Good morning great citizens of Bauchi, and our friends in other states and the Diaspora.
About 8 months ago, when I took the oath of office to uphold the constitution, and bring the dividends of democracy to you, I called on all and sundry to join hands and work together to make our state great. Today, just like that day, I reiterate that call.
It is no news that oil prices are falling. In fact, as I write this, Oil prices are below $30 per barrel. Analysts expect it to fall even further this quarter. The effect of this is already being felt, both in the civil service and the private sector. The time of oil dependence is over. I am looking beyond state allocations. Every Chief Executive knows now more than ever, that having multiple revenue generation streams is critical going forward. For this, Public officials are elected in the first place. I see opportunity.
For us in Bauchi state, we feel the pinch of the current economic realities. However, I am committed that we must work to leave the state better than we met it. As you may know, we are blessed with great tourist potentials, commerce, agriculture, human resources among others. I intend to explore these avenues to the full, for the collective good of all.
While we are currently drawing up strategies to tap our numerous potentials, I strongly believe we do need to learn from others who have faced similar challenges and succeeded. This way, we do not waste time in reinventing the wheel. For a start, I sent a team of experts and economic advisers to all the states that faced similar challenges and have secured good report cards. Their main mandate was to critically study the states’ Internally Generated Revenue model and adjust it to suit Bauchi state. Anywhere there is a model that works, we will bring it and domesticate it in Bauchi state. We are willing to listen, more than willing to bring best practices here. I need you, dear citizens to understand what we are doing, to contribute and be involved in governance. I promise to listen.
In addition to that, we are exploring the option of increasing revenue through taxing without increasing tax. We intend to tax surface activities of solid mineral activities that are previously unregulated in the state, and they are many. You will agree with me that activities like mining have an adverse effect on our environment. Companies that engage in these activities need to be regulated and be responsible to the communities where they operate. These are some of the strategies we are adopting to ensure we deliver on our promise of positive change for the citizenry.
I have similarly taken an official visit to the republic of Czech where we explored opportunities for developing Bauchi state through the promotion of Tourism, agriculture and infrastructural development. The visit saw the signing of MoU between Bauchi state and that country for the establishment of faculty of tropical agriculture at the Jama’are campus of the Bauchi State University. This because of our understanding, based on experts’ advice that agriculture will employ most of the unemployed youth we have in the state.
I am confident that in the next few years, Bauchi will be a model state for others to emulate. I will contribute my quota to make this happen, for I am accountable to you, my people. There are minimal funds, but I promise judicious use of them. That is, every kobo will count. We will have infrastructure, quality education and a very functional health sector. It is not going to be easy, but with dedication and focus, God’s guidance and your support, we will turn things around together.
Support Bauchi state, contribute your quota, do what is right. Pay your tax.
Thank you.
Welcome Home.
Mohammed A. Abubakar is the governor of Bauchi State.
