H/E Sen. Bala A. Mohammed a Great Achiever, Leader and Motivator

It is often rare for public officials in Nigeria to get accolade. This is because often times the majority of citizens do not feel the connect between their public officials and their daily lives by way of the official in question being there for them, when they are needed. Many of our people would normally say that the average Minister or Permanent Secretary is in position for himself and his family and may be a few lucky friends and associate of the person in question. Also, the public view is that the average citizen does not feel the impact of the stewardship of these officials, and therefore, they care less about who they are or what they do or are doing.

His Excellency. Sen. Bala A. Mohammed started off as Governor of Bauchi state from a background of rich experience in governance and lawmaking. These experience(s), armed him with the requisite capacity and wherewithal to initiate and reforms policies that will forever change the face of Bauchi state for good. Coming into power when the country faced serious economic downturn, with many states relying heavily on the excuse of paucity of funds not to perform, Gov. Bala Mohammed had every justification to join bandwagon of non performing governors and hide under the excuse of paucity of funds to deny the good people of Bauchi state, dividend of democracy. But as a committed reformer with an unflagging love for his people and the state, he worked tirelessly to embrace innovative ideas that has today transformed Bauchi state into the focal point of good governance in Nigeria.

The project breakdown as shown below, it's a distribution between the urban and rural areas of the state, equally portrays the Governor as an equitable leader who is passionately connected to the plight of every Bauchi citizen without regard to their social statuses, places of residence and local council of Origins.
The projects includes the construction of 6.25km Sabon Kaura -Jas road, 4.4Km Gombe By-pass road, 1.1km Muda Lawan Market dual carriage road and the 1.8km Yakubun Bauchi link road. Others under construction are the 1.8 km Tafawa Balewa Road and the 15 km Hospital Road projects, 16Km Sade Akuyam Road which links Darazo and 8.4 Km Yelwan Duguri Tora -Badaran Dutse, both in Southern and Central Senatorial districts, respectively In just two years of his administration, Gov. Bala Mohammed proved his mettle, and reinvigorated the waning hope of not just Bauchi state people alone but the intactness of the Nigerian people in the political class. By constructing and rehabilitating 199.7 kilometers of Township and inter-city roads in These projects and the construction of another 1. township roads in Bauchi metropolis are at 90 percent completion, Gidado said.

Other ongoing road projects by the present administration are: 3km Bununu Township Road in Tafawa Balewa LGA, 2.65 Sade Bauchi State. This unrivaled achievement which came as the fulfillment of the Governor's township road in Darazo LGA, 1.65km Disina township road with flood control project and drainage system by Bauchi State Project, a blueprint he enunciated during his Inanuguration 2019. furthermore The 13.5 km Warji-Gwaram road project links Bauchi State with Jigawa state, while the 11.6km Bogoro to Lusa and Malar as well as the 11.2km Boi to Tapshin road projects links communities in the two LGAs of Bogoro and Tafawa Balewa with Plateau State.
The present administration has also dualized the 17.7 km Giwo Academy to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Airport and the 7km Awalah roundabout- Adamu Jumba Road linking DogonYaro roundabout and Zaranda Hotel. The 24.5km Itas to Gadau linking the two major cities in Itas Gadau LGA and the 15km Arinja- Balma as well as the 2.5km Nasaru township road were On health, about 43 PHC facilities were also under construction renovated, while 204 PHCs spread across 10 out of the 20 local government areas, where There is also a verifiable evidence that upgraded and stocked with medical hundreds af kilometres of road projects are currently ongoing or completed in rural World Bank, respectively communities designed to open up the state, link communities and ease the movement of consumables in collaboration with UNICEF. So also On education, the led administration of Bala Muhammad constructed 238 new classroom blocks and renovated 406 classrooms with school furnitures worth N5billion in his administration in collaboration with Universal Basic Education Comission.

