Don’t Expect Failure from Mr. Project -Works and Transport Commissioner

WORKS AND TRANSPORT

♠ Leadership style of His Excellency:
I usually say it and I will repeat it that Senator Bala Mohammed has succeeded where great men with less abilities would have failed. On several occasions if you have seen his leadership style, it's quite different from the previous ones. Kaura has Bauchi in mind. Whatever he will do he will think of what Bauchi will benefit first, what Bauchi people will benefit before putting his own interest. So he will never mind whatever he has he will give it to the people to make sure that their welfare have been achieved. A man with this type of leadership style will instill discipline. You will not expect any failure from him. Whatever he says and whatever he puts in mind that he will do God usually backs his mission and in the end you see him achieving what he is doing.

♠ His passion for road infrastructure:
The visionary leader has so many experiences and he uses such experiences he gained in Abuja and other parts of the country to apply to Bauchi State. That is why he has achieved a lot in terms of infrastructural development. His inception into governance of this state has led to great changes in the infrastructure development in the state.

♠ Payment of contractors:
We have continued building roads in Bauchi state. Before any contractor starts work, we usually give them 18 dry months and 30 percent down payment. Before going reaching half of the project, we give them another 30 percent and then before they complete the project, we pay them the remaining 40 percent. With this strategy of paying contractors, His Excellency is usually not owing any contractors.

♠ The ongoing flyover project is dear to the Gov:
The construction of flyovers in Bauchi state capital is first. Though there are other road projects that have been embarked on which directly touch the hearts of the rural people. A Chinese proverbs says if you want a business then construct a road. So the welfare of the people is being catered for by construction of roads in rural areas. However, the one that we are doing is beautifying and reducing collisions, reducing accidents, and giving way to pedestrians. We hope when this flyover is completed, I am sure people will know what Kaura meant.

♠ Why Kaura completed his predecessor's abandoned projects:
As I said earlier, he hasa heartforthe people of Bauchi State. Abandoning project is not a good way. There was a project abandoned by one Gerawa company, from Company Kutare, down to Kuba, down to Ganjuwa and Kirfi local government. When we were having a meeting with the governor he thought over it and told me to go and find out what is wrong with the contract because it was about to be completed by August 2020. By then he was just a year in office and the project was abandoned. Last month he has asked me to go and find out what is wrong with that contract. I went with a team of engineers and assessed the road and found that a lot of things went wrong. Now he is on his feet that the contractor must come and explain why he abandoned that project. This shows that Kaura has peoplein mind.

♠ Road construction, compensation and demolition:
There was a time we were about to pay people of Wunti, the place where we wanted to construct the flyover, when a certain amount was taken to the governor, he looked at the amount and said no its too small for those peole to be asked to leave that place. It will not give them time to feed their family and it may also affect their business. What he did was that he asked us to multiply the amount by three. So if you are to get N30 million for instance, we will give you N90 million. So lots of people have enjoyed it although most of the people are not the actual occupants of the shops. We paid the landlords and the tenants and with this a lot of things were cleared and the compensation was successful.

Humanitarian Affairs & Disaster management Commissioner

HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS

One of the major achievements of His Excellency is the creation of the Ministry of Humanitarian and Disaster Management as a response to a myriad of humanitarian and disaster issues in the state. No doubt, Bauchi State being one of the most peaceful states in the North, particularly in the Northeast has received an upsurge in the influx of people from neighbouring states. This has overstretched the services availabletothe residents of the state. In most cases, Bauchi has always borne the brunt of disasters from other places due to the relative peace enjoyed in the state.

In 2023, the administration of Bala Mohammed created the new ministry to fill the gaps. One year later, tremendous achievements have been recorded where hundreds of thousands of people in the state and other places have benefited from the laudable projects and programmes of the Governor in the ministry.

For instance, the government distributed 88,889 bags of 25kg of rice to the citizenry as a post¬subsidy removal palliative. The government released N2 billion for the purchase of the commodity for distribution to different groups in the society.

The civil servants, through the Office of the Head of Service, got 5,000 bags. 2000 bags were distributed to the vulnerable groups. Critical stakeholders, which include the traditional institution, religious groups, security agencies and quasi-security got about 11,000 bags. At the local government level, civil servants through the union got 5,000 bags.

Each polling unit across the 323 wards in the state got 12 bags, amounting to about 65,000 bags in all. Also, N10,000 was distributed to 3,484 orphans and vulnerable children, 11,000 women, especially widows, people living with disabilities, the poorand aged, totalling about N300 million.
Similarly, in March this year, the Bala Mohammed administration dolled out 110,000 bags of food items as Ramadan Palliative. The food items were shared across groups in the 20 local government areas of the state. The items include; 40,000 bags of Maize, 40,000 bags of millet, 20,000 bags of rice, and 10,000 bags of Sugar.

