By; Mohammed Kawu, Bauchi
Former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has observed that roads network improve connectivity, facilite transportation, promote security and access to essential services within the State capital.
Dr. Goodluck Jonathan spoke on Monday in Bauchi while commissioning 18 completed township roads constructed by the Governor Bala Mohammed-d administration within the Bauchi metropolitan area at a total cost of N58.7 billion.
Commissioning the 18 roads covering a total length of 49.7 kilometres, the former President described the projects as practical and impactful governance, beneficial to the teeming people of Bauchi state.
The Former President commended Governor Bala Mohammed describing him as a visionary leader with responsive governance and purposeful investment in infrastructure.
Goodluck Jonathan also described Senator Bala Mohammed who hitherto served under him as minister of the FCT as a strong member of his administration and urged the people of the state to continue supporting the government and protecting public infrastructure.
According to the former president, roads network remain critical to economic growth that connect communities, facilitate commerce, create opportunities and promote inclusive development.
He explained that the true essence of governance was measured not by promises but by lives transformed through effective service delivery, transparency and accountability.
“This 49.7km road network is more than asphalt. It is a celebration of visionary leadership, responsible governance, and purposeful investment in infrastructure that directly improves the quality of life of our people,.”
Jonathan recalled that this was his third official visit to Bauchi, saying “the state has always occupied a special place in my heart. No society can achieve sustainable growth without reliable roads”
He further observed that roads remain critical for development, connecting communities, facilitating commerce, creating opportunities, and promoting inclusive growth.
Goodluck Jonathan therefore urged residents to protect the new infrastructure, stressing that “Roads are investments in your collective future. Their maintenance and protection are shared responsibilities”.
Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has earlier in a welcome address said that the 18 roads were designed to link key residential areas, commercial centres, schools and public facilities across the Bauchi metropolis.
He explained that the 49.7 kilometer roads were constructed at a total cost of N58.7 billion to a good standard with durable pavement, drainage, culverts, road markings, and solar-powered street lighting on selected routes.
According to him, the intervention is already evident in improved mobility, a boost to economic activity, and job creation, and called on residents to safeguard the assets.
Mohammed further stated that the projects demonstrated his administration’s commitment to prudent management of public resources and the provision of infrastructure that drives economic growth and improves the quality of life of residents.
He said that his administration had set a target of constructing not fewer than 5,000 kilometres of roads across the State and had so far completed approximately 3,000 kilometres since assuming office in 2019.
Governor Bala stated that the government’s road programme was not merely about construction but about opening economic opportunities, improving livelihoods and laying a foundation for sustainable development.
The completed township roads, he further stated, were constructed in accordance with engineering standards and included durable pavements, drainage systems, traffic signs, road markings, speed-calming measures and solar-powered street lighting on selected routes.
The Commissioner for Works and Transport, Professor Titus Uba Ketkukah, has in a remarks, said that the commissioning reflected the commitment of both the state and federal governments to infrastructure development.
Prof. Tetkukah assured that his mnistry would continue to ensure road projects were properly executed, delivered and certified in line with approved engineering standards and specifications, describing it as one of the largest urban infrastructure investments in the state dates back to 1976 when Bauchi was created.
Chairman of Bauchi State Council of Traditional Rulers, and Emir of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, thanked former President Jonathan for identifying with the state, commended Governor Bala Mohammed for transforming the state to enviable heights.
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