Governor Bala Sets the Stage for Grassroots Empowerment with New Emirates and Districts Initiative
By Abdulwahab Muhammad, Bauchi
In a bold step aimed at strengthening traditional governance and deepening community participation, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has inaugurated a high-powered committee to oversee the creation of new Emirates, Chiefdoms, and Districts across the state.
The initiative reflects the governor’s commitment to responsive leadership, cultural inclusion, and equitable resource distribution, in line with long-standing demands from communities seeking recognition and stronger administrative presence.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Governor Bala said the formation of the committee was both a political promise fulfilled and a strategic policy to decentralize governance, enhance peacebuilding efforts, and revive the traditional institutions that have historically united communities.
“This initiative is about fairness, inclusiveness, and recognizing the aspirations of our people. We want to bring governance closer to the grassroots and empower traditional institutions to play a greater role in development,” the governor stated.
He tasked the committee with reviewing all pending requests, recommending deserving communities, proposing functional administrative models, and ensuring a transparent, consultative process that reflects the voice of the people.
The committee is to submit a detailed report with actionable recommendations within eight weeks, following field assessments, stakeholder engagement, and historical evaluation of claims.
Governor Bala emphasized that the move is rooted in strategic objectives including:
- Strengthening cultural identity;
- Enhancing local peace and unity;
- Expanding the scope of traditional institutions;
- Promoting communal development and service delivery.
He stressed that traditional rulers have long proven themselves as vital partners in governance, especially in areas of conflict resolution, cultural preservation, and grassroots mobilization.
Committee Vows Transparency and Fairness
In his remarks, Committee Chairman Hamza Koshe Akuyam expressed appreciation to the governor for the trust placed in them. He pledged that the committee would work with integrity, neutrality, and in full alignment with the governor’s vision for sustainable community empowerment.
“This is not about personal or political interest—it is about justice, inclusion, and ensuring that our people benefit from efficient and culturally rooted governance,” Akuyam noted.
He said the committee will review all submissions on merit, engage directly with stakeholders, and carry out field assessments where necessary to validate requests.
The high-level committee includes representatives from:
- Traditional Institutions
- Security Agencies
- Relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies
- Civil Society Organizations
- The Media
With this initiative, Governor Bala Mohammed once again underscores his administration’s resolve to build inclusive institutions, respect cultural values, and create a more connected, responsive, and united Bauchi State