For providing portable Water supply, He has demonstrated this commitment to making clean water available and affordable to every Bauchi Citizen. The Government is also negotiating a public community in the state by embarking on the construction of 1,120 Boreholes across the State. The breakdown includes about Galambi Cattle Ranch, 143 Dairy Farms, Madangala boreholes in Dambam Local Government, Ttere is 120 Boreholea in Giade, there is 109 Boreholes in Meat Products Company alone.
The state government is collaborating with Matli Holdings Group To cater for the housing needs of its Citizens more than South African conglomerate, in revamping seven million population. Gov. Mohammed these entities and attracting investors into the initiated the New Bauchi City. involving the state's agriculture, education, health and construction of 2,500 housing units of 3 and 2 bedrooms flats across the state. This applaudable project above has prormpted The Nigerian News, after a strenuous selection process, to honour Gov. Bala Mohammed for building a befitting Government House in Bauchi at a cost of N6.2 billion to leave good legacy and landmark for Bauchi state, as Infrastructure Governor of the year. It is an honour well deserved and we believe it will spur the Governor to use his remaining years to establish more Among facilties in the new Government House infrastructural projects for the benefit of the good people of Bauchi state.
The projects of new government House are the International Confrence Centre, the Governor's Residence and the Residence of Key Staff, for successive government and people of the State.

THE KEY AREAS ON WHICH THE H/E SEN. BALA MOHAMMED ADMINISTRATION BASED ITS INTERVENTIONIST AGENDA ARE

• Infrastructure
• Education
• Health
• Economy
• Security
• Agriculture
• Water Supply
• Power

In all the above-mentioned areas, where we are today cannot be compared with where we used to be before the emergence of Sen. Bala Muhammad as the Executive Governor of Bauchi State. Bauchi state in the past, had been badly affected by infrastructural deficit. Roads across the state have been in a very dilapidated condition, resulting to casualties on daily basis as well as loss of millions of naira due to inability of farmers in rural areas to transport their farm products to the market.
Schools and hospitals have been in a poor condition, thereby making it impossible for the children of a common man to enjoy the sweetness of basic knowledge and also have access to proper health care. In just two years, the present administration of Sen. Bala has changed the narrative. The Sen. Bala Muhammad administration has today outshined the previous administration in terms of record of achievements.

Fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the electorates within such a short period, this has been impossible for many governments. This is just the beginning, and it has so far started well enough. Facts speak for themselves and that is what I present at this auspicious season of the 2nd anniversary of the Sen. Bala Muhammad administration. To whoever tries to deny, distort or deride them, facts are firm, clear, undeniable, and underidable. Attached below are some of the major achievements recorded under the Sen.Bala Muhammad administration within its first two (2) years.
(INFRASTRACTURE)

ROADS

The Sen. Bala Muhammad administration has demonstrated a single-minded commitment to upgrading and developing Bauchi State's Transportation, Health and Educational infrastructure. In just two years, the Sen. Bala Muhammad administration has succeeded in constructing more than 40 roads across the state with the total sum of 286.7 kilometers already completed while others are still on progress.
♠ The list of some of the major road projects are as follows:

• Rehabilitation of CBN Roundabout - Railway Roundabout (Completed)
• Dualization of Awalah - Gidan Mai - Miri (on progress)
• Sabon Kaura - Miri (Completed)
• Gombe Road - Maiduguri Road (Completed)
• Yakubun Bauchi Road - Raji Quarters (Completed)
• Rehabilitation of Muda Lawal Market Road (Completed)
• Muda Lawal - Bakin Kura (Completed)
• Bakin Kura - Malam Goje (Completed)
• Gidan Alkali - Bakaro ( Completed)
• Bakaro - Tudun Yarima - Kofar Dumi (Completed)
• Behind Federal Secretariat (On progress)
• Rehabilitation of Karofi Road (on progress)
• Shagari - Railway Gate (On progress)
• Zonal Office - Saleh Saleh (On progress)
• Rehabilitation of Gidan Mai - Fire Service (On progress)
• Dualization of Dogon Yaro - Zaranda Hotel (On progress)
• AYM Shafa - Ahmadu Bello Way (On progress)
• Gubi Dam access Road
• Central Market - Makera (Awarded)
• Bayan Bata - Kobi Street ( Awarded)

OTHERS INCLUDE

• Tafawa Balewa Road, Azare
• Jama'are Bye Pass
• Sade - Akuyam, Misau
• Burga - Yelwan Duguri
• Itas - Gadau
• Hospital Road, Azare
• G.R.A Road, Azare
• Arinja - Balma & Nasaru, Ningi
• Warji - Gwaram
• Bogoro - Lusa
• Boi - Tapshin, Tafawa Balewa
• Disina Township Road, Shira
• Jama'are - Shira Road
• Mararraban Ganye - Gwalpada Road, Toro
• Sule Katagum Road, Azare
• Misau - Bulkachuwa - Udubo - Gamawa...To mention but a few.
The above mentioned roads will boost the state's economy as well as add outstanding infrastructural framework In the state. The roads will however curb the challenges of influx of water from heavy downpour in some areas and also the unavailability of access roads for easy transportation of farm products in the rural areas. They will as well address issue of congestion around the state capital.

