Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has pledged to support the Bauchi State Government in attracting local and foreign investors, as he inaugurated the newly constructed Sir Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre in Bauchi on Wednesday.
Obasanjo described the state-of-the-art facility as a world-class edifice capable of transforming Bauchi into a major destination for business, tourism, and global conferences.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the former president commended Governor Bala Mohammed for what he called “a bold and visionary initiative,” noting that the project reflects the state’s ambition to achieve growth and global relevance.
“With what we have, we can show the world that we are part and parcel of it,” Obasanjo said. “What others have and pride themselves about is not more than what we have. Some people don’t even have half of what we have. This world-class centre can be developed and made one of Nigeria’s tourist attractions.”
He noted that the facility would not only enhance social and business interactions but also serve as a platform to draw investors into the state.
“Not only are we inaugurating this project, but we are also beginning with a conference to talk about investment. What Nigeria needs today is to mobilise investments from both local and international sources,” he said. “I will go anywhere with the governor to get investments for Bauchi State.”
The Chief Executive Officer of Architectronix Nigeria Limited, Ruben Okoya, whose firm designed and executed the project, described the centre as “a masterpiece conceived, initiated, and completed under the visionary leadership of Governor Bala Mohammed.”
He explained that the 10,000-square-metre facility can host 3,000 guests and simultaneously accommodate up to 10 events in its five main halls.
“Every square metre of granite used in this facility was sourced from Bauchi State. That demonstrates the abundance of natural resources here and the governor’s commitment to promoting local capacity,” Okoya said.
He added that the complex also features a 2,500-capacity outdoor event space, a mosque, solar power installations, standby generators, and full internet connectivity.
Okoya urged the Federal Government to consider Bauchi as a host for major national events such as the Nigeria Oil and Gas Summit, noting that the state’s new infrastructure and oil-producing status make it an ideal venue.
“This project is 100 percent locally executed. It was built by local engineers and contractors, showing that when leaders believe in local talent, great things happen,” he said.
He recalled that the project’s foundation was laid in March 2021 by Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, then a guest of the Bauchi Government, and expressed delight that the vision had now been fully realised.
The ceremony drew dignitaries from across the country, including government officials, traditional rulers, business leaders, and international guests, who all lauded the conference centre as a milestone in Bauchi State’s quest for modernisation and economic transformation.
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