NEDC Rehabilitates Tafawa Balewa Tomb to preserve Legacies

From Paul Orude Bauchi

The North-East Development Commission (NEDC) has completed the rehabilitation of the Tomb and Museum of Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, the late Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, in Bauchi State, as part of efforts to preserve national heritage and promote tourism and education.

The Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Hon. Uba Maigari Ahmadu, disclosed this during a visit to the historic site while inspecting and commissioning completed NEDC projects across Bauchi State.

Ahmadu explained that the intervention upgraded major components of the facility, including the Museum and Library, the Tomb, the Reception Block, and male and female public conveniences. The Minister commended the NEDC for delivering quality work worthy of the legacy of Nigeria’s first Prime Minister.

In a related development, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, underscored the need for sustained synergy between the Federal Government and subnational entities to accelerate development and improve citizens’ welfare.

Governor Mohammed made this known while receiving the Minister and the Board and Management of the NEDC during a courtesy visit to the Executive Chambers of the Government House.

He described collaboration with federal institutions as critical to growth and development, noting that both levels of government have taken deliberate steps to foster a conducive working relationship.

He said the NEDC represents partnership, solidarity, and shared responsibility between the Federal Government and the states and expressed appreciation for the Commission’s continued interventions in the region.

The Governor also praised the leadership of the NEDC under its Managing Director, Mohammed Goni Alkali, citing its focus, clear vision, flexibility, and capacity to deliver impactful results.

Earlier, the Minister of State, Hon. Uba Maigari Ahmadu, said Bauchi holds a special place in Nigeria’s history as the home of the late Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and renowned nationalist and poet, Mallam Sa’adu Zungur.

The minister explained that the visit was aimed at supervising ongoing NEDC projects and commissioning completed ones across key sectors such as education, health, infrastructure, and commerce.

According to him, the projects fall under the supervision of the Ministry of Regional Development, established by President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 24 last year, adding that the inspection and commissioning exercise would continue over the next few days.