Former President Goodluck Jonathan has launched the construction of four recreational parks estimated at N4.7 billion in Bauchi metropolis.
Jonathan performed the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday and also commissioned 18 township roads completed by the Bauchi State Government.
Speaking at the event, the former president said the recreational parks would help tackle environmental challenges, provide jobs and stimulate commercial activities within the state capital.
He described the projects as signs of purposeful governance and strategic investment in infrastructure, while commending the Bauchi State Government for its efforts to improve the lives of residents.
Jonathan also highlighted the importance of road infrastructure to economic development, noting that good roads promote connectivity, facilitate trade and open up opportunities for communities.
“Roads are not merely physical infrastructure; they are investments in a connected future,” he said.
He appealed to residents to support government programmes and protect public infrastructure from vandalism, stressing that maintaining public facilities should be a collective responsibility.
Jonathan further praised the people of Bauchi for their warm welcome, recalling the longstanding relationship between the state and his administration when he served as president.
He also commended Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration for its investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and human capital development, expressing optimism that the state would sustain its progress in peace and development.
Governor Mohammed said the recreational park projects include the Golden Jubilee Park, Hassan Usman Katsina Park, Suleiman Adamu Park and Shehu Azare Park. He explained that the projects form part of the government’s urban renewal programme aimed at improving the environment and providing recreational spaces for residents.
According to the governor, 70 per cent of the contract value has already been paid, while the contractors are expected to complete the projects within 12 months.
On the commissioned roads, Mohammed said the 18 projects cover 49.7 kilometres across Bauchi metropolis and were constructed at a cost of N58.7 billion.
He said the roads were deliberately positioned to link major commercial and economic centres, schools, security formations and other public facilities.
The governor listed drainage systems, reinforced culverts, concrete curbs, road signs, thermoplastic markings, solar-powered streetlights and speed-control features among the facilities incorporated into the projects.
Mohammed said the roads had improved movement within the metropolis, encouraged economic activities, created employment and enhanced the overall appearance of the state capital.
He disclosed that his administration had so far completed about 3,000 kilometres of roads out of its 5,000-kilometre target.
The governor described the commissioning as another indication of his administration’s commitment to fulfilling its promises, adding that his experience working with Jonathan had influenced his approach to governance.
He said the lessons he learnt included having a clear development plan, making prudent use of available resources, regularly inspecting projects and ensuring that contractors meet deadlines.
“Whatever I have learnt as a politician, I learnt a great deal from Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan,” Mohammed said.
He added that the state government was also prioritising rural and semi-urban roads because of the importance of agriculture to Bauchi’s economy.
According to him, improved rural roads make it easier for farmers to transport their produce, reduce post-harvest losses and provide better access to markets, schools and healthcare centres.
Mohammed apologised to communities that were yet to benefit from road projects, explaining that the state’s resources were limited and projects had to be implemented gradually.
He assured residents that development projects would continue under successive administrations and urged them to protect public infrastructure, keep drainage channels clear and stop dumping waste in waterways.