By Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has described the 50th anniversary of the creation of Bauchi State as a historic milestone worthy of celebration, gratitude, and deep reflection.
In a statewide broadcast to commemorate the Golden Jubilee on February 3, 2026, Governor Mohammed expressed joy and thanksgiving to Almighty God for sustaining the state over five decades, noting that Gombe State was later carved out of Bauchi in 1996.
“Today, I speak with a heart filled with gratitude, pride, and responsibility as we mark the 50th Anniversary of our dear State. This Golden Jubilee is a defining moment in our history—one that calls for reflection on our journey, appreciation of sacrifices made, and renewed commitment to our collective future,” the Governor stated.
He recalled that Bauchi State was created on February 3, 1976, by the late Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Mohammed, alongside six other states from the former North-East State. Governor Bala paid tribute to the late leader, who was assassinated just ten days after the historic announcement, praying for eternal rest for his soul.
The Governor acknowledged the resilience of Bauchi State over the years, stressing that its steady growth despite political, economic, and social challenges remains a remarkable achievement.
“The survival and steady progress of Bauchi State for fifty years is a feat worthy of celebration and deep reflection,” he said.
Governor Mohammed also honoured the contributions of past military and civilian administrators, beginning with Colonel Muhammad Bello Kaliel, the first military Governor, and Alhaji Abubakar Tatari Ali, the first democratically elected Governor.
He listed successive leaders whose efforts, he said, laid the foundations for the development and stability the state enjoys today.
Highlighting achievements since 1976, the Governor noted significant progress in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, water supply, and security. He commended the collaborative efforts of security agencies and stakeholders in ensuring peace and stability across the state.
“These milestones would not have been possible without the dedication of civil servants, traditional and religious leaders, farmers, traders, youths, women, and the private sector. Bauchi State is truly a product of shared responsibility,” he added.
Looking ahead, Governor Bala unveiled the state’s long-term vision to become the leading economy in the North-East and rank among the top ten most developed states in Nigeria by 2033. He explained that the administration’s economic blueprint focuses on 12 priority clusters, including agriculture, education, health, infrastructure, security, ICT, tourism, housing, and regional collaboration.
He emphasized that effective planning, budgeting, monitoring, and community participation remain central to achieving the development goals of the state.
“As we celebrate the past 50 years, we must also look into the future with optimism, guided by a planned and systematic development agenda,” he said.
Governor Mohammed announced that the Golden Jubilee celebration, themed “Honouring the Past, Building the Future,” would feature a series of events including special prayers, interdenominational services, tree planting, public lectures, cultural displays, a mini-durbar, and an awards night.
He stressed that the anniversary was not a partisan event but a solemn moment for all citizens to reflect on Bauchi’s journey and recommit to its progress.
The Governor called on the people of Bauchi State to emulate the discipline and patriotism of the founding fathers, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to sustainable development through the “My Bauchi Project” initiative.
He concluded by thanking all individuals and organizations that sent goodwill messages and participated in the celebrations, describing the milestone as a collective achievement for all citizens of Bauchi State.
