By Samuel Luka

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State on Friday described the commissioning of projects in Bogoro Local Government as a “significant milestone” in deepening democracy and grassroots development in the state.  

Speaking at the event held in Bogoro LGA, the governor said the successful execution of the projects reflects his administration’s commitment to creating a conducive atmosphere for all local government councils to operate at maximum capacity. 

Represented by the Hon. Commissioner ministry of Justice, Hassan El-Yakub, the Governor noted that Bauchi was among the first states to comply with the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy.  


“It is a very good development for our country and for our dear state,” Mohammed said. “Within the last 7 to 8 years, the state has been witnessing rapid transformation, brought about by numerous developmental projects being executed by this administration.”  

The governor commended what he called the “bold and courageous steps” in the creation of additional chiefdoms, adding that speakers at the event attested to how the move has improved peace, security and overall development.  

He also lauded the Executive Chairman of Bogoro, Hon. Lawi Sumi, describing him as “a real gem, a humble gentleman par excellence” and “one of the best, a very resourceful and hardworking technocrat” among local government leaders.  

Earlier speaking, the LG Chairman, Surv. Lawi Yakubu Sumi listed the completed projects to include the renovation of the chairman’s official residence, purchase and conversion of a guest house, construction of market sheds at Kalambu and Gobbiya, reinforcement of a major bridge, and rehabilitation of 127 boreholes.  

On the chairman’s residence, Sumi said previous administrations overlooked it because the LGA headquarters is distant from many villages. 

“This house had been dilapidated for some time, but I saw it is important that the chairman should stay in the local government. It makes governance more effective,” he said.  

To cut costs, the council converted a purchased building into a guest house for visiting officials. In commerce, new sheds were built at the cattle market in Kalambu and the Gobbiya animal market, a major revenue source. The council also reinforced a collapsing bridge linking Tafawa, Bogoro and other communities.  

On water supply, Sumi said 127 boreholes that were non-functional when they assumed office have now been repaired. 

“We assigned our councilors and gave them an advance to ensure all boreholes were put in order, and that was done,” he added.  

The Gungzaar of Zaar Chiefdom, His Royal Majesty Marcus Kokko Yake, represented by the District Head of Bogoro, Mr. Tafida Nuhu, commended the chairman and urged residents to continue supporting Governor Mohammed’s administration. He also called on farmers and herders to maintain peaceful coexistence.  

With council and general elections approaching, Governor Mohammed urged Bogoro residents to sustain the momentum by supporting candidates of the Allied People’s Movement. “Continuity is a very important aspect of governance. From what I have seen, the people of Bogoro are ready to work with the government in that direction,” he said.