Bauchi State

Posted by Nigeria Direct on 2009/02/15 | Views: 1813 |

Bauchi State
Governor: Mal. Isa Yuguda (ANPP)
Deputy Governor: Alh. Garba Mohammed Gadi
Date Created: February-1976

Capital City: Bauchi

Major Towns: Zaki, Misau, Ningi, Dass, Jama'are Tafawa-Balewa, Alkaleri and Bauchi.

Bauchi State was created in February 1976. It is made up of 20 local government areas, namely: Alkaleri, Bauchi Boboro, Dambam, Giade, Ganjuwa, Darazo, Dass, Ningi, Shira, Gamawa, Itas Gadau, Kirfi, Warji, Jama' are, katagum, Missau, Toro, Zaki and Tafawa-Balewa.

It covers a total of about 66,510.045 square kilometres of landscape. The state is bordered by Kano and Jigawa to the north, Yobe and Gombe to the east and Kaduna State to the west and Plateau and Taraba State to the south.

The State has a balance of geographical features as well as climatic conditions. The entire western and northern parts of the state are generally mountainous and rocky. This is as a result of the closeness of the state to the Jos Plateau and Cameroon mountains. Two main rivers transverse the state, the Gongola and Hadejia rivers. The climatic condition of Bauchi State is very hot in the months of April and May, while December and January are the coldest months.

Bauchi state is a heterogeneous state, with predominant tribes like, Hausa, Fulani, Jarawa, Tangale, Waja, Balewa, Sayawa and Tarewa.

The state has a very rich history. The name Bauchi was derived from the name ofthe founder of the state, Baushe, who was a brave hunter during his time. Bauchi, according to early Hausa translators means, "no animal ever escaped the trap and arrow of a hunter".

Bauchi state is an agricultural state. Its vast fertile soil is an added advantage for agricultural products, which include maize, rice, millet, groundnut and guinea corn. Irrigation fanning is practiced and supported by the use of dams like Balanga dam, etc. Cattle and other livestock are also reared in the state.

Investors are encouraged by the government of the state to seek sufficient expanse of land for agricultural development. Agro-industries are also encouraged.

Bauchi state has abundant human and material resources and the potentials for economic development are so vast.

The state has industries like the Bazamri PVC - Wire Limited, Kuda Nails Factory, Yankari Natural Water Company, Zaki Flour Mills and Arewa Ceramic Industry.

There is a high level of social development in the state. Health services are adequately provided for, almost at the doorstep of the people.

There is a specialist hospital, a number of general hospitals, private clinics and primary health centres throughout the state.

Education is accorded pre-eminent status in the state. Both formal and non-formal institutions of education are well established, equipped and adequately funded by government. There are good training centres and colleges of education within the state.

Bauchi state is blessed with many tourist attractions. These include the Yankari Game reserve, Premier Game Reserve, Rock Paintings at Goji and Shira, the State Museum among others.

The Federal and' the State Governments have made sure that the state enjoys a good road network.

The State is well covered in its communication network. The government has a state owned newspaper, Radio Station, and a State Television Service.

Sports is also encouraged in the state. There is a sports complex. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi. The stadium also has its own information centre with other modern facilities.