Also, the Kaura government provided sucour to victims of attacks and crises by creating IDP camps. Some victims of attacks in Mangu, Barki Ladi and Bokkos in Plateau State were camped in Boto, Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area. Others were camps in different places of Toro local government area.

The Mohammed administration provided food and non-food items to over 7,000 of them. On the welfare of the civil servants, it released over N800million to retirees for the payment of gratuities as part of measures to cushion the effects of subsidy removal.

Kaura has a Strong Sense of Empathy -Cooperatives and SMEs Commissioner

COOPERATIVES AND SMEs

Working with His excellency, the people's governor, has been an enriching experience, and I have learnt several valuable lessons during this time. One of the most important lessons I have learnt the significance of e ff e c ti v e leadership.

Witnessing his leadership style and approach has taught me the importance of leading with integrity, empathy, and a clear vision. Secondly, working alongside His excellency, I have observed the genuine dedication and commitment he has towards serving the people of Bauchi state and making a difference in their lives. This has inspired me to prioritize the greater good and contribute to my state in meaningful ways. Furthermore, His Excellency, has taught me the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. I have witnessed how he has navigated through difficult situations with grace and determination, never losing sight of the ultimate goal, that is serving the people of Bauchi state. This has taught me the value of perseverance and resilience in achieving longterm success.

♠ His Excellency's leadership qualities:
His Excellency possesses several leadership qualities and a unique leadership style that set him apart from others. He hasa clearand inspiringvision for the state, and he effectively communicates this vision to the public through his unprecedented infrastructural development, economic development, social and human capital developmentthat have been taking place acrossthe state over the last five years that the state has never seen before.

My governor's leadership is marked by a strong sense of empathy. He genuinely cares about the well-being of the people he serves and takes the time to listen to their concerns and needs. This empathetic approach enables him to make decisions that prioritize the welfare of the community, creating a sense of trust and connection.

His excellency consistently demonstrates honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior in his actions and decision making. This unwavering commitment to integrity fosters trust and confidence among the public and his team, enhancing his effectiveness as a leader.

♠ Achievements as a Ministry:
His Excellency's economic empowerment policies has not only empowered local businesses but has also created avenues for job creation and economic growth among the beneficiaries. We are particularly delighted with his focus on enhancing commercial activities through the distribution of KEKE NAPEP and buses to support SMEs. He understands fully that SME's are the bedrock of any prosperous state. His excellency has also worked hard towards creating a favorable business environment for SMEs by reducing bureaucratic hurdles, streamlining regulations, and implementing policies that encourage entrepreneurship and innovation. As a state we are ranked 6th and with current economic development taking place in the state before the end of our tenure, I strongly believe that we will be aimingforthetopspotasa state.

His Excellency has supported us through the implementation of programs to enhance the skills and capabilities of SME owners and employees. This involves providing numerous training programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities to improve their business acumen and competitiveness.

Through his famous KEEP empowerment program, he has provided thousands of tailoring machines to help and support women in all the 20 local governments across the state. He has given them grant and opportunities to support new startups and scale up existing businesses.

♠ Kaura Economic Empowerment Programme (KEEP):
His Excellency the Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed in his electioneering campaign promised to empower the youths whom he alleged the previous governments had turned into thugs. The Governor did not only focus on infrastructure development but also invested hugely in the area of human capital development to achieve his mantra UMyBauchiProject.

The government since its inception in 2019, has implemented various programmes to support unemployed youths in acquiring valuable skills. Training programmes in welding, animal traction, poultry production, ICT, and other areas have been conducted in collaboration with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF). These initiatives aimed at equipping young people with the necessary skills to engage in productive activities and become self-reliant.

Furthermore, the government has provided alternative means of livelihood for youth by procuring and delivering 1,000 commercial tricycles as a substitute for banned commercial motorcycle businesses. Additionally, commercial cars have been distributed to members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), further empowering individuals in the transportation sector.

The Kaura Economic Empowerment Programme (KEEP) has also played a significant role in disbursing cash and starter packs worth N75 million in each of the 18 Local Government Areas while Bauchi and Katagum LGAs benefitted with over N150 million each. This initiative has provided financial support to individuals and communities, fostering economic growth and development at the grassroots level.

Under the Bauchi State Commission for Youth and Women Rehabilitation and Development; 779 youths and women were engaged in the Kaura Sanitation Programme in 12 communities in Bauchi metropolis from 2019-2022. Also, 500 youth and women were engaged in vocational training in ICT in Bauchi South. Collaboration with Aliko Dangote Foundation to empower women 20,000 across 20 LGA.

Gov. Mohammed has Opened a lot of Opportunities for Investments -Commerce and Industry Commissioner

COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

♠ Leadership qualities of style of His Excellency:
We appreciate the efforts and commitments of His Excellency, our Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, Kauran Bauchi, who has a very clear vision, programmes and policies that guide the affairs of Bauchi State. His policies are about agriculture, about health, about infrastructure, about industrialization and so on and so forth. To this end, he has performed remarkably well and the good people of Bauchi State are very appreciative of this his kind of leadership.

