grand finale gala and awards night.
The state, created in 1976 by the late Head of State, Gen. Murtala Mohammed, was described during the events as a symbol of resilience, unity and development over five decades.
Political analysts, Patrick PA Okon and Dr Agbo UJ Emmanuel, in a statement issued in Abuja, said the achievements recorded under Mohammed’s administration played a significant role in the mood of celebration across the state.
They noted that upon assuming office in 2019, the governor inherited financial and infrastructural challenges, including a reported N100bn loan portfolio comprising Paris Club refunds, budget support facilities, bailout funds and foreign loans, as well as accumulated liabilities and deficits in critical sectors.
According to them, the administration launched “The Bauchi Project,” aimed at improving living standards and positioning the state among the top economically viable and socially developed states in the country.
They cited ongoing infrastructure projects in the state capital and across local government areas, including road construction and rehabilitation, flyovers and bypasses designed to ease traffic congestion.
“They also referenced the establishment of the Bauchi Road Traffic Agency and the introduction of mass transit buses under the Yankari Express Corporation.
In agriculture, the analysts highlighted the N18bn Tiamin Rice Project, which they said has the capacity to process about 1,500 tonnes of rice daily and create over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs when fully operational.
They added that the government had invested in healthcare upgrades, provision of medical equipment and essential drugs, alongside health awareness campaigns.
On education, they said the administration improved school infrastructure, trained teachers, paid counterpart funding and supported students through scholarships and payment of examination fees, leading to improved performance in WAEC and NECO examinations.
The analysts further pointed to increased pilgrimage sponsorships and engagement with religious leaders as part of efforts to promote interfaith harmony in the state.
They also cited developments at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, noting that airlines such as Aero Contractors, Max Air, ValueJet and Rano Air had operated flights connecting Bauchi to Abuja and other destinations in recent years.
According to them, investments in tourism and natural resource exploration, including activities linked to the Kolmani oil field and the Gwana cement plant, are expected to boost commerce and attract investors.
While commending the governor’s stance on governance, the analysts said Mohammed had faced political pressures but maintained that leaders must take responsibility for their decisions.
The anniversary events concluded with calls from participants for sustained development efforts as the state enters its second half-century.
