Obasanjo Commends Bauchi’s Vision, Pledges Support to Attract Investors

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has pledged to support the Bauchi State Government in its efforts to attract both local and foreign investors to the state.

Obasanjo made the pledge on Wednesday while inaugurating the newly constructed Sir Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre in Bauchi.

The former president described the edifice as a world-class facility capable of transforming Bauchi into a major destination for business, tourism, and international conferences.

He commended Governor Bala Mohammed for what he described as a bold and visionary initiative, saying the project reflects the state’s ambition to achieve sustainable growth and global relevance.

“With what we have, we can show the world that we are part and parcel of it,” Obasanjo said. “Some people don’t even have half of what we have. This world-class centre can become one of Nigeria’s major tourist attractions.”

He said the facility would not only enhance social and business interactions but also serve as a platform to attract investors.

“We are not just inaugurating this project; we are also beginning a conversation about investment,” he added. “What Nigeria needs today is to mobilise investments from local and international sources. I will go anywhere with the governor to get investments for Bauchi State.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Architectronix Nigeria Limited, Ruben Okoya, whose firm designed and executed the project, described the centre as “a masterpiece conceived, initiated, and completed under the visionary leadership of Governor Bala Mohammed.”

Okoya explained that the 10,000-square-metre facility can host 3,000 guests and accommodate up to 10 events simultaneously across its five main halls.

He added that every square metre of granite used in the construction was sourced from Bauchi State, demonstrating the abundance of local resources and the governor’s commitment to promoting indigenous capacity.

According to him, the complex also features a 2,500-capacity outdoor event space, a mosque, solar installations, standby generators, and full internet connectivity.

Okoya urged the Federal Government to consider Bauchi as a host for major national events, such as the Nigeria Oil and Gas Summit, noting that the state’s emerging oil-producing status and improved infrastructure make it an ideal venue.

He recalled that the project’s foundation was laid in March 2021 by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, then a guest of the Bauchi Government, and expressed delight that the vision had now been realised.

The event attracted dignitaries from across the country, including government officials, traditional rulers, business leaders, and international guests, who all commended the project as a milestone in Bauchi State’s drive for modernisation and economic growth.