The prospectus for the North-East Domestic Trade Fair was just unveiled and was graced by the six governors in the subregion and it was a great event. God also enabled us and we witnessed the opening of the North-East Joint Domes tic Trade Fair.

♠ His Excellency's achievements in Commerce and Industry:
His Excellency has opened up a lot of opportunities for investments for commercialization and to this end, there are a lot of opportunities for partnership with foreign investors. Just recently, he traveled to China and he met with the Shandong Chinese Provincial Leaders and Molls were signed on Strategic Corporation framework which is going to open up a lot of opportunities for our teeming entrepreneurs in Bauchi State.

And to this end, so many multinationals from the Chinese government have started indicating interest in doing business with Bauchi State especially the CCECC who are into construction are already here in Bauchi State and have started a lot of work for Baucho State and it is skills transfer, technology transfer and knowledge transfer. The people of Bauchi State are benefitting from this kind of relationship. And not just that, the Meshang Group, a very large multinational which into solid minerals and exploration are already here; and it is going to be a mutually beneficial partnership between the Chinese government and Bauchi State.

♠ What I've learned working with His Excellency:
I've learned to be disciplined, I've learned to be tolerant, I've learned to be upright and I have learned to show commitment in my place of work. I have also learned from His Excellency, how to be diligent and somebody that is honest in carrying out his duties and responsibilities.

N2.2bn Spent to Upgrade State-owned -Information And Communications Commissioner

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION

My ministry is saddled with the responsibility, besides being the mouthpiece of the government, ours is to inform, educate mobilize and enlighten the people on the policies of government. That we've been doing since I assumed office as commissioner on the 18th of August 2024. But even before my assumption of office, tremendous amount of money was spent on the Bauchi Radio Corporation BRC and Bauchi Television, BATV. These are the two outfits that are under the Ministry of Information and Communication being the mouth piece and image maker of the State. I received tremendous support from the governor. And in order to function effectively and make sure that we compete with our peers across the country, His Excellency invested heavily in the state -owned media, broadcast corporation, the Bauchi Radio Corporation BRC and the Bauchi State Television (BATV) where he approved and released so that there will be total upgrade of the two stations. The BRC is to be overhauled and upgraded especially the A.M station and the intervention of BATV phase one of the project. We have phase one, and all the components have arrived - 80 percent and in no distant time, we received all components and at the end of the day we look forward to the commissioning of the digitalization process.

With the amount released by His Excellency, I am assuring you, the entire studio has been overhauled and made to a global standard. He was there some weeks back. He inspected the project and he spoke affirmatively on what really transpired. The next thing is the BRC which I told you is the phase one. We must appreciate that besides these monumental achievements of his Excellency, which is anchored on purposeful leadership, we must say here that we have series of efforts that are being put in place to make sure that those who are saddled with the responsibilities are equally prepared. As far as we are concerned, we must appreciate him for these giants strides and what he has done and we are looking forward to the arrival of these components so that the dream. The expectation of people of Bauchi state to have their own radio station functioning effectively and the BATV that we are looking forward to seeing that from here to South Africa when it gets to satellite people will certainly appreciate. As far as we are concerned, His Excellency has done everything for us.

We have a conviction that when these two stations are fully put in place by the grace of God, we will now make sure that those saddled with the responsibilities, the General Manager of BATV and the General Manager of BRC are taken to task so that they come up with initiatives that will help in the area of revenue generation. When things are put in place they will see this as a responsibility binding on them so that most of these things will be off the government and certainly the governor will appreciate it.

♠ Media Houses -Information Commissioner:
Money spent on upgrading and digilitsation in the phase I and II We have spent up to the tune of N2.2 billion. If a governor will just take such an amount and sink into outfits such as these, it goes to show his desire to make sure that the Ministry is given the latitude to continue with the good work of enlightening and mobilizing the good people of the state.

♠ Welfare of the workers:
Recently when he saw that hardship was all over the state he decided to give every worker N10, 000 and that is something everybody must appreciate. The palliative is another thing he did. The workers are not left out. When you talk about welfare you must see howthe Governor has been involvingthe trade union leaders in his activities. Every committee that is constituted at the level of the state, the Governor makes sure that labour leaders are included. So that is enough to tell you that the issue of welfare is adequately taken care of and he has never left any trade union at bay.

♠ Final word:
People should dispel with a wave of the hand the insinuation that the Governor is giving projects for personal aggrandizement. People should understand that without development we cannot move an inch. Therefore, we must rally round as individuals and make sure that we give him the support. So I call on the good people of Bauchi to stay away from those whose stock in trade is to cajole and malign him, they should see and appreciate what His Excellency is doing to develop Bauchi State for our common good. A leader must be supported in all ramifications, and that is the only thing that we must do to ensure that good things continue to come to us. So I am praying for him too.