EDUCATION

The Sen. Bala Muhammad administration has in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission and the Northern Education Initiative Plus (NEI+) succeeded in wearing a new look on our schools. In two years times, the state government has awarded contracts for the construction of 238 and Renovation of 406 primary and secondary schools.
♠ Some of the major contracts include:

• Renovation of Baba Sidi primary School
• Renovation of Dutsen Tianshi Primary school
• Renovation of GDSS Zannuwa
• Renovation of Dawaki Primary School
• Renovation of GDSS Kofar Wambai
• Renovation of GJSS Fadamar Mada
• Renovation of GDSS Shadawanka Barrack
• Renovation of Special School Kafin Madaki
• Construction of Northeast Model School
• Renovation of Wandi primary School, Dass
• Construction of Aminu Sale primary school Azare
• Rehabilitation of JAWO primary school Giade
• Drilling and Installation of Boreholes and overhead tanks in Sandi Galau
• Construction of Demo toilets in Schools
• Renovation of JSS Sakuwa
• Construction of Model Primary School Duguri...
To mention them all will cost us a day or more. Education has been a top priority of the Sen. Bala Muhammad administration. The Education sector is now undergoing radical transformation.
♠ Beside Infrastructural achievements, Other achievements recorded in the sector include:

• Introduction of biometric capture to monitor staff attendance and punctuality
• Establishment of Oil and Gas Institute in Alkaleri
• Food monitors were deployed to supervise feeding in schools from store to kitchen
• Payment of liabilities and the 2020 West African Examination Council (WAEC) fees for Bauchi State indegenes
• Admission of 80 orphans and vulnerable students into Giwo Science Academy
• Merging of the Bauchi State Collage of Agriculture with Sa'adu Zungur State University
• Upgrading of Aliko Dangote College on Nursing Science
• Partnership with Management of Baze University to offer 75% discount to all students enrolled into the university by the Bauchi State Government
• Engagement of 13 fresh graduates of Master's degree from Czech Republic with Agric related disciplines to the Bauchi State College of Agriculture
• Disbursement of N500,000 each to 1,320 school based management committee as grants
• Training of 1,200 science teachers on the approved contests of core science subjects
• Subsidization of government primary and secondary schools tuition fees across the state
• Distribution of learning materials worth over 53million Naira to the Local Government Education Authorities
• Purchase of 17,466 unit of furniture for equipment of the newly constructed and renovated schools
• Supporting the Better Education Service Delivery (BESDA) programmes aimed at tackling the level of illiteracy in the state
• Construction of 3 model schools in the state
• Total of 94,000 SC have been enrolled into the 940 learning centres identified
• Temporary employment and posting of teachers to teach in line with the BESDA programmes guidelines

HEALTH

Health sector is one of the most important sectors and has also been given due consideration by the Sen. Bala Muhammad Administration. The Bala administration sought a stronger collaboration with the World health Organization and more than 10 National and International Developmental Partners to ensure the transformation of this sector. Infrastructural achievements in the health sector include Renovation of 6 General Hospitals, 126 Primary health care centres and construction of 12 new hospitals.
♠ Some of them are as follows:

• Renovation of Alkaleri General Hospital in partnership with UBA
• Renovation of General Hospital Dass
• Donation of Ambulance to Mashema PHC
• Renovation of General Hospital Toro
• Construction of Dental Center, Toro
• Donation of Ambulance to Garin na Allah PHC
• Construction of Special Isolation centre and laboratory in response to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic
• Renovation of Primary Health Care Center, Duguri
• Renovation of PHCC Nasarawa
• Renovation of PHCC Kofar Dumi
• Donation of Ambulance to Kafin Madaki General Hospital
• Renovation of Staff accommodation in PHC's across the 3 Senatorial zones
• Construction of Demo Toilets in PHCCs
• Renovation of 150 Maternity Complexes across the rural areas

