Bauchi Gov Urges Unity, Peace As Nigeria Marks 66th Independence

The Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has called on Nigerians, particularly the people of Bauchi State, to remain united, peaceful and committed to building a prosperous and inclusive nation.

The Governor made the call in his goodwill message to the people of the State, commemorating Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, congratulating Nigerians at home and abroad, and acknowledging the resilience and enduring spirit of the Nigerian people.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Governor, Mukhtar Gidado, the Governor said the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to celebrate the country’s freedom, reflect on its journey since independence, appreciate the sacrifices of past generations and renew their commitment to building a united, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria. He acknowledged the economic and social pressures facing families and communities, particularly the rising cost of living, noting that these difficult circumstances should not diminish people’s hope or confidence in the future.

The Governor urged citizens to respond to present challenges with greater solidarity, patience and collective effort, stressing that unity, peace and the common good must remain above individual and sectional differences.
According to him, the Bauchi State Government remains committed to improving the quality of life of citizens through sustained investment in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, water supply, economic empowerment, urban and rural development, youth and women empowerment, institutional reforms, digital transformation and improved public service delivery.

Governor Bala Mohammed emphasised that peace and security remain essential prerequisites for sustainable development. He therefore called on citizens to uphold peaceful coexistence, tolerance, mutual respect and understanding across ethnic, religious, political and social divides.

He also urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, youth and women organisations, civil society groups and other stakeholders to continue supporting peace-building efforts and constructive engagement across communities.

The Governor stressed that nation-building is not the sole responsibility of government, noting that every citizen has an important role to play in strengthening society and advancing development.

He called on civil servants, teachers, farmers, entrepreneurs, professionals, traditional and religious leaders, community leaders and young people to uphold the values of hard work, honesty, discipline, justice, accountability, tolerance, mutual respect and patriotism.

Governor Bala Mohammed also used the occasion to express his profound gratitude to the people of Bauchi State for their confidence, support, prayers, goodwill and constructive criticisms throughout his tenure. He noted that the 66th Independence Anniversary is particularly significant for him as it is the final Independence Anniversary he will commemorate with the people of Bauchi State in his present capacity as Governor.

“Public office is a sacred trust. It is temporary, and no individual holds it forever. What endures are the institutions we strengthen, the opportunities we create, the lives we touch and the foundations we lay for those who come after us,” the Governor said.

He added that no administration could accomplish everything, stressing that every generation inherits responsibilities from those before it and passes new responsibilities to those who come after.

As he approaches the final phase of his tenure, Governor Bala Mohammed asked the people of Bauchi State to continue praying for the peace, unity, stability and development of the State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Governor Mohammed concluded by congratulating the people of Bauchi State and all Nigerians on the 66th Independence Anniversary and prayed that the Almighty Allah would continue to bless Bauchi State and Nigeria.