Bauchi State governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has declared that Niger State governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, possessed the leadership qualities to chair the Progressive Governors’ Forum(PGF), a group of governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing him as energetic, innovative, and results-driven.
Bala Mohammed made the remark while receiving Governor Bago on a condolence visit to the Bauchi State Government House over the death of elder statesman, Alhaji Ahmadu Laushi, saying the Niger State governor had distinguished himself through performance, particularly in agriculture, security, and solid minerals development.
“I deeply appreciate your visit and your continued demonstration of leadership. I admire your energy, ingenuity and creativity. I say this not to flatter you, but because these qualities are evident in your service and achievements,” Bala Mohammed said.
He added that Bago had “exceeded expectations” in office, especially in agriculture, which he described as the backbone of the economy.
“By leveraging your state’s comparative advantage in arable land, you have attracted national and international attention to agriculture and demonstrated that we can feed ourselves and contribute significantly to feeding the nation,” he said.
The Bauchi State governor, who is a member of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), noted that despite political differences, he had observed widespread recognition of Bago’s leadership capacity among stakeholders, adding that he had previously remarked that the Niger State governor was well-positioned to lead the APC governors’ platform.
He further commended Bago’s efforts in security and solid minerals development, describing both sectors as challenging but critical to national growth.
“We are also learning from your achievements in security and solid minerals development. These sectors present enormous challenges, yet you have managed them effectively and set a commendable example,” he said.
Bala Mohammed also used the occasion to pay tribute to the late Alhaji Ahmadu Laushi, describing him as a respected business leader and mentor who contributed significantly to the development of Northern Nigeria.
“Alhaji Ahmadu Laushi was one of the most respected leaders in Northern Nigeria… he was regarded as a father figure by many people in Jos and across Plateau State,” he said, recalling his personal relationship with the deceased dating back to his NYSC days in 1982.
Earlier, Governor Bago, who led a delegation from Niger State, described the late Laushi as a father-figure and extended condolences to the Bauchi State Government and the bereaved family on behalf of the government and people of Niger State.
He also commended Bala Mohammed’s leadership and infrastructure delivery, particularly the newly completed Government House complex.
“I have just had the opportunity to visit this brand-new Government House, and I am truly impressed by its beautiful design and excellent facilities,” Bago said.
Bago added that Bala Mohammed had consistently demonstrated visionary leadership across his public service career, from his days in the National Assembly to his tenure as FCT Minister and governor of Bauchi State.
The visit, both leaders said, reinforced calls for stronger inter-state cooperation in governance, agriculture, and economic development.
