An elder statesman, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, the Danmasanin Kano, has commended Bauchi Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar for making huge investments in the development of education and health in his state, urging other northern governors to emulate him.

Alhaji Sule held up Governor Abubakar a.k.a GMA, while conferring an award on him in Abuja on Thursday at the National Convention/Conference of Forum of Former Senators and House of Representatives from 1st to 4th Republics, headed by Senator Joseph Wayas.

Alhaji Sule described education and health as the heart of human survival. He noted that the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has recommended the provision of 26% of annual budgets of all developing nations to the development of education sector, saying what Governor Abubakar has started in the area of education and health is commendable and urged other governors, especially those of northern states to emulate.

“We must give education priority attention because all developed nations are so developed because they have given sufficient attention to the development of that important sector,” the elder statesman said. He stressed that with proper investment in education, half of the problems of all nations are solved, adding that no country can claim to have security if it fails to have food security.

While accepting the platinum award, GMA lamented that his administration’s only 10 months in office which has been dedicated to restoring decayed institutions that suffered neglect and abuse by the past administration is being criticised by those who are used to the former administration’s style of leadership. He maintained that he remained resolute in his restoration drive, and stressed that the change mantra is working in Bauchi State. “Let me reiterate here that I remain resolute and committed to changing Bauchi state and no amount of intimidation will deter me,” the Governor said.

GMA explained that many organisations have approached him with offers to confer awards on him, saying he only accepts awards from credible associations like the one conferred on him by the forum that is made up of people of proven integrity and respect in all parts of the country.

“I consider this award different from others; it shows that whatever we do we are being observed and therefore is a big challenge for us to remain committed and strive double our efforts and do more to improve the lives of our people through the change mantra of our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), a real sustainable change,” he said.

The Governor commended the Speaker and Members of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, whom he said support the change and restoration agendas of his administration. He pointed out that his administration focuses attention on solid the development of mineral resources, harnessing the tourism potentials of the state and revitalising agriculture, all of which are geared towards improving internally generated revenue base of the state.

The Governor appealed for continued public understanding and support to the administration, and assured that results of the sacrifices “we all have to make for our administration’s policies, which are reflections of those of President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC manifesto, will be reaped bountifully”.

According to the forum, Governor Abubakar was one of this year’s awardees because of his exemplary efforts to the developments of education, health, agriculture, infrastructural development and job creation for youth.

•Photo shows elder statesman, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, the Danmasanin Kano (left), with Bauchi Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar during the conferment of platinum award on the Governor at the National Convention/Conference of Forum of former Senators and House of Representatives.