By Mubarak Aliyu kobi
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed alongside Minister of State Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, have performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy’s permanent site in Alkaleri.
This significant milestone marks the state’s ongoing efforts to build capacity and drive energy-focused development, particularly with the discovery of oil in Kolmani.
Speaking during the ceremony Governor Bala Mohammed said The academy aims to prepare the state’s youth for opportunities and challenges in the evolving energy sector.
He explained that The idea to establish the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy was conceived shortly after oil was discovered in Kolmani, with the goal of providing critical training and skill development for youths across the region.
Governor Bala Mohammed expressed deep appreciation to former President Muhammadu Buhari for his crucial role in actualizing the Kolmani Oil Project, calling it a historic breakthrough for Bauchi State and Nigeria.
Governor Mohammed thanked the Minister and the Federal Government for their continued partnership and support, highlighting the importance of collaboration in driving development.
Senator Lokpobiri, Minister of State Petroleum, applauded Governor Bala Mohammed’s visionary leadership and commitment to human capital development.
He called on the people of Bauchi to support both the state and federal governments in their joint efforts to drive sustainable growth.
The Minister also pledged his unwavering support for the development of the Kolmani Oil Field, expressing his desire to see Bauchi emerge as a key contributor to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
He assured that the Federal Government would continue to collaborate closely with the state to maximize the region’s resource potential.
Earlier, The State commissioner of Natural Resources Maiwada Bello has opined that The academy is expected to serve as a center of excellence for energy education, providing much-needed skills for the growth of the sector.
