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Tourism: Stakeholders seek upgrade of Tafawa Balewa’s tomb
Tourism: Stakeholders seek upgrade of Tafawa Balewa’s tomb
Stakeholders in the tourism sector have advocated the upgrade of the tomb of Nigeria’s sole Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa to attract more visitors.
Some of the stakeholders who spoke in Bauchi said the mausoleum needed total rehabilitation in line with international standards, to make it more attractive to visitors.
Balewa’s tomb is one of the monuments, heavily patronised by tourists in Bauchi State.
It was declared a national monument on Aug. 29, 1979, by the then military administration.
The construction of the tomb and the building enclosing the grave began in 1977 and was inaugurated in July 1979.
Within the enclosure are a reference library, gallery, mosque and grave of the former Nigerian leader, often referred to as the Golden Voice of Africa.
Balewa was born in December 1912 in Bauchi, and started his education at a Qur’anic school in Bauchi town and later attended Katsina College, now (Barewa College).
On completion of his secondary education in 1933, he returned home and started teaching at the Bauchi Middle School where he rose to the position of headmaster in 1941.
In 1944, Balewa went to the University of London’s Institute of Education, and on his return, he was appointed Inspector of Schools.
His political sojourn started in 1946 when he was elected to the Northern Nigeria House of Assembly, and in 1951 elected as the Vice President of the Northern People’s Congress (NPC).
The party nominated Balewa to Lagos as a Member of Parliament in 1952. He was appointed Minister of Works and Transport in the same year.
In 1957 the NPC won the election with the majority of the MPs and Balewa was elected as Prime Minister.
At independence in 1960, Balewa became the Prime Minister of independent Nigeria and was re-elected in 1964. He was killed alongside other prominent Nigerian leaders during the Jan. 15, 1966 coup.
Mr Mukhtar Baba, a librarian at the mausoleum, said the library and gallery are prone to flooding that submerged the facility during the rainy season due lack of drains.
He said the construction of drains and remedial projects would check perennial flooding in the facility.
The librarian called for the provision of modern gadgets to digitise its operations.
“Provision of IT equipment will transform our operation from analogue to digital which is obtainable across the globe.
“Through digital applications photos and other personal belonging of the late prime minister could be showcased on TV screens and other IT appliances.
“This is imperative to ensure safe keeping and preserve the quality of the items,” he said.
He said it would also enhance awareness creation to educate the people on the facility so as to attract more visitors.
Mohammed Akuyam, a senior tour guide at the tomb, said the edifice was designed to reflect the simple life Balewa lived.
Akuyam said the “darkness greeting visitors’’ at the entrance to the tomb signifies the hardship encountered by Balewa and his colleagues in the struggle to gain independence from the British colonial administration.
He said the light shining through a thin window by the right-hand side after the first darkness, represents rays of hope for the nation to be freed from the colonial administration.
“The second darkness on the corridor to the tomb signifies struggle continues for Nigeria’s independence, while the full brightness illuminating the tomb’s courtyard signifies attainment of Nigeria’s independence in 1960,” he said.
The intercessions on the pathways to the grave reflect the crises and civil disorder that greeted Balewa’s assassination.
On the rough staircase leading to the tomb, Akuyam said, signifies hardship experienced by Nigerians under the colonial administration, while the smooth one symbolises freedom enjoyed after attaining self-rule.
He said: “The colours on the walls of the tomb represent different ethnic groups in Nigeria, and the late Balewa served those interests at heart and tried to unite them as one nation.
“The open roof of the tomb signifies the open-mindedness of the late Prime Minister and the simple life he lived.”
According to him, the tomb is in good condition and records a high number of visitors, especially students who are on excursions to learn and see some of the personal belongings of the late prime minister.
According to the tour guide, visiting the tomb is free, but adult visitors to the exhibition section (gallery) are charged N100 per head and N50 for children.
He disclosed that over 7,000 students from schools across the country visit the tomb annually.
The tour guide also said that 75 students of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPS), Kuru, Jos, were in the study tower at the tomb in September 2021, while 22 foreign students or tourists also visited the tomb last year.
