By; Mohammed Kawu, Bauchi
Governor Bala Mohammed has observed that independence day celebration provides citizens with the opportunity not only to celebrate their freedom, but also to reflect on the journey, appreciate the sacrifices of those who came before them, acknowledge the realities of the present circumstances and renew their commitment to the country they desire to build.
He resorted, “We remember with gratitude our founding fathers and mothers and all those who contributed to the struggle for independence and the development of our nation. Their sacrifices remind us that nation-building requires courage, patience, sacrifice and a commitment to the common good”.
Governor Bala in a goodwill message to the Bauchi people on the occasion of the country’s 66 independence anniversary Thursday, asked citizens to acknowledge the realities confronting them, saying “I am fully aware of the current social and economic pressures confronting individuals, families, and communities across our state, particularly regarding the high cost of living”.
“These difficult circumstances are global and national realities, but they must not diminish our hope, our resilience, or our confidence in the future. Hard times do not last forever, and it is in moments like these that our unity and collective responsibility matter most. I sincerely appreciate the patience, resilience and perseverance of our people in the face of these challenges”.
According to him, the difficult circumstances citizens are facing must not weaken hope or diminish their collective confidence in the future, rather they should strengthen their determination to work together, support one another and pursue solutions that promote stability, opportunity and shared prosperity.
They must also continue to place unity, peace and the common good above differences, taking cognisance that the challenges confronting citizens require collective effort and responsible leadership at every level, as he assured that his administration remained committed to improving the quality of lives and creating an environment in which every citizen can contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.
“We remain focused on infrastructure renewal, education, healthcare, agriculture, water supply, economic empowerment, urban and rural development, youth and women empowerment, institutional reform, digital transformation and improved public service delivery”.
Mohammed also noted that no meaningful development can take place without peace and security, and called people to continue to uphold peaceful coexistence, tolerance, mutual respect and understanding across ethnic, religious, political and social lines, emphasizing that “Our diversity should remain a source of strength rather than division”.
“We must continue to recognize that, despite our differences, we share a common home and a common destiny. I call on our traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, youth and women organisations, civil society organisations and all other stakeholders to continue supporting peace-building and constructive engagement within our communities”.
The Governor also said that nation-building is not the responsibility of government alone, as every citizen has a role to play, the civil servant, teacher, farmer, entrepreneur, professional, traditional ruler, religious leader, community leader and young person all contribute to the strength and progress of the state and the nation.
Mohammed further stated that it is therefore incumbent upon every citizen to continue to promote the values that hold society together: hard work, honesty, tolerance, discipline, justice, accountability, respect for one another and patriotism.
“For me personally, this occasion carries an additional significance, as it is the final Independence Anniversary I will commemorate with you in my present capacity as the Governor of our dear State. I am deeply grateful to the people of Bauchi State for the confidence, support, prayers and goodwill you have extended to me and to our administration.
Describing public office as a sacred trust, temporary, and no individual holds it forever, as only strengthened institutions endures, the opportunities created, the lives touched and the foundations laid for those who come after us, while no administration can accomplish everything, and every generation inherits responsibilities from those before it and passes new responsibilities to those who come after.
“Let us renew our faith in Nigeria and our commitment to the ideals of peace, unity, justice, progress and shared prosperity. For me, the privilege of serving the people of Bauchi State has been one of the greatest honours and responsibilities of my public life. I remain grateful for the trust you have placed in us, the prayers you have offered and the sacrifices you continue to make for the progress of our state”.
“We are entering a critical political season with the forthcoming 2027 general elections fast approaching. I must seize this occasion to sound a note of profound caution to all citizens, political actors, and stakeholders across Bauchi State. Democracy thrives on the marketplace of ideas, not on conflict. We must resolutely reject any attempts by desperate elements to use politics to divide us along ethnic, religious, or sectional lines”.
Senator Bala Mohammed appealed to the youth not allow them to be used as tools for political thuggery, violence, or the disruption of public peace, stressing that electioneering campaigns must be conducted with the highest sense of decorum, maturity, and mutual respect, and called for the protection of peace and stability citizens have collectively built in the state.
Mohammed concluded, “On behalf of the Government and good people of Bauchi State, I extend my warmest congratulations to His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and to all Nigerians on this important national occasion. Sixty-six years ago, our nation attained independence and embarked on the journey of building a sovereign, united and prosperous country”.
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