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Revisiting Bagudu’s Legacy in Kebbi
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Jibrin Isah x-rays the giant strides of Minister of Budget and Economic planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, while he held sway as Governor of Kebbi State from 2015 to 2023.
As I stepped into the city of Birnin Kebbi, the capital of Kebbi State, I was struck by the sheer scale of development that has taken place in this once-sleepy town. The city’s well-planned layout, a beautiful aesthetic network of tarred roads, and the major streets, all contracted and constructed by the Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu administration, are proof of the transformative power of visionary leadership.
My curiosity took me on a journey to explore the legacy projects of Senator Bagudu, the Matawallen Gwandu, who served as the Governor of Kebbi State between 2015 and 2023. What I found was a trail of giant legacies that have not only transformed the state but have also left footprints on the lives of its people. One of the first things that caught my attention was the 1.9 million dollar FIFA mini stadium constructed by the Bagudu administration. The edifice has not only retained its beauty and standard but has also become a rallying point for all strategic events, including rallies, football matches, and other notable gatherings.
As I navigated through the city, I was impressed by the sheer number of roads, bridges, and culverts constructed across the state during Bagudu’s tenure. The Zuru Emirate Road Project, which is adjudged to be the longest road constructed by a state government in the state, is a shining example of the Senator’s commitment to infrastructure development. The 949 million Naira magnificent state-of-the-art Rockwell Nigeria Limited constructed New Secretariat Complex Gwandangaji, Birinin Kebbi, is another legacy project that stands out.
The complex houses the offices of the Secretary to the State Government, Head of Service, and other strategic ministries, departments, and agencies of government, including some federal MDAs.
Bagudu’s commitment to agricultural development is also evident in the state’s rice production, which has become a major revenue earner for the state. The Rice Pyramid, which was launched during his tenure, has remained unbroken, and the state has become a major player in the country’s rice production. The Senator’s steadfast commitment to turning Kebbi State into an agrarian economy has promoted the state to the level of major revenue earner in the country.
The impact of Bagudu’s administration on the state’s healthcare sector is also significant. The rehabilitation and equipment of primary Healthcare Centres across the state, the renovation of the Kebbi Medical Centre, Kalgo, and the transformation of the Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital to a befitting modern hospital are all testament to his commitment to healthcare development.
In the education sector, Bagudu’s administration has made significant strides. The renovation and construction of primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions across the state, including the upgrading of three tertiary institutions, Adamu Augie College of Education Argungu, the Kebbi State College of Nursing Sciences and Midwifery, Birnin Kebbi and the College of Health Technology, Jega to degree-awarding institutions, are all part of his legacy.
Bagudu’s political sagacity and tenacity have also brought about the assimilation and integration of all major political players in Kebbi State into one fold of the ruling party, the APC. His ability to ensure that the state remained relevant in national politics and keyed to the government at the centre has ensured a seamless unity of purpose and direction of leadership.
As I concluded my tour of Kebbi State, I was struck by the sheer scale of development that has taken place in the state. As a pacesetter, trailblazer, transparent, and effective manager of scarce resources, Bagudu’s admirable, exemplary leadership ensured that he completed almost all the projects he instituted before leaving office. He also bequeathed a stunning whooping sum of over N40 billion in the state treasury for his successor. He, it was too, approved the release and payment of over N 3 billion Naira gratuity to retired Civil Servants at both the state, Local Government and Local Government Education Authorities, and also N2 billion Naira for Constituency projects across the State with the full involvement of the state lawmakers.
His commitment to youth empowerment is also evident in the various programs and initiatives he implemented during his tenure. The establishment of the Rice Academy for training and re-training of Rice farmers at Dakingari in Suru local government is a shining example of his commitment to youth empowerment. The Senator also purchased and distributed to indigent farmers over 30,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser, with 225 truck-loads of assorted fertiliser at a highly subsidised cost.
In a show of practical magnanimity and a means of encouragement, Bagudu, during his tenure, also approved the sum of 3.5 billion Naira for the purchase of rice and wheat as buyback from farmers in the State. He also purchased 100 sets of tractors along with thrashers, rice rippers and power tillers as part of his efforts to encourage mechanised and modern farming methods among farmers.
He encouraged Extension Liaison Services by purchasing 100 motorcycles for use by agricultural extension workers. In a strategic plan and commitment to fight against desertification and attain afforestation his government in conjunction with the OXFAM provided one million, three hundred thousand assorted tree seedlings to all communities in the State, especially for those living within the Sahel region for planting and nurturing.
The implementation of the Anchor Borrowers Programme led to the creation of about 500,000 direct and indirect jobs as well as enhanced the purchasing power of many families who could now boast of attaining millionaire status.
An effective collaborator and formidable conscientious team player, Bagudu, using his congruence and clout, attracted international donor agencies to rehabilitate and equip 225 Primary Healthcare Centres across the State, granted free medical outreaches, immunised citizens against various diseases, renovated the Kebbi Medical Centre, Kalgo, and transformed the Sir Yahaya Memorial hospital to a befitting modern Hospital.
He also ensured the renovation of General Hospitals with several outstanding verifiable projects and amenities. His administration also witnessed unprecedented capacity-building training and upgrades of various categories of medical staff.
An inclusive and action-oriented politician, it was during his tenure that approval and allocation of 22,000 plots of land, under the Accelerated Residential Plots Programme was given. The programme greatly motivated and enhanced first-time land owners to build their own houses in line with his aspiration for affordable housing for all, and has led to the elimination of the challenges experienced as a result of housing deficits which are presently militating against several States of the Federation, especially in their major cities, leading to high unaffordable rents, unaffordability, and congestion, and the increasing growth of slum with the attendant rise and prevalence of diseases, infections, and mortality.
Bagudu’s tenure enhanced the participation of women and youths in the federal government’s empowerment programs including youth employment, and other intervention programs. He also initiated the establishment and launching of the Kebbi State Data Portal. The portal has greatly led to the enhancement of the people of the state, especially youths in deriving the benefits of various interventions from the federal government and other organizations in the country.
He also engaged reputable consultants for the training of 10,000 indigenes of the State who benefitted from the agricultural loan under the Nigerian Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural lending, NIRSAL Microfinance Bank. A feat which greatly motivated youths and women to venture into agricultural production and enhanced the economy of the State.
Bagudu’s legacy in Kebbi State serves as a lasting reminder of the impact of dedicated leadership. His numerous projects and initiatives have improved the lives of its people. As his administration’s achievements continue to inspire future generations, it is clear that Bagudu’s commitment to the development of Kebbi State and Nigeria will be remembered for years to come.
-Isah writes from Gwandu, Kebbi State.