By Uche Amunike
The Northern Governors Forum and Northern Traditional Rulers Council have converged in Kaduna to tackle the pressing security and developmental challenges being faced by the region.
Also at the meeting, which was held at the Government House, Monday, was Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.
Speaking, while welcoming his guests, Chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum, Muhammadu Yahaya, called for a collective action from all, to tackle insecurity, as the region was bedeviled with economic crisis, environmental problems, youth restiveness and insecurity.
His words: ‘Our collective resolve is being tested by the ongoing challenges that we face. However, our unity and commitment to the prosperity of the people remain our greatest source of strength that will enable us to overcome those challenges.’
‘Terrorism, banditry, kidnap-for-ransom, farmer-herder clashes, drug abuse, the menace of Almajiri and out-of-school children, poverty, and unemployment. We must continue to work with the Federal Government and relevant agencies to provide the necessary support and relief to those affected.’
The governors identified those problems and sought ways to address them and proffer solutions to them. Part of their submissions on how to tackle these vices included: ‘Sustaining gains against criminals, studying and implementing the Coalition of Northern Group’s Security Committee report, and engaging with security agencies and civil society groups.’
They also recommended: ‘Investing in education, skills development, and job creation; supporting small and medium enterprises; and attracting investment to northern states; as well providing support to farmers, ensuring rural security, and promoting agro-allied industries.’
They also intend to partner with the Federal Government and stakeholders to build irrigation infrastructure and promote sustainable practices.
Yahaya reiterated the need for cooperation between all concerned, especially in areas like infrastructure, trade and education, so as to successfully harness the immense potentials of the northern region.
Hear him: ‘The people of Northern Nigeria are counting on us to steer them through these challenging times, and with unity, determination, and bold actions, I am confident that we can fulfil our mandate to bring about a brighter, more prosperous future for all our people.’
The Kaduna State Governor and Chief Host, Senator Uba Sani, on his part, preached unity and collective action against regional challenges, even as he welcomed his colleagues and traditional rulers in the region. He appreciated the level of commitment always shown by the northern governors, to peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity, while pleading for the need to work together in order to realize their vision of a secure, peaceful and prosperous Northern region.
He further lauded President Bola Tinubu’s efforts so far in fighting insecurity, calling to mind, the establishment of a Joint Military Command and Operation Fansan Yamma, as signs of the commitment of the Tinubu-led administration.
Sani expressed his confidence in both the Kaduna State government and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, under whose leadership the forum intends to address regional problems.
Hear him: ‘Let me use this opportunity to commend our dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for reinvigorating the war against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements in the North. The establishment of a Joint Military Command and launching of Operation Fansan Yamma are clear demonstrations of the Federal Government’s commitment to decisively tackle the multidimensional challenges of insecurity confronting the North.’
