Obasanjo urges investment in Nigeria as he commissions Bauchi’s world-class conference centre, praising it as a symbol of local capacity and global ambition.

Obasanjo urges investment in Nigeria, calling for both local and international financial support to drive the nation’s development.

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The former President made this remark while commissioning the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre in Bauchi on Tuesday.

Describing the facility as a world-class achievement, Obasanjo praised the Bauchi State Government, led by Governor Bala Mohammed, for its vision and commitment to infrastructure-driven growth.

He noted that Nigeria has the resources and capacity to stand tall on the global stage if it prioritises strategic investment.

“What others have and pride themselves on is not more than what we have,” Obasanjo said.
“This centre can become one of Nigeria’s leading tourist and business destinations.”

The former President noted that the conference centre would serve as a major platform to attract tourism, foster business interaction, and facilitate both domestic and foreign investment.

“I will go anywhere with the governor to get investments for Bauchi State,” he added.

Obasanjo’s comments come at a time when Nigeria is seeking innovative ways to diversify its economy and reduce dependency on oil revenue.

He argued that projects like this reflect the potential of subnational leadership to reposition Nigeria’s economic landscape.

Ruben Okoya, CEO of Architectronix Nigeria Limited, the firm behind the project, described the centre as a “masterpiece of local ingenuity.”

He revealed that every material used, including the granite, was sourced from within Bauchi State.

“This project is 100 per cent locally executed. It was built by local engineers and contractors, showing that when leaders believe in local capacity, great things happen,” Okoya said.

The multi-purpose facility spans 10,000 square metres, housing five main halls capable of hosting up to 10 events simultaneously.

It also includes an outdoor space for 2,500 guests, a mosque, solar installations, standby generators, and full internet connectivity.

Okoya urged the Federal Government to host national events in the state, including the Nigeria Oil and Gas Summit, citing Bauchi’s new infrastructural capability and its emerging status as an oil-producing region.

He also recalled that the foundation stone for the centre was laid in March 2021 by Professor Babagana Zulum, then a guest of the Bauchi government, highlighting the long-term vision that guided the project to completion.

The commissioning attracted top officials, traditional rulers, business leaders, and international guests, who lauded the project as a milestone in Bauchi’s modernisation efforts.

Bauchi State’s commitment to infrastructure development was further emphasised by its recent approval of ₦6.5 billion for the dualisation of a 7.5-kilometre road in Misau Local Government Area.

The road upgrade is expected to reduce accidents and improve traffic flow in the busy commercial town along the Bauchi–Azare highway.

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As Nigeria marks its 65th independence anniversary, Obasanjo’s call serves as a timely reminder that visionary leadership and strategic investments remain essential to unlocking the country’s potential.