By Binta Shama Abuja
Th e Abuja Housing Show, yesterday named Governor Muhammed Abdullahi Abubakar of Bauchi state as the best governor on urban renewal, organised by FESADEB Communications. According to the organisers of the annual event, which held in Abuja, a documentary by AIT on the Bauchi government’s eff ort to improve the infrastructure of the three major urban centres of Bauchi, Azare and Misau prompted them to inspect the state.
It said: “A major criteria for selecting the winner of this prestigious award was a surprise visit to the state without the knowledge of the government, by a team of Housing and Urban professionals. Bauchi received the highest mark for rapid urbanization hence the award.” Receiving the award, Abubakar thanked organisers of the event, dedicating the award to the great people of Bauchi state, who he says, gave him their mandate in the fi rst place.
He described the award as a morale booster for him to do more, and that the state should expect more development in the coming months. Amidst paucity of funds, he said, “Bauchi state has continued to implement both human and infrastructural development projects. Projects like the dualisation, rehabilitation or upgrades of Awalah roundabout – Kano road, Ran road, Bauchi – Gombe road, ATBU link road, Udubo – Gamawa road, Darazo – Gabchiyari road, Jama’are road, Sule Katagum road to mention a few are in various stages of completion. All these we have been able to achieve in just two years in offi ce.”
Th is year’s Abuja Housing Show was chaired by the National Chairman, All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun and attended by representative of Speaker House of Representatives, Chairmen House and Senate Committees on Housing, Ministers of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, Power Works and Housing, Mr. Babatude Raji Fashola, as well as Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi. Also in attendance were the Ambassador of Turkey to Nigeria, National President TUC, Former Governor of Akwa Ibom state , Obong Victor Attah, federal lawmakers from the state , Members of Bauchi State House of Assembly, Commissioners, Bauchi State Traditional Council led by Galadima of Bauchi and Galadima of Katagum, wazirin misau and Ubandoman Jamaare, Businessmen and Industrialists.
