Agenda for development of Bauch state

By Abubakar Algwallary

My aim in this piece is not to chronicle or recap the number of developmental projects executed by each and every administration in the state but my intention is to draw the attention of the incoming administration of Barr. M.A.Abubakar to the fact that, Bauchi state as it is now is in need of an uncommon transformation that will make it answer its name as tourists destination.

Looking at the level of developmental programmes recorded so far in the state and comparing that to those of other neighboring states in the north, you will find out that indeed a lot still need to be done if the state hopes to take its rightful place in the comity of ‘developed’ states in the country. Critical sectors like Infrastructural development, education, agriculture, trade and commerce, tourism development and some other areas where the state is obviously lagging behind must be the focal points of this administration.
To begin with, Bauchi town being the state capital is in need of major boost in the area of critical infrastructures that will change its infrastructure landscape.

At a time when neighboring cities in the north like Kano, Jigawa , Gombe, Kaduna are been turned into mega cities of sorts courtesy of  township roads construction, rehabilitation and expansion, construction of model housing estates, over head bridges and lots more, you wonder why Bauchi city which has all it takes to develop to that standard still remain as traditional as ever. Bauchi town in particular needs nothing short of those giant strides to enable it move away from its traditional status as a ‘sleepy’ city to a bubbling and boisterous commercial hub. This administration can begin by consolidating on road construction and expansion within the metropolis.

It should make it a priority to first of all complete the construction of a bye pass road project said to be abandoned by the outgoing administration which was to construct a road from wuntin-Dada-zango to Inkil for commuters plying Jos-Bauchi-Gombe route to enable them travel with ease and comfort.  Dualisation and expansion of the Bauchi- Jos road from Zaranda hotel to Miri village will also help to control traffic and curtail the incessant accidents that occur on that road.

Similarly, a modern fly over bridge at central market roundabout and Wunti will not only control traffic in those places but will also transform and beautify the city giving the hustle and bustle in those areas. These being physical projects which can be seen by every visitor to the state capital would no doubt help in attracting investors to the state thereby boosting the economic fortunes of the city.

In the area of education, while I must acknowledge the giant strides recorded in the education sector by the outgoing administration through the provision of infrastructures, instructional materials and capacity building for teachers, the incoming administration should give the education sector the priority it deserves. It is my humble opinion that this government upholds and revives the Special Schools scheme as was introduced by Gov.Ahmadu Mu’azu’s administration in the state.

The scheme as can be attested by all, under the special schools management Board, with only three schools under it (Azare, Toro and Kafin Madaki for girls) had within two years graduated about one hundred and fifty brilliant students with flying colors in all the SSCEs they sat for. Within the span of ten years, students from those schools have graduated from different institutions of higher learning to become doctors, engineers, pharmacists, lawyers and whole lots of other professionals in different disciplines to the delight of their parents and the people of Bauchi State.

It will be absolutely wonderful if the incoming administration revives and revamps the Special School scheme with the good intention of giving the people of Bauchi state a sound and qualitative education. In doing that, there should be increase in the number of schools that would be considered as Special Schools. Get robust educationists to run the affairs of the board and well qualified teachers to teach in those schools. A free hand and conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning must be given to the board in order to achieve the desired objectives of its establishment.

The incoming administration should keep in mind the enthusiasm, goodwill and  expectations of the masses. The state citizens see the new administration as a messiah that will salvage them from the hardship and quagmire of life they are already in .It is my prayer that those hopes will not be dashed and the administration will be alive to its campaign promises and deliver Bauchi State to the Promised Land. May Allah guide you and give you the wisdom to transform Bauchi state and uplift it to a greater height.

Algwallary writes from Sabon Unguwar Railway,Bauchi. He can be reached via [email protected]