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Bauchi State at 50: Dogara Salutes Cradle of Excellence

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Fifty years after its creation in 1976, Bauchi State has risen to become one of Nigeria’s most influential states, celebrated for its resilience, cultural richness, and remarkable contributions to national development. Known as the “Home of Tourism” for its natural endowments and attractions such as the Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi has also distinguished itself as a cradle of leadership, scholarship, and service.

As the state marked its golden jubilee, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, spoke to reporters and paid glowing tribute, describing Bauchi as a “cradle of excellence” that has consistently produced some of the finest leaders, scholars, and professionals within and outside Nigeria. Dogara stressed that Bauchi’s story is not only about its longevity but about the quality of its people. “At 50, Bauchi stands tall as a state that has consistently produced the best of brains, men and women whose impact has shaped Nigeria’s destiny,” he said.

From independence to the present day, Bauchi has been home to towering figures whose contributions remain etched in Nigeria’s history. Among them is Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria’s first and only Prime Minister, fondly remembered as the “Golden Voice of Africa.” The state has also produced Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, current Governor and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory; Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu, former Governor and ex-National Chairman of the PDP; Isa Yuguda; Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar; and Abubakar Tatari Ali, the first civilian governor. Yakubu Dogara himself stands as a symbol of Bauchi’s leadership legacy, alongside Yayale Ahmed, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Minister of Defence; Adamu Adamu; Muhammad Ali Pate; Halliru Dauda Jika; and Mariam Yalwaji Katagum.

Bauchi’s influence extends beyond politics. In religion and tradition, the state is home to Rilwanu Suleimanu Adamu, the 11th Emir of Bauchi, and Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, a prominent Islamic scholar and leader of the Tijjaniyyah Sufi order. In public service and academia, Bauchi has produced Aminu Saleh, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Dr. Abdulkadir Ahmed, Nigeria’s longest-serving Central Bank Governor (1982–1993), who managed the economy through the Structural Adjustment Programme; and Alhaji Sule Katagum, the first Chairman of Nigeria’s Federal Public Service Commission and one of the famed “super permanent secretaries” of the independence era. Others include Maikanti Baru, former Group Managing Director of the NNPC; Mahmood Yakubu, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); Dr. Ibrahim Tahir, the late Talba of Bauchi, renowned intellectual and politician; Late Alhaji Ibrahim Gamawa; Hon. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, current Minister of Foreign Affairs; Alhaji Muhammad Habibu Aliyu, former Minister; and Dr. Musa Babayo, former National Secretary of the PDP and current Chairman of FERMA.

The state also takes pride in its revolutionary thinkers and cultural icons. Sa’adu Zungur, the Nigerian poet, nationalist, and social critic, remains one of Bauchi’s finest intellectuals, remembered for his fearless advocacy and writings that inspired generations. His legacy as a revolutionary voice adds depth to Bauchi’s reputation as a land of ideas and courage.

In sports, Patrick Pascal, a former Super Eagles player and team coordinator, and the late Stephen Keshi, coach and player associated with Bauchi, further highlight the state’s diverse contributions.

Beyond personalities, Bauchi State boasts enduring qualities that make it a source of pride. Its educational institutions, such as Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, have produced graduates excelling nationally and internationally. Its cultural heritage, rich traditions, and diverse ethnic groups enrich Nigeria’s social fabric. Its fertile agricultural land and mineral resources sustain livelihoods, while tourism sites like Yankari Game Reserve attract global attention. Bauchi’s clerics are respected across Nigeria and beyond for their contributions to Islamic education and moral guidance, while its people embody resilience and unity in the face of challenges.

As Bauchi State celebrates its golden jubilee, the tributes led by Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara underscore its enduring role as a beacon of intellect, leadership, and unity. Speaking to reporters, Dogara highlighted how Bauchi has produced leaders of global repute—from Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa to Ibrahim Tahir Talba, Aminu Saleh, Abdulkadir Ahmed, Sa’adu Zungur, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, and today’s professionals excelling worldwide. Bauchi continues to inspire Nigeria with its contributions to governance, education, religion, sports, and culture.

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Hon. Hafiz Kawu Calls for Unity, Highlights Tinubu and Governor Yusuf’s Achievements in Kano

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Hon. Hafiz Kawu, Honourable Commissioner at PENCOM, has urged APC supporters and faithfuls in Kano State to rally behind the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. Speaking live during a radio program in Kano, Hon. Kawu OON, MNI delivered a compelling message of reconciliation and renewed commitment to the ruling party’s vision for development.

