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The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has appealed to caregivers in Bauchi state to take full advantage of the ongoing Integrated Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week by bringing eligible children and family members to access free healthcare services.

Commenting on the MNCH yesterday, the chief of UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, said the weeklong intervention is aimed at providing essential healthcare services at no cost to newborns, children, adolescent girls, pregnant women and nursing mothers across more than 600 primary healthcare facilities in the state.

She explained that the initiative was designed to improve maternal and child health outcomes by providing a wide range of preventive and lifesaving services under one roof, enabling families to receive multiple healthcare interventions during a single visit.

Rafique disclosed that UNICEF and its partners invested N460 million to procure and distribute critical medical commodities for the exercise.

According to her, the supplies include 311,500 doses of blue Vitamin A capsules, 1.2 million doses of red Vitamin A capsules, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, and Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS), all of which are available for eligible beneficiaries throughout the campaign.

She noted that the integrated approach would improve efficiency, expand access to healthcare, and ensure that more women and children benefit from lifesaving interventions.

Rafique expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and development partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nutrition International, FHI and MITOSATH, for their continued collaboration in improving the health and well-being of women and children.

She also commended Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, and the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Board (BASPHCDB) for providing the enabling environment that facilitated the launch of the health campaign.

The Bauchi State Government-owned Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), Gadau, has recorded another significant milestone in its academic development with the approval of 12 new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The approval, conveyed in a letter dated 15th June 2026, followed a comprehensive resource assessment exercise conducted by the Commission to ascertain the University’s preparedness in terms of academic personnel, physical infrastructure, library holdings, laboratories, and other facilities required for the successful delivery of the proposed programmes.

The programmes, approved to commence in the 2026/2027 Academic Session, are: Undergraduate Programmes, B.A. (Ed.) Arabic, B.A. (Ed.) Hausa, B.A. (Ed.) Islamic Studies, B.A. Sharia, B.Sc. Social Work, B.Sc. (Ed.) Agricultural Science, B.Sc. (Ed.) Human Kinetics, B.Sc. (Ed.) Health Education.

Postgraduate Programmes are: M.Ed. Educational Management, Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), LL.M. and Ph.D. Law, Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), M.Sc. and Ph.D. Sociology.

Commenting on the development, the Vice-Chancellor of SAZU, Professor Fatimah Tahir, described the approval as a clear affirmation of the university’s commitment to academic quality, institutional growth and strict compliance with the regulatory standards of the National Universities Commission.

She observed the addition of the new programmes is in line with the university’s strategic vision of expanding access to quality higher education, strengthening research and innovation, and producing graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and competencies required to address contemporary national and global challenges.

Fatima Tahir expressed profound appreciation to the National Universities Commission for its thorough assessment and confidence in the University’s capacity to mount the approved programmes.

She reaffirmed the university’s resolve to sustain the high standards upon which the approvals were granted.

The Vice-Chancellor also conveyed her sincere gratitude to the governor of Bauchi State and Visitor to the University, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, for his unwavering commitment to the development of higher education in the State.

She noted that the governor’s sustained investment in infrastructure, academic development and institutional support has continued to create an enabling environment for the university’s steady growth.

The VC equally commended the Governing Council, Senate, Management, academic and non-academic staff for their dedication, professionalism and collective efforts in ensuring the successful outcome of the resource assessment exercise.

Fatima Tahir assured prospective students, parents and other stakeholders that the university would continue to provide the requisite human and material resources to guarantee the effective implementation of the newly approved programmes in accordance with the quality assurance guidelines of the National Universities Commission.

She added the approval further strengthens Sa’adu Zungur University’s position as one of Nigeria’s emerging public universities committed to academic excellence, impactful research, innovation and community service.

According to her, “The university remains steadfast in its mission of producing competent graduates, advancing knowledge through research and contributing meaningfully to the socio-economic development of Bauchi State, Nigeria and the global community,” as contained in a statement signed by Auwal Hassan, Public Relations Officer, Sa’adu Zungur University, Gadau, made available to journalists on Wednesday.

The Bauchi State Government has intensified efforts to combat child malnutrition by expanding its nutrition programme, following growing concerns that rising poverty and inflation are worsening malnutrition among children across the state.

Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, said the worsening economic situation has left many families struggling to provide adequate nutrition for their children, prompting the government to strengthen its partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF).

Speaking while briefing journalists on the distribution of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) for the treatment of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) among children under five, Dr. Mohammed said the state remains committed to improving healthcare outcomes for women and children through expanded nutrition interventions.