He listed important personalities that visited the tomb including former President Olusegun Obasanjo on July 16, 1999,
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, in September 2011, and former President of the Senate, Ken Nnamani, and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in May 2022, among others.
Akuyam, however, said that the tomb was renovated in 2012 by the National Commission for Museum and Monuments, while the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) upgraded the gallery.
“All the personal belongings of the late prime minister kept in the gallery are in good condition.
“We have over 20 staff working in the tomb, including guides, cleaners, receptionists as well as auditorium and library personnel.
“The tomb is being managed by the Bauchi State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, while the gallery is under the National Commission for Museum and Monuments,” he said.
Also commenting, Muhammad Yusuf, General Manager, Bauchi State Tourism Board, called for a review of laws governing the control and ownership of the monument to enhance good management of the all-important national asset.
Yusuf said the measure was imperative to fast track upgrade of the tomb to meet international standards, raise tourism potential and attract more visitors.
For his part, Mr Ibrahim Isa, a tourism expert, who corroborated earlier Yusuf, opined that Balewa’s tomb was being maintained effectively by the relevant authorities.
He said the review of the extant laws on such monuments is critical to ensure the protection of tombs of other national heroes.
NSCDC Nabs Three Suspected Infrastructure Vandals in Abuja
By: Michael Mike
Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the Federal Capital Territory have arrested three young men suspected of vandalising public infrastructure in Abuja.
The suspects were intercepted near the National Stadium area close to the National Hospital along Constitution Avenue during intensified patrols carried out as part of yuletide security operations.
According to the NSCDC, the men were allegedly caught in possession of damaged road safety installations, which they were believed to be preparing to transport from the area. Recovered items included several road crash barriers and a heavy-duty hammer.
The suspects were identified as Abdulsalam Aminu, 25, Mustapha Sale, 26, and Suleiman Sani, 19, and they are currently in custody while investigations is said to continue.
Speaking on the development, the FCT Commandant of the NSCDC, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, said the arrests were part of deliberate efforts by the command to protect critical public assets, particularly during festive periods when vandalism and theft often spike.
He lamented that public infrastructure provided to enhance safety and improve living conditions is frequently targeted by criminals for personal gain, describing such acts as a major threat to public welfare.
Odumosu stressed that the corps would remain relentless in safeguarding government facilities including roads, bridges, crash barriers, power installations and other vital infrastructure across the territory.
The commandant warned individuals involved in vandalism to desist or risk prosecution, noting that the agency would enforce the law without compromise. He also urged residents to support security agencies by reporting suspicious activities to help curb the destruction of public assets in the FCT.
NSCDC Nabs Three Suspected Infrastructure Vandals in Abuja
Education Gets Highest Share as Zulum Presents N890.33bn 2026 Budget to Borno Assembly
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has presented an N890.33 billion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly, with the education sector receiving the largest allocation.
The budget, titled “Budget of Sustained Recovery and Growth,” places strong emphasis on capital development, with over 61 per cent of the total expenditure devoted to capital projects, while recurrent spending accounts for about 39 per cent.p
Addressing members of the House of Assembly, Zulum disclosed that the proposal comprises N353.77 billion for recurrent expenditure and N536.56 billion for capital expenditure, stressing that the spending plan is designed to deepen recovery efforts and accelerate development in the state.
According to the governor, the budget reflects the administration’s commitment to rebuilding infrastructure, revitalising the economy and improving the quality of life for residents following years of insurgency.
The sectoral breakdown of allocations showed that education tops the list with N135.43 billion. The funds are expected to support the construction and rehabilitation of schools, teacher recruitment, and scholarship programmes across the state.
The works and housing sector received N94.27 billion to fund road construction, bridge projects and housing development, while the health sector was allocated N66.41 billion for the completion of hospitals, procurement of medical equipment and supply of essential drugs.
Other key allocations include N58.71 billion for the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement to facilitate the return and resettlement of displaced persons, N44.95 billion for agriculture to boost food production, and N21.35 billion for water resources projects. Funds were also set aside for information and internal security to strengthen peace and stability.
On the revenue side, the state expects N317.69 billion from the Federation Account, N44.30 billion from internally generated revenue, and N417.23 billion from capital receipts, including grants and development funds.
