Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has expressed the region’s firm commitment to work in partnership with the Federal Government and other relevant stakeholders to address the lingering security challenges bedevilling the North in particular and Nigeria in general.
The NSGF Chairman and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, gave the indication while declaring open the Forum’s meeting held at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House (Kaduna State Government House) on Tuesday.
He told his colleagues: “Security remains top on our agenda. During our last meeting, we reaffirmed our willingness to work with the Federal Government in order to provide lasting solutions to the security challenges bedevilling our region.”
He stressed that “Since then, we have had various engagements with the National Security Adviser, service chiefs, coalition of northern civil society groups, and other relevant stakeholders on charting a way forward for sustainable peace and stability in northern Nigeria”.
He further said that as the nation continues to deliberate on the issue of state police, it is important that we begin to explore models that are built on the foundation of cooperation and collaboration amongst the northern states.
Inuwa Yahaya emphasised that economic development remains paramount to the region’s prosperity, as, according to him, the Forum considers economic development as the long-term solution to the region’s security challenges
According to him, “It is for this reason that the revitalization of the New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) is at the heart of our economic agenda for northern Nigeria.”
He added, “We must also explore innovative ways to invest in critical infrastructure capable of unlocking the huge industrial and economic potentials of the northern region. I urge us not to lose focus but to strive to sustain and enhance the legacies of our founding fathers.”
The Forum’s Chairman maintained that environmental sustainability is equally crucial to both the present and future, as climate change, unsustainable agricultural practices, and population growth pose significant challenges to communities across the region.
The Gombe Governor called for the adoption of an approach that promotes environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, and responsible resource management so as to safeguard the livelihoods of the people and preserve the zone’s natural heritage for generations yet unborn.
Inuwa Yahaya also identified human capital development as critical to the progress and prosperity of the region, saying it is deeply troubling that Northern Nigeria currently bears the burden of the highest number of out-of-school children in the world, describing the situation as an unacceptable reality that must be urgently addressed.
He stressed that “Every child deserves access to quality education and the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to succeed in today’s rapidly changing global economic landscape.”
The Chairman of the Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum explained that as leaders, they have the moral obligation to invest massively in education and skills development, healthcare, and social services in order to unlock the full potential of the youth and empower future generations.
He observed that regional integration remains a cornerstone of the collective vision for a prosperous north, hence the need to deepen collaborations in infrastructure development, human capital enhancement, trade, security cooperation, and cultural exchange.
He also noted that the people in the region are looking up to the Forum, especially in this period of extraordinary challenges.
According to him, “We cannot afford to fail them. I am confident that with your support and cooperation, we will overcome any obstacle and achieve our shared aspirations for a brighter future for the northern region and Nigeria at large.”
The Governor used the opportunity to express the NSGF’s deepest sympathy and unflinching support to colleagues and the people of Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, Plateau and Zamfara States, who have been facing unprecedented security challenges recently.
He stressed the need to stand together in solidarity by offering a firm commitment to supporting fellow northern brethren during these difficult times.
Earlier speaking, the Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani, explained that since the inaugural meeting of the Forum, members have individually and collectively fashioned workable strategies and implemented some measures to tackle the security challenges bedevilling the Northern region.
He commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his inspirational leadership, saying, “he is always in touch with members, keeping us focused and ensuring that we all rise to the challenges of our time.
“With the demonstrated commitment of Mr Chairman and my dear colleagues, I am confident that this Forum will not only strengthen the unity among the people of Northern Nigeria but will chart the pathway to a prosperous future for the region”.
A communiqué is expected at the end of the meeting, as contained in a statement by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General( Press Affairs), Government House, Gombe.
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