He disclosed that the Bauchi State Government contributed N300 million towards the programme, with UNICEF providing a matching grant of another N300 million, bringing the total intervention fund to N600 million for maternal and child nutrition commodities.

According to him, the funding enabled the procurement and distribution of 4,842 cartons of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food to Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) centres across the state, where children suffering from severe acute malnutrition are receiving treatment.

In addition to the therapeutic food, the state also distributed 15,000 cartons of Small Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements (SQLNS), equivalent to about 15 million doses, to vulnerable communities as part of efforts to prevent malnutrition before it becomes severe.

Dr. Mohammed said Bauchi was among seven states identified through a federal government survey as having a high burden of malnutrition. He added that the state became the first in Nigeria to commit its own resources to purchasing SQLNS for preventive nutrition programmes.

“The distribution is ongoing. These supplements are targeted at healthy children who are at risk of malnutrition, helping to prevent them from sliding into severe nutritional deficiencies,” he said.

The board chairman also announced ongoing efforts to improve maternal health through the introduction of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) for pregnant women, replacing the conventional iron and folic acid supplements.

Shamsudeen Bala Mohammed, the eldest son of Bauchi State Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has penned an open letter to his father, urging him to place greater emphasis on human capital development after investing significantly in physical infrastructure over the past seven years.

In a post on his Facebook page titled, “Bridging the Gap: A Call for a Human Capital-Focused Policy for Bauchi State to His Excellency, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, Executive Governor of Bauchi State,” Shamsudeen said that, as a son of the soil, an engineer and a stakeholder deeply invested in the state’s progress, he wrote the letter in a spirit of loyalty and profound concern.

Addressing his father, Shamsudeen acknowledged that over the past seven years, “your administration has undeniably transformed the landscape of Bauchi State. The infrastructure projects—our roads, schools and hospitals—stand as a testament to your vision and legacy. These are milestones that future generations will celebrate.

“However, as we approach 2027, I feel a responsibility to bring to your attention a growing disconnect between this commendable infrastructure drive and the immediate economic realities of our people. There is a growing, palpable frustration among the youth—the very demographic that forms the bedrock of your political support.

“The prevailing sentiment on the ground is that while infrastructure is vital, it does not alleviate the immediate economic hardship, the struggle for daily sustenance, or the pain of families still awaiting civil service gratuities.”

According to him, the level of agitation among young people is approaching a boiling point.

“Our youth are not merely asking for handouts; they are asking for a stake in the prosperity of their state. They feel that the strides made thus far, while impressive, have not reached them in a way that positively impacts their livelihoods.

“I humbly suggest that the next phase of your administration be defined by a ‘socio-economic empowerment pivot.’ We should explore global models of productive inclusion—mechanisms that provide seed funding for youth-led startups, capital grants for small-scale entrepreneurs, and policy-driven mandates requiring contractors to prioritise the employment of local youths. Let us shift the focus from solely ‘building the state’ to ‘investing in its people.’

“Your Excellency, your legacy is already secured in steel and concrete. I pray that your enduring legacy will be the economic resilience of Bauchi’s youth. With respect and unwavering hope for a greater Bauchi.”

Segun Awofadeji

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, yesterday visited Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, at his private residence in Ibadan, to sympathise with the people and government of the state on the abduction of teachers and pupils at Yawota and Esinele communities of Oriire local government area.

Mohammed, who was accompanied by some leaders of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), including the national chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Mamman Dantalle and the party’s governorship candidate in Bauchi State, Dr Yakubu Adamu, called for a rejig of the nation’s security architecture to guarantee citizens’ safety.

While lauding the steps taken by Makinde to ensure the safe return of the abductees, he expressed optimism that the release of the kidnapped teachers and pupils would soon be secured.

Speaking with journalists after meeting with his host, Governor Mohammed said, “I am here with our leaders from the Allied People’s Movement to commiserate with our presidential candidate and the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, about the travails that the people and government of Oyo State are going through as a result of the abduction of our school children and their teachers.

“It has been a lingering issue for some time, and we are really sharing with him the grief.

We are here to encourage him that what he is doing to ensure their release is being noticed by the whole nation.

“And we join, on behalf of myself, the government and people of Bauchi State, to commiserate with him, and to encourage him, to ensure that these Nigerians are released.”