♠ Other achievements In the Health sector include:
• Revision of Minimum service package to ensure provision of health care services in every ward
• Payment of N399million budgeted for basket fund contribution
• Enrollment of 200,000 vulnerable into healthcare insurance under the Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF)
• Signing of MoU with African DevelopmentBank for total renovation of Primary Health Care Centers in each of the Three Senatorial zones
• Nigeria State Health Investment Project (NSHIP) was initiated to increase service delivery and use of high impact maternal and child health interventions
• 1.1 billion performance subsidy in response to the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic
• Training of over 500 health workers in waste management

ECONOMY

The Sen. Bala Muhammad administration in an effort to revitalize the dwindling economy of the state has came up with Initiatives such as the Kaura Economic Empowerment Programme under which 251 buses and 1000 Keke Napep were distributed across the state. The Sen. Bala Muhammad administration has also created an enabling environment for foreign investors and developmental partners to exploit the potentials of the state. This is with a view to reduce the state's over dependence on Federal Allocation and to boost the state's internally generated revenue as well as provide job to teeming unemployed youth in the state.
♠ Achievements in this sector include:

• Construction of new Kaura G.S.M Village
• Partnership with Tiamin Rice Mills to invest in Rice Production
• Partnership with K.K Kingdom for Construction of Kaura Mega City
• Partnership with HONEST TECH NIG LTD for Remodeling of Zaranda Hotel to international standard, Construction of Kaura International Modern Market Muda Lawal, Gubi Dam Resort and Upgrade of the Bauchi Polo field
• Partnership with SAHAD STORES L.T.D for Construction of modern super market in Bauchi
• Partnership with Kuwait Government for investment in mining operations in Bauchi
• Partnership with the National Investment Promotion Commission for revival of the state's business sector
• Partnership with International Skill acquisition Center to train young men and women in the areas of entrepreneurship to enhance productivity

SECURITY

The Sen. Bala Muhammad administration is comitted to ensuring the security of lives and properties of the citizens of Bauchi. In view of this, the administration donated (50) brand new Hilux vans to all the security outfits in the state to enhance their operations. The administration has also engaged the services of local vigilantes and the anti-social vices (Yan Committee) to help curtail security challenges around local communities in the state.

AGRICULTURE

Successes recorded in this sector within two years of the Sen. Bala Muhammad Administration include:

• Launching of Agricultural policy document
• Provision of 600 metric tonne of fertilizer at affordable price
• Collaboration with Federal Ministry of Agriculture for livestock transformation plan
• Training of more than 2000 youth on mechanized farming establishment
• Empowerment of farmers with agricultural tools
• Partnership with CBN to support the state's agri-policy especially in reviving grazing reserves
• Partnership with UMZA Agricultural Farming LTD to boost rice and sugarcane production in the state

WATER SUPPLY

In an effort to boost water supply across the state, the present administration has reviewed theMoU signed by the previous administration to boost water supply.
Through this, the following achievements have been recorded.

• $6.5 million rehabilitation and expansion of water supply facilities
• Re-visit of Kafin Zaki dam
• ProvidedN100 million for short time water sufficiency plan
• Digging of 10,000 hand-pump boreholes and overhead tanks across the rural areas
• Extension of 60km main distribution network
• Expansion of conventional water treatment plant
• Construction of 7,000 cubic meter concrete reservoir at Buzaye hill
• Construction of 500mm transmission mains from Gubi Dam junction to reservoir at Buzaye hills
• Replacement of 50km mains distribution network and Installation of bulk meters
• Construction of huge G.R.A reservoir

POWER

Under this sector the Sen. Bala Muhammad has suceeded in achieving the following:

• Rimin Zayam electrification
• Rehabilitation of electricity in Nasaru
• Rehabilitation of electricity in Takanda
• Rehabilitation of Electricity in Sade
• Installation of transformers across the rural and urban areas

HOUSING

Housing projects in the state had been left far behind, there was no any reasonable delivery in this sector In the past years. To change the narrative, the Sen. Bala Muhammad administration is partnering with the Family Home Funds, a subsidiary of the Federal Ministry of Finance in the construction of 2,500 housing units across the six emirates. This will however bring a lasting solution to the issue of housing deficit. The housing projects have so far reached completion stage and will soon be given out to poor beneficiaries.
♠ The houses will be distributed accordingly as stated below:

• Bauchi - 1,500units
• Katagum - 350 units
• Misau - 250 units
• Ningi - 200 units
• Dass - 100 units
• Jama'are - 100 units
• Moreover, the Sen. Bala Muhammad administration has also embarked on the construction of another 456 housing units inside the Bauchi Old airport.

