Bauchi Gov Flags Off Cement Drilling Campaign

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

As part of his administration’s plan for industrial growth, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has officially launched the drilling campaign of Resident Cement Company Ltd in Diji Village, Gwana District of Alkaleri Local Government Area of the state. .

This significant milestone marks the beginning of a new era of economic prosperity and development in the state.

In a landmark ceremony, which was  held on Tuesday at the site of the drilling underscoring the state’s commitment to unlocking its vast mineral and other natural resources for socioeconomic transformation, growth and development of the state.  

Speaking at the ceremony, which is regarded as unlocking the state’s mineral potential, Governor  Mohammed empha-sised that Bauchi State’s rich mineral deposits and natural resources are now opened for business by interested investors from across the world. 

The governor said that with strategic partnerships aimed at driving job creation, youth empowerment, and sustainable development, the state is ever ready for action. 

According to him, “This initiative marks a new era for Bauchi. By harnessing our solid minerals sector, we are diversifying our economy, attracting investment, and securing a prosperous future for our people.”  

The governor also hailed Resident Cement Company Ltd and other stakeholders for their confidence in the state, assuring them of a secure and enabling environment for their operations. 

Bala Mohammed assured that, “Your investment is safeguarded, and together, we will ensure mutual benefits for investors and the people of Bauchi.”  

In his remarks, Group Chairman of Resident Cement Company Ltd, Dr. Abbas Waziri Junaid,  commended Governor Mohammed’s leadership in fostering public-private partnerships. 

He stressed: “This project is the first of many initiatives to come,” he stated. “Our cement plant will catalyze infrastructure growth, create jobs, and set a precedent for sustainable economic stability in the region.”  

 Director-General of the Kaduna-based National Steel Raw Material Exploration Agency, Engineer Michael Olawale Ogunbiyi,  praised the collaboration, noting that Bauchi’s mineral exploration efforts align with national goals for economic diversification. 

He stressed that, “This partnership exemplifies how states can leverage natural resources to reduce dependency on oil and empower communities.”  

Member of the State House of Assembly, Abdullahi Dan and Alkaleri LGA Chairman Retired Major Hassan Garba Bajama  stated  the importance of equitable resource distribution for grassroots development.  

Earlier, Bauchi State Commissioner of Natural Resources Development, Mohammed Maiwada Bello, highlighted the drilling campaign as a critical milestone. 

“Under Governor Mohammed’s vision, the solid minerals sector is now a cornerstone of our economy. This progress reflects our resolve to transform Bauchi into a hub of industrial growth and opportunity,” he concluded. 

Traditional and political leaders, including the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu lauded the project’s potential to uplift rural communities.

The event concluded with a unified call for sustained collaboration between government, investors, and communities to ensure the project’s long-term success which is a testament to Bauchi State’s rising profile as a destination for transformative investment.