Governor Mohammed, who expressed his readiness to assist the Oyo State government in whatever way he could to ensure the early release of the abductees, added that the visit also provided him an opportunity to congratulate Makinde on his emergence as the APM’s presidential candidate, noting that “He is my jolly good friend, a young man with energy, determination and drive, that can do a lot to change the trajectory of leadership and good governance in Nigeria.”

While commenting on insecurity in the country, the Bauchi State governor stated that the nation’s security architecture required scrutiny to birth greater commitment and better synergy among security operatives as well as between the security agencies and the citizens.

He added, “The security situation is a manifestation of lack of good governance, poverty, and the challenges of life. Beyond that, I think the citizenry should sit up and make sure that they take their destinies into their own hands.

“People need to take their destinies into their own hands to make sure that they don’t allow themselves to be informants or to play along with criminal tendencies. And, of course, to make sure that they elect good people to lead them.

The Secretary to Oyo State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde; the Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Hon Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola; and the Senior Executive Assistant on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal, among others, joined Governor Makinde to receive Governor Bala Mohammed and his entourage.

BAUCHI — Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Deputy Governor of the state, Audu Sule Katagum, describing his passing as a great loss to Bauchi’s political and traditional institutions.

Katagum, the Wazirin Katagum, died on Saturday at Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja.

In a condolence message, Governor Mohammed described the late statesman as a loyal and patriotic public servant who dedicated his life to the service of humanity with humility and decorum.

The governor recalled Katagum’s contributions during his tenure as deputy governor under former Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, as well as his service as Chairman of the Governing Board of Adamu Tafawa Balewa College of Education, Kangere, where he demonstrated commitment to good governance, stability and the development of Bauchi State.

Mohammed noted that beyond politics and public service, the deceased distinguished himself as an accomplished architect whose professional expertise contributed significantly to the physical and infrastructural development of the state.

According to the governor, Katagum’s knowledge, experience and dedication to excellence helped advance sustainable development and improve the built environment in Bauchi State, leaving behind enduring legacies that will benefit future generations.

He also praised the late Wazirin Katagum for his wisdom, integrity and unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of Bauchi State, noting that his leadership and counsel earned him respect across political, traditional and social divides.

The governor urged the family, associates, the Katagum Emirate and the people of Bauchi State to take solace in the exemplary life and achievements of the deceased, whose contributions to society will remain indelible in the state’s history.

Mohammed extended his condolences to the immediate family of the late statesman, the Emir of Katagum, the Katagum Emirate Council, friends, associates and all those affected by the loss.

He prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, reward his good deeds and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has commended members of the Fathers for Good Health (F4H) initiative for their significant contributions to improving healthcare service delivery across the state.

The governor gave the commendation yesterday during the Fathers for Good Health Award Ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Bauchi.

Represented by his deputy, Mohammed Auwal Jatau, Governor Bala praised the group’s commitment to promoting positive health-seeking behaviour, supporting immunisation campaigns, encouraging maternal and child healthcare utilisation, and mobilising communities to embrace healthcare services.

The governor described the event as a celebration of excellence and a recognition of the critical role community ownership and male involvement play in advancing public health outcomes.

He recalled that upon assuming office in 2019, UNICEF had already begun supporting the upgrade of 107 healthcare facilities in the state, particularly maternity complexes aimed at reducing maternal and child mortality.

According to him, his administration strengthened collaboration with development partners and increased investments in the health sector to ensure access to quality healthcare services.

He disclosed that the state government released over N872 million in counterpart funding into the Primary Healthcare Memorandum of Understanding (PHC-MoU) Basket Fund account last year to sustain critical interventions, including routine immunisation, maternal healthcare services, nutrition programmes and other life-saving initiatives.

Governor Mohammed also highlighted the state’s partnership with UNICEF under the Child Nutrition Fund, through which nutrition commodities worth more than N600 million were procured.

He revealed that Bauchi State has received 4,562 cartons of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) and 15,419 cartons of Small-Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements (SQ-LNS) to combat malnutrition and improve child survival rates.

The governor noted that the Fathers for Good Health programme, which earned him recognition as Grand Patron in 2024, has expanded from two local government areas to 10 LGAs, enabling it to reach more families and promote positive health practices across communities.

He commended UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Aliko Dangote Foundation, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other development partners for their continued support to the health sector in Bauchi State.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sani Muhammad Dambam, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to community-driven healthcare interventions.

He stressed that greater involvement of fathers in healthcare matters would significantly improve maternal and child health outcomes.

In his goodwill message, UNICEF Team Lead in Abuja, Dr. Asnakew Tsega, praised Bauchi State for supporting the initiative and called for its expansion to all 20 local government areas of the state.