SANITATION OF PAYROLL

The Sen. Bala Muhammad has removed 715 ghost workers from the state government's payroll in its effort to tackle fraud and sanitize the state's payroll. It has also facilitated the arrest of Five staff of the Bauchi state local government pension board over pension scam.
This is indeed a gaint stride towards bringing an end to the usual skyrocketing of the state's cumulative salary.

JUSTICE REFORMS

In other to ensure justice for all, the Sen Bala Muhammad administration has constituted a committee that will be receiving written and oral evidences of security and other forms of brutality by victims across the state. In similar vein, the administration has ensure the full implementation of the violence against persons prohibition law (VAPP) and domestication of child right act. This is to ensure the general welfare of women and children in the state.
♠ Other achievements recorded include:

• BAROTA
• Local Government Elections
• Curbing Immorality through HISBAH
• Payment of 6 months SUBEB workers salaries
• Renovation of 6 District Head Palaces
• Building of world-class Hajj camp
• Rehabilitation of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium
• Donation of 2 buses to Wikki Tourist Football Club
• Emergency interventions to victims of fire outbreak, flood and other natural disasters
• Signing of an Egyptian player to Wikki Tourist Football Club
• Boosting commerce and Tourism sector through flagging-off of daily commercial flight (Max air) from Bauchi to Abuja
• Remarking of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Airport Runway
• Environmental Conservation through building of waste disposal areas across the state capital
• Renovation of the Bauchi Government House and the State Government Lodge in Abuja
• Provision of cars to commissioners, Judges and Members of the State House of Assembly
• Maintaining cordial relationship between the Executive and the Legislative arm of government
• Youth and women inclusion in governance through the following appointments
- Hon Commissioner Ministry of Mines and Steel
- Hon Commissioner Ministry of Culture and Tourism
- Hon Commissioner Ministry of Commerce
- S.S.A Information And Communications Technology (ICT)
- S.S.A Project Monitoring
- S.S.A Empowerment
- S.A New Media
- S.A Students Affairs
- S.A Youth
- S.A Governor's office
• Financial and Non-Financial support to religious organizations which include building of Mosques, Churches and Provision of Vehicles
• Rehabilitation of Street lights
• Installation of Traffic lights
• Last but not the least is the ability of the Sen. Bala Muhammad administration to offer a listening ear to stakeholders from all the 20 local government areas where people are allowed to interact with the governor directly and forward to him what their people need from the government, as we have earlier witnessed during the just concluded Ramadan fast.

I will lift my pen here not because my ink had dried up, but because the panel of judges restricted me from writing above 3,000 words. At this juncture, I want to thank Governor Bala for his tireless efforts in ensuring the fulfillment of his campaign promises within short period of time. Indeed Gov. Bala is here with an amazing style which we have never witnessed in the past.

It is no longer news that the present administration has made tremendous achievements in almost every sector within its first two years. We the people of Bauchi can now proudly tell the world that we are enjoying the dividends of democracy in a more proper way.

As I had earlier said; to mention Gov Bala's achievements will cost one a day or more without reaching the end. This is just the beautiful beginning and at the end, Bauchi state will be one of the exemplary states in terms of developmental projects in Nigeria.

FCT MINISTERIAL ADMINISTRATION

Having served as a Senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial district and subsequently as Minister climed, who do not only remember by his administration, also there's exists social contract between the people and the government, but went further to demonstrate pragmatic commitment to honouring their own side of the agreement.

However, with His Excellency Sen. Bala A. Mohammed, these negative perception of the Nigerian public official collapses as in less than three years in office, it can be said with certainty and conviction that no one resident in the federal capital city, nay Nigeria, who does not know this man or come in contact with some of his noble policies and actions in his untiring efforts to leave a worthy legacy in the administration of the capital city. Though he was first appointed to the FCT ministerial portfolio in April 2010, by his good friend and boss, President Goodluck Jonathan based on his sterling qualities, there is a developing consensus that in that short time, this amiable gentleman and humanist has made a difference that future chroniclers of the progress of the FCT cannot ignore. It is widely believed that more than a politician, Senator Bala Mohammed, who hails from Bauchi State, and holds the title of Kauran Bauchi, is a man cut out for great achievements and the people of Bauchi State cannot wish for a better leader in waiting.

