By Khalid Idris Doya
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has credited former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan with teaching him valuable lessons in prudent resource management, project execution and effective governance.
The Governor said having a clear roadmap and agenda, achieving more with limited resources, regular inspection of projects and adherence to timelines were among the lessons he learnt from Jonathan while serving in his administration.
Mohammed stated this on Monday during the commissioning of 18 completed township road projects executed by his administration and performed by former President Jonathan in Bauchi.
The Governor described Jonathan as an exemplary leader whose commitment to democracy, peaceful disposition and dedication to the unity and progress of Nigeria had continued to inspire him and other political associates who served under his administration.
Reflecting on his experience as a former minister under Jonathan, Mohammed said he had continued to draw from the lessons and values imparted to him by the former president.
"I want to tell the people of Bauchi State that whatever I have learnt as a politician, I learnt a great deal from Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
"Having a clear roadmap and agenda, knowing how to achieve much with limited resources, regular inspection of projects and adherence to timelines are some of the lessons we learnt from you," he said.
The Governor expressed gratitude to Jonathan for his mentorship, describing him as a father figure who contributed immensely to what he had become.
"I will never forget you, my dear father, because you are indeed my father. You inspired me and contributed immensely to what I have become. Returning to my state after serving under your leadership, I have continued to draw from the lessons you taught us," he added.
According to him, the township road projects reflected his administration’s commitment to prudent management of public resources and its determination to provide infrastructure capable of driving economic growth and improving the quality of life of citizens.
He said his administration, from inception, had resolved to execute projects that directly impacted the lives of the people.
"We believe that quality roads are essential because they connect communities, stimulate commerce, improve access to education and healthcare, and create opportunities for sustainable development.
"Our desire was to leave legacies and landmarks, and Your Excellency, we have delivered on that commitment," Mohammed said.
He further expressed appreciation to Jonathan for his continued friendship and mentorship, saying his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development and the personal growth of those who served under him remained a source of inspiration.
Also speaking, former President Goodluck Jonathan said Bauchi State had always occupied a special place in his heart, while commending Governor Bala Mohammed for what he described as remarkable development strides across the state.
Jonathan said the confidence reposed in Mohammed by the people of Bauchi was reflected in the transformation taking place across the state.
He said the governor’s administration had demonstrated commitment to infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and human capital development, describing the projects being commissioned as practical manifestations of his vision for a prosperous and inclusive Bauchi.
"I am therefore not surprised by these achievements, having known Governor Bala Mohammed over the years and being aware of his passion for service, determination to deliver democratic dividends and unwavering commitment to development," he said.
Jonathan recalled Mohammed’s contributions to his administration when he served as a minister, describing him as one of his strong ministers who demonstrated commitment to service.
He urged the people of Bauchi State to continue supporting the government and protect public infrastructure provided for their benefit.
"I have every confidence that Bauchi State will continue on this path of peace, stability and sustainable development. With sustained commitment to prudent management of resources and continued partnership between government and the people, the future of this great state will remain bright," Jonathan said.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Suleiman congratulated Governor Mohammed on the completion of the 18 township roads and the foundation laying for four recreational parks.
He described Jonathan as a respected statesman whose leadership, humility, commitment to democracy and peaceful disposition continued to earn him the admiration of Nigerians.
The Speaker said the projects marked another milestone in the collective effort to build a more prosperous, connected and developed Bauchi State.
According to him, the roads would improve mobility, facilitate economic activities, enhance the aesthetics of the state and positively impact the lives of residents.
Suleiman commended Governor Mohammed for what he described as a workaholic and development-oriented administration built on stakeholder engagement, inclusiveness, openness and collective responsibility.
He assured the executive of the continued support and cooperation of the legislature in initiatives aimed at promoting good governance, peace, development and the wellbeing of citizens.
The Speaker also called on the people of Bauchi State to continue supporting the present administration and the Allied People's Movement (APM) to consolidate the gains recorded in governance, infrastructure and inclusive development.
The Emir of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwanu Sulaiman Adamu, also commended Governor Mohammed for the execution of the projects, describing the development as beneficial to the people of the state.
0 Comments