He explained that the programme was initially introduced in Ningi and Misau LGAs based on the recognition of the critical role men play in family healthcare decisions.

The Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, said the UNICEF-supported initiative has strengthened healthcare delivery by encouraging fathers to support immunisation, antenatal care attendance and skilled birth delivery services.

He noted that members of the F4H initiative have played a vital role in reducing the number of zero-dose children in the state through sustained community mobilisation and awareness campaigns.

Representatives of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), traditional institutions and healthcare stakeholders also commended Bauchi State for its leadership in health-sector innovations and community-based healthcare interventions.

The Emir of Dass and Co-Chairman of the Bauchi State Taskforce on Primary Healthcare, Alhaji Usman Bilyaminu Othman, praised the state government’s commitment to primary healthcare development and acknowledged the positive impact of the F4H initiative on immunisation coverage, antenatal care attendance and the reduction of maternal and child health challenges.

At the ceremony, outstanding local government areas and volunteers were recognised for their contributions to immunisation, maternal healthcare and primary healthcare development.

Ganjuwa local government area emerged as the overall best-performing LGA in the implementation of the Fathers for Good Health initiative, while Bauchi and Darazo LGAs came second and third respectively.

The Fathers for Good Health initiative was introduced by UNICEF and is being implemented by the Bauchi State Government through the Primary Healthcare Development Board to address zero-dose immunisation challenges and improve maternal and child health outcomes across the state.

–         Says Sector now attracts foreign investment, enhanced economic growth, created youth employment opportunities

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

The Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), Bauchi State Chapter, has commended Governor Bala Abdukadir Mohammed of Bauchi State and the Commissioner for Natural, Resources Development, Alhaji Mohammed Bello Maiwada, for introducing reforms and policies that have transformed the state’s mining sector.

The state chairman of MAN, Alhaji Musa Santuraki Pali, who made the commendation yesterday during a media briefing in Bauchi on the association’s activities for the first half of the year, stated the transformation in the mining sector of the state has attracted foreign investment, boosted economic growth, and created employment opportunities for youths.

He said the government’s initiatives have significantly improved investor confidence and positioned Bauchi as an emerging hub for mining investment.

According to Pali, Bauchi State has entered into mining-related agreements with about five countries, a development he said is contributing to the rapid growth and modernization of the sector.

The MAN Chairman particularly praised reforms in the issuance of consent letters and mining permits, noting that the previous system allowed miners to obtain consent letters from village and district heads, a practice that often led to disputes, conflicts, and administrative irregularities.

“Under the new policy, traditional rulers are no longer authorised to issue consent letters or mining permits, he stated.

“Prospective miners must now obtain approvals through the Ministry of Natural Resources and other relevant authorities for proper verification before commencing operations in any community,”

Pali said the new system has enhanced transparency, accountability, and peaceful coexistence among stakeholders in mining communities.

He also highlighted the state’s success in attracting foreign direct investment, citing the partnership with Shandong Minsheng Group, which has committed $50 million to the development of a tin and columbite mining and processing facility in Bauchi State.

He described the investment as a major milestone for the sector, noting that projects of such magnitude were previously uncommon in the state.

The MAN chairman further disclosed that the Ministry of Natural Resources has facilitated engagements with investors in the cement industry following the discovery of an estimated 10 million metric tonnes of high-grade limestone deposits by Resident Cement Factory Ltd in Gwana Village, Alkaleri Local Government Area.

According to him, the discovery has paved the way for plans to establish a cement manufacturing plant with an annual production capacity of about 10 million metric tonnes, a project expected to stimulate industrialisation, create jobs, and strengthen the state’s economy.

Pali added that the ministry is also collaborating with international partners on the exploration and development of rare earth minerals, including monazite and zircon sands, as part of efforts to position Bauchi as a key player in the global minerals market.

He identified the establishment of the Bauchi State Oil and Gas Academy in Alkaleri as another major achievement, saying the institution will provide training and capacity-building opportunities for youths and professionals in the oil, gas, and mining industries.

“These investments and development initiatives will significantly increase government revenue while creating employment opportunities for thousands of young people across the state,” he said.

The MAN chairman disclosed that the state government, through the Ministry of Natural Resources, has commenced the enumeration and registration of artisanal miners in partnership with the association.

He explained that registered miners would benefit from easier access to mining licences, formal documentation, small-scale mining equipment, loan facilities, financial support, and protection from harassment by unauthorised individuals.