Senator Bala Mohammed was born on October 5th 1958 in Bauchi. He attended preparatory, primary and Secondary schools in Bauchi, and later proceeded to the popular University of Maiduguri in Borno State for his tertiary education, (1979-1982) and bagged the Bachelor of Arts, (B.A) degree in English. This is the reason for his articulacy and clear diction in public speaking. In 2007, after a number of eventful years during which he worked in the Federal Civil Service as an Administrative Officer in various places like Internal Affairs, Solid Minerals, Power and Steel, Aviation and the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), the brilliant Bala Mohammed was elected Senator, representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District of Bauchi State on the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). Between 2000- 2005, Bala Mohammed served his State in the position of a Senior Special Assistant to the Bauchi State governor, Alhaji Isa Yuguda.
At the National Assembly, his leadership qualities came into limelight as a leading Star. He was very popular among his fellow Senators and was generally liked on account of his honesty, purposefulness and eagerness to take care of his people. He is also known as a highly detribalised Nigerian whose friendship cuts across all parts of the country.
While at the National Assembly also, the EX-FCT Minister was known to have successfully tackled issues close to the heart of his people namely, water provision and sanitation, roads and infrastructure, health facilities, unemployment and the vexed social problem of street children otherwise known as almajiri, and there are visible results to show.

Since his appointment by President Jonathan as FCT Minister, the Abuja capital city has witnessed commendable changes in many areas. First, Senator Mohammed has kept faith and pursued vigorously the government’s agenda of restoring the Master plan of the Federal capital which was bastardised by unscrupulous persons in the process of making quick money through land speculation. Second, and related to this is the maintenance and upgrade of the registry of lands in the Federal Capital Territory through the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS). Third, as a morally concerned individual, the Minister has worked hard to rid the city of destitute, beggars and women of easy virtue, and while doing these, those concerned has been rehabilitated through training in skills of their choice and free monetary grant to enable them set up small businesses.
Four, Senator Mohammed has revolutionised the hitherto herculean task of garbage collection and disposal within the territory. Many residents of the city now say that never before in the history of the FCT have refuse collection and disposal been done so efficiently. This is not surprising considering the Bala Mohammed's keen interest in sanitation and healthy living. Five, due to his hardwork, residents of the FCT now enjoy regular water supply a fit, some of his aides say will soon be extended to the various Area Councils in the territory.

Six, though an indigene of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed has revamped the administration of the Area Councils to serve the indigenes better. The result is that he is not only appreciated but trusted by the indigenous people who see him as their own. The implication is that the people of Bauchi State have to be on guard before the tribes of the FCT snatch the result- oriented Minister. Seven, under Bala Mohammed, the FCT administration has been re-organised for best results. Recently, EX-President, Jonathan granted the request of the Minister for the creation of four additional departments in the FCT administration. This is for the purpose of increased service delivery to the residents of the territory.
Yet, another issue on which the Bala Mohammed administration in the FCT was set to tackle the emerging traffic gridlock in the capital city. More roads including bypasses were being constructed while the busy Abuja- Keffi road will soon have an additional lane to ease congestion. The transport and traffic problems emerging in the territory are the results of the increase in population as well as economic activities in the FCT.

Nine, Senator Mohammed has improved education in the territory. Government- owned schools in the FCT in many ways are better than the hitherto famed privately- owned ones as the Schools have under gone infrastructural improvement and are ICT- compliant. Teachers welfare is taking care of and qualified ones are in abundance in all the schools. The result is that the FCT now performs brilliantly in both WASC and NECO examinations at a time that the overall performance nationwide is poor. Recently, FCT representatives to the just- concluded NNPC National Quiz Competition emerged tops defeating other States of the Federation.
Ten, Senator Mohammed has big plans for tertiary education in the territory. Aside his numerous support and cooperation with existing Federal institutions in the territory, the action Minister has commenced the building of an FCT University of Science and Technology to ensure that young people in the territory do not lack chances for higher education. It is expected that this University will admit its first set of students later this year.

Following from the above, one can see that Senator Bala Mohammed is one Nigerian of this generation whose zeal for work is huge and whose record of results is such that can transform society for the better. The secret of his person according to one informed commentator who has observed him over time are his humility, rare leadership qualities, his openness and above all, his listening ear to all and sundry. And politically, he an invaluable asset to the ruling People Democratic Party (PDP) both in the FCT and in his native Bauchi. He is a man to watch in the years ahead.