Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed of Bauchi State has inaugurated the drilling campaign of Resident Cement Company Ltd in Diji Village, Gwana District of Alkaleri Local Government Area, pledging more projects to boost economic development.
The event, held on Tuesday, attracted dignitaries, investors, and community leaders, underscoring the state’s commitment to harnessing its mineral resources for economic transformation.
Speaking at the occasion, Mohammed said Bauchi’s vast mineral deposits were now open for investment, with strategic partnerships aimed at creating jobs, empowering youth, and driving sustainable development.
He described the initiative as a new chapter in Bauchi’s economic diversification, where the solid minerals sector would play a crucial role in attracting investment and securing a prosperous future for residents.
The governor commended Resident Cement Company Ltd and other stakeholders for their confidence in the state, assuring them of a secure and supportive business environment.
“My administration remains committed to ensuring that investors and the people of Bauchi benefit mutually from this initiative,” he said.
Dr. Abbas Waziri Junaid, Group Chairman of Resident Cement Company Ltd, praised Mohammed’s leadership in promoting public-private partnerships. He said the cement project would contribute to infrastructure development, job creation, and long-term economic stability in the region.
Also speaking, Engineer Michael Olawale Ogunbiyi, Director-General of the Kaduna-based National Steel Raw Material Exploration Agency, commended the collaboration.
He said Bauchi’s mineral exploration drive aligns with the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda and serves as a model for states seeking to leverage natural resources for sustainable development.
Traditional and political leaders, including the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, and Gwana District Head, Sani Ahmed Adamu Jumba, hailed the project as a catalyst for rural development.
Similarly, Member of the State House of Assembly, Abdullahi Dan, and Alkaleri Local Government Chairman, Retired Major Hassan Garba Bajama, stressed the importance of equitable resource distribution to enhance grassroots development.
Bauchi State Commissioner for Natural Resources Development, Mohammed Maiwada Bello, described the drilling campaign as a major milestone in the state’s economic growth strategy.
The initiative marks another step in Bauchi’s efforts to become a major player in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector and overall economic diversification agenda.
