From Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir, has declared tomorrow Tuesday as free work day in both public and private sectors to celebrate the state at 50th anniversary.

This was contained in a press statement signed by the Governor’s adviser media and publicity, Mukhtar Gidado and made available to journalists of the state.

He said that the declaration is aimed at enabling citizens to fully participate in activities marking the historic milestone for the commemoration of the 50th Golden Jubilee Anniversary of the creation of Bauchi State.

The governor described the anniversary as a moment of reflection on the journey of Bauchi State over the past five decades, celebrating achievements, strengthening unity, and renewing commitment to development, peace, and good governance.

He urged residents of the state to use the day to pray for continued peace, progress, and prosperity.

 Bala also directed all residents of the state to plant at least one tree in commemoration of the day. Added that the tree-planting initiative is designed to promote environmental sustainability, combat desertification, reduce the effects of global warming, and preserve the ecosystem for future generations.

 He further urged citizens to celebrate responsibly, maintain peace and order, and demonstrate the values of patriotism, environmental consciousness, and collective responsibility that define the spirit of Bauchi State.

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to good governance, inclusive development, and policies that will improve the welfare of citizens and strengthen institutions across the state.

Governor Bala Mohammed congratulated all citizens on this historic milestone and urged all residents to actively participate in the Golden Jubilee activities to make the celebration a memorable and impactful one.

Ahead of its National Convention, expected to be held in March, the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee has announced the composition of the Central Coordination Committee.

The Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Sen.

National Secretary of the party, Senator Ajibola Basiru, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

Governor of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, will serve as Vice Chairman, while the Governor of Yobe State, H.E. Mai Mala Buni, has been named Secretary of the Committee.

Checks revealed that all the 26 other Governors on the party platform are members of the Committee, which also has the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and the Speaker, House of Representatives, Honourable Tajudeen Abbas as members.

The statement was, however, silent on the date of inauguration of the committee.

By Mike Odiakose, Abuja

Prince Adewole Adebayo, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has called for a shift in Nigeria’s economic direction from oil dependence to agriculture-driven development, saying the country’s future prosperity lies in farming, education and strong local communities.

Adebayo made the call in Numan, Adamawa State, while receiving a traditional title from the Bachama kingdom, led by the Hama Bachama, Homun Daniel Shaga.

Speaking at the event, he said Nigeria’s political and economic challenges could only be addressed by changing the quality and motivation of leadership and refocusing national priorities on productive sectors rooted in the communities.

“The way to change politics is to change politicians,” Adebayo said.

“We must go back to our communities and bring forward patriots who love their people, fear God and are not driven by power, money or glory.”

He said Nigeria needed nationalists rather than ethnic or religious loyalists, insisting that every Nigerian — whether born a prince or a farmer — possessed innate greatness that could be unlocked through service to their community.

Adebayo also emphasised the central role of education and agriculture in national development, rejecting the idea of “private schools” and describing all centres of learning as public goods.

“There is nothing called a private school. Anywhere knowledge is taught is a public place,” he said, while praising the contributions of missionaries and traditional institutions to Nigeria’s educational history.

He revealed that he had contributed to the completion of a school project in the area and had earlier supported efforts to establish a university in Demsa, particularly advocating for a strong faculty of agriculture.

Drawing from his international experience, Adebayo noted that countries such as Argentina and Brazil generated massive revenue from cattle and soybean farming — far exceeding Nigeria’s oil earnings — despite Nigeria having more fertile land.

“When we are in government, we shall build universities,” he said. “But for now, we must help communities build their own.”

He concluded by urging Nigerians to raise a new generation free from bias and resentment, committed to rebuilding the country through honest work, unity and service.

“This generation will not be a wasted generation,” Adebayo said.

“It will be a generation of recovery.”