Federal lawmaker, Buba commissions 40 Solar boreholes, Mosque, Islam School In Bauchi

By: Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi 

Umar Shehu Buba, senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, has commissioned over 40 solar boreholes, Juma’at Mosque and Islamiyyah School in Bauchi 

Speaking during the commissioning, the senator said the project was aimed at boosting Islamic education and strengthening moral values in the community.

He said that access to clean water is a basic necessity and a foundation for healthy and productive communities. According to him, the boreholes are part of his constituency projects, conceived from direct engagement with the people during his electioneering campaign.

“During the campaign, we visited 72 out of the 75 wards in this constituency,” the senator explained. 

“Everywhere we went, people complained about the lack of potable water. I promised them that if elected, I would do something about it. 

“Today, we are fulfilling that promise.”

He added that while the 40 boreholes were executed under his constituency projects, he had also personally funded the construction, rehabilitation and repair of several boreholes across Bauchi South.

The 40 boreholes are spread strategically across the district’s seven local government areas that made Bauchi LGA received 15 boreholes, reflecting its dense population.

While Toro LG got seven, Alkaleri, Kirfi and Tafawa-Balewa local government areas received four boreholes each. 

Then Bogoro and Dass Local Government areas benefited from three boreholes each. According to the senator, the selection of beneficiary communities was based on population density and the severity of water challenges, with millions of residents expected to benefit directly or indirectly.

It recalled that for decades, access to clean and reliable water has remained one of the most pressing challenges confronting rural and semi-urban communities across Bauchi South Senatorial District. Also in many areas, residents rose before dawn to trek long distances in search of water that was often unsafe for drinking or cooking. 

The symbolic commissioning of the solar-powered boreholes marks a significant milestone in the senator’s broader development agenda aimed at addressing critical infrastructure deficits in the district. Beyond water supply, the agenda spans healthcare delivery, education, rural electrification and other people-oriented projects designed to directly impact the lives of ordinary citizens.

As the boreholes were unveiled, scenes of jubilation erupted across beneficiary communities. For residents, the project represents more than infrastructure; it is a lifeline. 

Many described water as “a lifesaver,” explaining that their struggles went beyond thirst. Some said they often went to bed hungry not because food was unavailable, but because there was no clean water to cook or drink.

Residents across the district were unanimous in their appreciation. Malam Aminu Ado, a resident of Tirwun community, recalled years of hardship without running water. “We spent many years without seeing a single drop of water from a tap,” he said. 

“Today, with this intervention by Senator Buba, our problem of safe drinking water has become history.”

Similarly, Ibrahim Muhammad, a meat seller, said water scarcity had long affected both his livelihood and family life. The new borehole, he noted, would improve hygiene, boost small businesses and reduce the spread of waterborne diseases.

Community leaders also acknowledged the transformative impact of the project. Alhaji Aminu Muhammad Danmaliki, Danmalikin Bauchi, described the boreholes as a turning point for the people.

 “This project will significantly improve the quality of life for everyone in our community,” he said, adding that residents had resolved to take ownership of the facilities to ensure sustainability and proper maintenance.

Senator Shehu Buba Umar reaffirmed his commitment to delivering essential services to his constituents. 

The Muslim community in Bauchi South has particularly commended him for constructing a magnificent Juma’at Mosque and Islamiyyah School in Nabordo community, headquarters of the Jema’a Emirate in Toro Local Government Area. 

The project includes a central Juma’at mosque, female mosques, an Islamiyyah school and sanitary facilities within the premises.

 He urged worshippers to intensify prayers for peace, unity and stability in Bauchi State and Nigeria at large.

The senator emphasized that the humanitarian projects he has executed within and beyond his senatorial district have a direct bearing on the lives of ordinary people. 

He commended the peaceful coexistence among the people of Jema’a Emirate, attributing it to the just and fair leadership of the Emir of Jema’a, Suleiman Bala Suleiman. 

According to him, such leadership fosters unity and religious harmony, which are essential for sustainable development.

Senator Buba also explained that his decision to construct mosques across communities was driven by his desire to contribute to the promotion of Islam and earn reward in the hereafter. 

He thanked Almighty Allah for the opportunity to undertake charitable acts and appreciated Islamic scholars and stakeholders who supported and encouraged him throughout the project.

The commissioning events also provided a platform for political engagement. All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains and supporters advised voters to make effective use of their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general election.

While Yusuf Musa Gimli and Aminu Muhammad Danmalikin Bauchi stressed that the PVC remains the most powerful tool for rewarding good leadership and curbing electoral malpractice.

They called on eligible voters to register, collect and safeguard their PVCs, warning against selling votes. According to them, democracy thrives when citizens vote leaders of competence, character, capacity and compassion.