Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday visited the Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State ahead of the 2026 Democracy Dialogue, as Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed used the visit to showcase major infrastructure investments aimed at repositioning the state’s foremost tourist destination.
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Jonathan’s visit formed part of activities leading to the Democracy Dialogue organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation under the theme, “Beyond Elections: Can Political Parties and the Judiciary Save African Democracy?”
500KVA Solar Farm Inspected
Among the facilities inspected was a newly installed 500KVA solar power farm, Gov. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed said was designed to provide a more reliable and sustainable electricity supply to the reserve.
The investment is expected to improve operations at Yankari and support better services for tourists visiting the game reserve.
The delegation also inspected the refurbished Yankari Museum, which houses aspects of the reserve’s historical and cultural heritage.
Wikki Warm Springs Gets Attention
Jonathan and Governor Bala Mohammed further inspected the iconic Wikki Warm Springs, where rehabilitation and improvement works have been carried out.The governor said the ongoing projects were part of his administration’s efforts to reposition Yankari as a competitive tourist destination and strengthen tourism’s contribution to Bauchi State’s economy.He linked the investments to broader efforts to attract visitors, create jobs and expand economic opportunities around the state’s tourism sector.
Bauchi Pushes Tourism as Economic Driver
The development of Yankari is significant to Bauchi’s efforts to diversify its economy and increase the contribution of tourism to the state’s internally generated revenue and employment opportunities.Improved power supply, upgraded visitor facilities and the preservation of Yankari’s cultural and natural assets are expected to strengthen the tourism value chain and create opportunities for businesses operating around the hospitality industry, transportation, tour services and local crafts.
Democracy Dialogue Takes Centre Stage
The Yankari tour preceded the main Democracy Dialogue, which is expected to bring together political stakeholders and other participants to examine the challenges facing democratic governance in Africa.
The dialogue will focus on the role of political parties and the judiciary in protecting and strengthening democracy beyond elections.
The day’s activities extended into the night and ended after 10 p.m. with a state banquet held in honour of the former president.
