SIR: In the heart of Nigeria, Bauchi State finds itself at a crossroads between development and the fundamental needs of its people. Despite the government’s focus on infrastructural advancements, such as road constructions, the citizens of Bauchi are facing critical challenges that strike at the very core of their survival and well-being. As a concerned citizen, I am compelled to voice the pressing priorities that require immediate attention: these are food security, healthcare, and education.
Education, universally acknowledged as the key to overcoming challenges in today’s complex world, is in a deplorable state in Bauchi. Our primary schools, the nurseries of future leaders, are in dire conditions with no benches for children to sit, and some classrooms are so dilapidated that they lack proper roofing.
How can we expect our children to absorb knowledge and aspire for a better future when they are seated on the ground, under structures that barely protect them from the elements? The foundation of education in Bauchi is crumbling, and with it, the dreams of countless children.
The health sector in Bauchi is facing a crisis of its own. Previous administrations made efforts to strengthen this sector by awarding scholarships to study medical courses, intending for recipients to return and serve their communities. Unfortunately, such initiatives have dwindled, leaving a gaping hole in the availability of medical professionals across the state. Several local governments report not having a single doctor, a situation that is untenable in any society, let alone one striving to progress.
As the holy month of Ramadan unfolds, the absence of government support in the form of food distribution is painfully felt among the populace. Traditionally, the state government would provide food items or funds to major mosques to help feed the public during this period of fasting. This year, however, such support has been conspicuously absent. With the rising cost of living, the people of Bauchi find themselves in a dire situation where hunger is a growing concern. Food is the most basic human need, and without it, survival becomes the day’s biggest challenge.
While infrastructure, such as the ongoing construction of flyovers, is important for the development of any society, it should not overshadow the basic needs of the populace. The people of Bauchi State are crying out for their fundamental rights to quality education, dependable healthcare, and food security. These are the pillars upon which a thriving society is built.
As we navigate through these challenging times, it is imperative for the Bauchi State government to re-evaluate its priorities and allocate resources to where they are most needed. Let us unite in addressing the essential needs of the people, for a state that ensures the well-being of its citizens is a state that truly progresses.
- Yasir Shehu Adam (Dan Liman) Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi.