In his response, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, assured the governor that the legislature would give the budget proposal prompt and thorough consideration to ensure it aligns with the state’s development priorities before passage.
Education Gets Highest Share as Zulum Presents N890.33bn 2026 Budget to Borno Assembly
VP Kashim Shettima Expected at Second Kanem Borno cultural summit in Maiduguri
By: Bodunrin Kayode
VP, Kashim Shettima is expected to flag off the second Bi-annual Kanem–Borno Cultural Summit 2026 taking place in Maiduguri from 1st–2nd January, 2026.
Announcing this recently, chairman of the Borno Emirate concerned citizens forum Zanna Boguma said that about 1000 other visitors from all over the world will join the VP in gracing the occasion.
He said the 1000 delegates are also expected from across the country and the world especially from several countries where kanuri people reside are coming for the summit.
“Ministers, top political figures and National Assembly members of Borno in other states will be coming including our kiths and kins in lafia and Kanam on the plateau.
” Lots of traditional stuffs will be showcased to announce that kanem Borno never fell in the hands of its enemies as is being portrayed in some quarters.
“There will be displays of cultural artifacts to entertain the visitors. Prayers will be held on Friday of that week for the success of the occasion. However, consistent prayers must continue to ensure that there is stability during the period.
In a recent world new conference, the chairman of the committee Zanna Hassan Buguma maintained that the theme for this year’s summit is ” Echoes of Resilience: Harnessing Culture for Peace and Regional Stability”
“We are pleased to formally announce the 2nd edition of the Bi-annual Kanem–Bornu Cultural Summit 2026, scheduled to hold on 1st and 2nd January, in Maiduguri, Borno State, under the theme “Echoes of Resilience: Harnessing Culture for Peace and Regional Stability.
“This Summit will serve as a global homecoming, bringing together sons and daughters of Kanem–Bornu from across Nigeria and around the world, including members of the diaspora, scholars, professionals, traditional leaders, cultural custodians, youth and women. It is a deliberate effort to reconnect our people to their shared heritage and mobilize collective wisdom, resources, and networks for the peace and stability of our region.
“Building on the success of the maiden edition, the 2nd Bi-annual Kanem–Bornu Cultural Summit seeks to deepen conversations around identity, resilience, and responsibility. At a time when the Lake Chad Basin continues to face security, humanitarian, and socio-economic challenges, this Summit positions culture as a unifying force and a strategic tool for peacebuilding, reconciliation, and regional cooperation and integration.
“The Kanem–Bornu civilization remains one of Africa’s most enduring legacies, renowned for governance, scholarship, trade, diplomacy, and coexistence across ethnic and cultural lines. For centuries, it nurtured systems that emphasized justice, tolerance, consultation, and social harmony. The Summit draws inspiration from this legacy to address contemporary challenges, reminding us that solutions to today’s crises can be found in the wisdom of our past.
” The Summit will explore how traditional institutions, indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms, cultural education, arts, language, and heritage preservation can be harnessed to counter violence, promote healing, and strengthen regional stability.
“Over the two days, the Summit will feature keynote addresses, high-level panel discussions, diaspora dialogues, youth and women forums, cultural and religious exhibitions, traditional performances, and policy-oriented sessions. Special attention will be given to diaspora engagement, knowledge exchange, investment in cultural industries, and pathways for youth participation in peace and development initiatives.
“Maiduguri, our host city, is both symbolic and strategic. It stands as a historic centre of Kanem–Bornu civilization and a contemporary symbol of courage and resilience. Hosting this Summit in Maiduguri underscores a powerful message: that the people of Kanem–Bornu, wherever they reside, remain united in purpose and committed to rebuilding, healing, and progress.” Said Dr Hassan.
VP Kashim Shettima Expected at Second Kanem Borno cultural summit in Maiduguri
In Search of Our History Through Reconstruction and Restructuring of the Nigerian State for Peaceful Coexistence and Good Governance
NSCDC Nabs Three Suspected Infrastructure Vandals in Abuja
Education Gets Highest Share as Zulum Presents N890.33bn 2026 Budget to Borno Assembly
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