By Desire Emmanuel
Shamsudeen Mohammed, the first son of Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, on Saturday, June 27, took the administration of his father to the cleaners by berating it for its failure in empowering and developing the youths in the state in the last seven years..
The allegation was made in an open letter entitled: “Bridging the Gap: A Call for a Human-Capital Focused Policy for Bauchi State” which was posted on his Facebook page.
He wrote: “As a son of the soil, an engineer, and a stakeholder who deeply invested in the progress of our state, I write this open letter with a spirit of loyalty and profound concern. Over the last seven years, your administration has undeniably transformed the landscape of Bauchi State.
“The infrastructure projects—our roads, schools, and hospitals—stand as a testament to your vision and legacy. These are milestones that future generations will celebrate.
“However, as we approach 2027, I feel a responsibility to bring to your attention a brewing disconnect between this commendable infrastructure drive and the immediate economic reality of our people.
“There is a growing, palpable frustration among the youths—the very demographic that forms the bedrock of your political support. The prevailing sentiment on the ground is that while infrastructure is vital, it does not alleviate the immediate economic hardship, the struggle for daily sustenance, or the pain of families still awaiting civil service gratuities.
“There is a boiling point of agitation. Our youths are not merely asking for handouts; they are asking for a stake in the prosperity of their state. They feel that the strides made thus far, while impressive, have not reached them in a way that impacts their livelihoods.
“I humbly suggest that the next phase of your administration be defined by a “Social-Economic Empowerment Pivot.” We should explore global models of “Productive Inclusion”—mechanisms that provide seed funding for youth-led startups, capital grants for small-scale entrepreneurs, and policy-driven mandates that require contractors to prioritize local youth employment. Let us shift the focus from solely “building the state” to “investing in the citizens.
“Your Excellency, your legacy is secure in steel and concrete. I pray your lasting legacy becomes the economic resilience of the Bauchi youths. With respect and unwavering hope for a greater Bauchi.”