In his remarks, Hon. Kawu emphasized the importance of President Tinubu’s administration to Kano’s progress, pointing to several landmark projects that have reshaped the state’s infrastructure and economic outlook. He cited the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway reconstruction and the dualization of the Kano–Kongolom Road as evidence of federal commitment to easing transportation and boosting trade. He also highlighted the modernization of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport and the approval of the Kano Light Rail project as transformative investments in transportation.

Hon. Kawu further pointed to the AKK Gas Pipeline as a strategic investment that will power industries, create jobs, and strengthen Kano’s role as a commercial hub. He noted that the appointments of Kano indigenes into key federal positions demonstrate the President’s recognition of Kano’s strategic importance in national politics.

Turning to state-level initiatives, Hon. Kawu praised Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s urban renewal and rural connectivity projects, including the construction of the Dan Agundi Interchange, the Tal’udu Cloverleaf Overpass, and the revival of 5KM roads across 44 local governments. He described these projects as complementary to federal efforts, ensuring that both urban and rural communities benefit from development.

Addressing internal party divisions, Hon. Kawu noted: “This is the time to set aside differences and return to the fold. The projects we see today are only the beginning of greater things to come under APC leadership. Unity is the key to victory, and victory is the key to sustaining development.”

His live radio broadcast blended detailed references to federal achievements under President Tinubu with state-level initiatives under Governor Yusuf, leaving listeners with a clear message: Kano’s future is tied to APC’s success, and every supporter has a role to play in securing that future.

As the broadcast concluded, Hon. Kawu emphasized that cohesion across the APC structure remains the decisive factor in the political contest ahead. He stressed that only a united APC — working seamlessly from the grassroots to the national stage — can secure victories across all levels of governance and sustain the momentum of development. His words positioned unity not as a plea, but as a strategic imperative for the party’s continued dominance and for the progress of Kano and Nigeria at large.

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Nigeria Is Not a Muslim Country — Rev Dachomo Counters Sheikh Jingir

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The Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, has rejected comments by Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, that Nigeria is a Muslim country.

Jingir had reportedly made the remarks during a programme in Kano State over the weekend while expressing support for the continuation of a Muslim-Muslim political arrangement.

The cleric argued that Muslims constitute the majority in Nigeria and should therefore have the opportunity to lead the country. He also reportedly referred to Christians as infidels and suggested that Christians who were unhappy with the arrangement could leave the country.

Reacting in a statement on Tuesday, Dachomo strongly opposed the comments, insisting that Nigeria is a multi-religious nation and “is not and can never be a Muslim country.”

The COCIN chairman cautioned Jingir and other religious leaders against making statements capable of deepening religious divisions or creating hostility between Christians and Muslims.

Dachomo argued that political leadership should not be determined by religious numerical strength but by competence, justice, good governance and the ability to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians.

“Nigeria is a multi-religious country in which Muslims and Christians have historically participated in the political process and contributed to the development of the nation,” he said.

He urged religious leaders to exercise caution when commenting on political matters, particularly issues capable of affecting relations between religious communities.

According to him, linking political leadership to religious majority could create the impression that one faith has greater ownership of Nigeria than another.

“I urge religious leaders to be mindful of their public statements, particularly when discussing politics and issues capable of affecting relations between different religious communities,” Dachomo added.

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Muslim-Muslim ticket: No regret over my statement – Sheikh Jingir

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Islamic cleric and leader of the Izala Scholars Council, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, has stood his ground over his Muslim-Muslim ticket comments and description of Christians as “infidels.”

Speaking in an interview with the BBC, Jingir said he had no regrets over his recent declaration of support for a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, despite the criticism trailing the statement.

He said his position was not politically motivated or intended to campaign for President Bola Tinubu, but was based on what he described as his responsibility as a Muslim.

According to the Islamic cleric, he would continue to support and encourage Muslims to back a Muslim-Muslim ticket, regardless of the criticism his position might attract.

“I have no regrets. I will continue to support and encourage the Muslim-Muslim ticket. What they say will not stop me. They started it; at a point, we suffered in their hands,” he alleged.

DAILY POST recalls that Jingir, during a mass wedding organised by the Kano State Government for 1,500 couples, declared his support for the Muslim-Muslim arrangement and urged Muslims to vote in a manner that would demonstrate their numerical strength in the country.

He further stated that, as a Muslim preacher, he had the right to advocate a political arrangement that was consistent with his religious convictions.

The cleric also challenged claims that Christians or other religious groups constituted a larger proportion of Nigeria’s population than Muslims.

His remarks have continued to generate reactions, with some commentators describing them as divisive, while others have defended his right to express his religious and political views.

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