Pali further noted that proposed mineral processing centres would provide reliable markets for miners’ products at competitive prices, reduce dependence on middlemen, improve incomes, and create additional employment opportunities for local youths.

He urged all miners operating in the state to register with the appropriate authorities and comply with existing regulations.

“The government is implementing policies designed to benefit miners and host communities. We must support these initiatives and work together to attract more development projects to the state,” he said.

According to him, the ministry has continued to engage traditional rulers, including emirs and district heads, to sensitise them on the objectives of the reforms.

Pali revealed that more than 100 artisanal miners have already been registered, while arrangements are underway to support them through various Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) intervention programmes.

Speaking on the association’s collaboration with the ministry, he said MAN remains committed to mobilising miners for registration, organising sensitisation and peace-building campaigns across the state’s 20 local government areas, reporting illegal mining activities, and supporting government efforts to develop the sector.

He also expressed appreciation to the state government for its commitment to providing the association with a new bus to facilitate awareness campaigns on security, environmental protection, and responsible mining practices.

“We also use our platforms to educate miners about opportunities available through the Bauchi State Oil and Gas Academy, mining institutes, and various government programmes,” he added.

On challenges facing the sector, Pali observed that many miners in remote communities remain unaware of the reforms and opportunities introduced by the ministry, while logistical constraints continue to hinder access to some mining areas.

“However, with the continued support of the Honourable Commissioner for Natural Resources Development, Alhaji Mohammed Bello Maiwada, we are confident that these challenges will be overcome,” he said.

Also speaking, MAN Deputy Chairman for Bauchi Central Zone, Alhaji Zaharaddeen Bala Dan Madami, commended Governor Bala Mohammed and Commissioner Maiwada for their commitment to reforming the mining sector and creating an enabling environment for investment, job creation, and economic development.

He stressed the need for sustained sensitisation of both licensed and illegal miners on the importance of following due process and registering with relevant authorities to ensure compliance with mining regulations and facilitate their operations.

The Bauchi State Government has dragged Dr. Saidu Abubakar, the immediate past Accountant-General of the state before the State High Court on 16 count charges over alleged N40bn misappropriation.

However, justice Muazu Abubakar, on Thursday ordered Abubakar, at a correctional facility in Bauchi.

Dr. Abubakar was accused in the 16-amended charge brought under Section 116 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Bauchi State, 2022.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to all counts against him. In the suit number: BA/205C/2025, the State Government is the complainant, while Dr. Abubakar stands as the sole defendant.

The prosecutor alleged that, Abubakar –defendant, between December 7th, 2023, and January 9th, 2024, while serving as Accountant-General and occupying a position of trust over public funds, the defendant misused and converted government funds for personal benefit or unauthorised purposes.

It was further alleged that the funds formed part of a multi-billion-naira loan obtained from several financial institutions, purportedly earmarked for a non-existent contract involving the supply of 5,000 motorcycles, alongside other banking transactions.

The complainant maintained that the alleged conduct contravenes section 315 and is punishable under section 312 of the Bauchi State Penal Code Law, 2022.

Justice Abubakar subsequently ordered the remand of the defendant in custody and adjourned the matter until July 2, 2026, for hearing of a preliminary objection filed by the defence counsel.

The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

Governor Mohammed announced his exit from the PDP on Saturday following a meeting with his state’s political stakeholders.

The gathering was convened to deliberate on the implications of the recent Supreme Court judgement on the PDP’s leadership crisis and to determine a path forward.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, the governor explained that the Supreme Court’s verdict—which nullified the parallel conventions conducted by rival factions—has fundamentally altered the nation’s political landscape.

He noted that the judgement effectively stripped both factions of their legal standing, leaving the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) to oversee its affairs temporarily.

According to the governor, subsequent internal developments have only deepened the sense of uncertainty within the party.

“After careful consideration and wide consultations with leaders and stakeholders across the country, it has become clear that our efforts to restore stability have not yielded the desired results,” the governor stated.

While expressing his gratitude to the PDP for facilitating his political growth, Governor Mohammed stated that the necessity of his departure was in the interest of effective governance and stability.

“As responsible leaders, we cannot allow our people to be left without a credible and effective political platform,” he maintained.

He further explained that joining the APM was a strategic decision intended to ensure political continuity and future electoral success.

He described his new party as a “viable platform free from legal encumbrances,” positioning it as the most stable vehicle for his administration’s goals.