In Kaduna, the 19 Northern Governors, traditional rulers led by the Sultan of Sokoto, and key stakeholders gathered at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Monday to discuss pressing issues in the region.
At the meeting’s opening, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, who chairs the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), noted that the region’s collective resolve is being tested by various ongoing challenges.
He emphasized the responsibility of the gathering, which brings together the region’s leading political and moral authorities to improve northern Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape. Yahaya extended condolences to victims of recent flooding in Maiduguri and a tanker explosion in Jigawa, as well as those affected by terrorism and banditry, affirming their commitment to collaborate with the Federal Government to provide necessary support.
The governor highlighted several challenges, including terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, and unemployment, asserting that unity and a commitment to prosperity are essential for overcoming these issues. He acknowledged recent security gains but stressed the need to maintain progress for lasting peace.
Yahaya also pointed to the “End Bad Governance” protests in August as a wake-up call, urging leaders to address youth restlessness fueled by poverty and lack of opportunity. He called for increased investment in education and job creation to channel youth energy into productive activities.
The economic hardships faced by many Nigerians, especially in northern states, were acknowledged, with the governor advocating for targeted social programs and investment-friendly policies. He also addressed the issue of electricity outages caused by vandalism, underscoring the need for improved energy infrastructure.
Yahaya discussed the region’s agricultural potential, emphasizing the importance of supporting farmers with financing and modern techniques while ensuring rural security. He also highlighted the need for effective environmental policies following recent floods, aiming to promote sustainable practices and resource management.
As the meeting continues, Yahaya urged northern leaders to shift from symbolic discussions to actionable plans that meet the specific needs of their states. He expressed gratitude to the host governor, Senator Uba Sani, and fellow leaders for their commitment to regional progress, emphasizing the importance of unity and bold actions in shaping a prosperous future for Northern Nigeria.
A communiqué is expected to be released at the end of the ongoing closed-door meeting, which focuses on regional cooperation, economic development, and addressing critical challenges such as power outages and security issues.
Peoplesmind
