Bauchi Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir, has been commended for proving his critics wrong through impactful governance that has positively transformed the state’s fortunes.
The commendation was made by the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC), Rev. Dr. Israel Adelani Akanji, while speaking to journalists in Gombe during the 2025 International Workers Conference held at the First Baptist Church, Gombe.
He said, “I have noticed a lot of differences in Bauchi State. When you walk through the streets, you see positive changes in the city. The state capital is very attractive and clean.”
“That is what you expect to see in a state capital—well-maintained streets with a structured layout and no potholes obstructing movement. I observed that traffic was free-flowing within the city.”
“I also noticed a significant improvement in the town’s beauty, with structures well-painted and neatly maintained. It seems there has been a concerted effort toward beautification, and others have followed suit,” he added.
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Rev. Akanji also praised the area surrounding the Government House and Governor’s Office, describing it as comparable to structures in the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
He remarked, “But you see, I’m not surprised because the Governor of Bauchi State, our own Senator Bala Mohammed, was once the FCT Minister.
“If you can manage the FCT, you have the capacity to handle Nigeria. The FCT is a melting pot with people from the East, North, South, and West. It is a microcosm of Nigeria.”
The NBC President continued, “All the people in the FCT are from across the country. It’s a place where everyone has needs that must be addressed.
“Managing the FCT requires balancing diverse interests, and Governor Bala Mohammed excelled at this. That experience is reflected in his success in Bauchi State.”
Rev. Akanji also recalled working with the Governor for six years as the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the FCT. He praised the Governor’s efforts in fostering unity between Christians and Muslims.
“He brought people together, regardless of religion. Whether it was a Christian festival or a Muslim festival, he ensured both groups were involved. We would pay homage together and accompany him to meet the sitting President.
‘He encouraged prayers in both Christian and Muslim traditions, promoting peace and security in the city,” he said.
Rev. Akanji lauded the Governor’s inclusive governance, describing it as a government with a human face. He highlighted the Governor’s efforts to ensure that resources and benefits reached the grassroots and all six local governments in the FCT during his tenure as Minister.
“The government always remembered the people and assisted them, especially during festive periods. Additionally, anyone who qualified and applied for land to build was granted it. He ensured that land was not left idle and encouraged its development, benefiting many people in the process,” he emphasized.
The NBC President also commended the Governor’s wife, Aisha Bala Mohammed, for complementing her husband’s efforts through philanthropy, particularly by empowering women in the state.
