…NSGF Pledges Firm Commitment to Tackle Security Challenges, Drive Economic Development
Gombe State Governor and Chairman of Northern States Governors’ Forum, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON 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 NGF Chairman 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 to provide lasting solutions to the security challenges bedevilling our region. 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 said 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.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya emphasized 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
“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. 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, sustain and enhance the legacies of our founding fathers”.
He 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, calling 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.
Governor 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 urgently be addressed.
“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 Northern Governors’ Forum Chairman explained that as leaders, they have the moral obligation to invest massively in education and skills development, healthcare, and social services to unlock the full potential of the youth and empower future generations.
He observed that regional integration remains a cornerstone to 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 noted that the people in the region are looking up to the Forum, especially in this period of extraordinary challenges.
“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, stressing 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”.
COMMUNIQUE OF THE MEETING OF THE NORTHERN STATES GOVERNORS’ FORUM HELD ON TUESDAY, 30TH APRIL, 2024 AT THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, SIR KASHIM IBRAHIM HOUSE, KADUNA
The Northern States Governors’ Forum under the leadership of His Excellency, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, con held its first meeting for the year 2024 today Tuesday, 30th April, 2024 at the Council Chamber, Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna.
2. The Forum commended the Federal Government under the dynamic, focused and courageous leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR which has demonstrated total commitment to winning the war against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality.
3. The Forum expressed deepest sympathy and collective support to the Governments and people of Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, Plateau and Zamfara States over the unprecedented security challenges currently affecting the States and resolved to stand in solidarity with them during these difficult times.
4. The Forum noted that Human Capital Development is critical to the progress and prosperity of the region and expressed concern that the region currently bears the burden of having the highest number of out of School Children in the World. The Forum committed itself to invest massively in education and skill development, health care and social services in order to address the menace.
5. The Forum received report of a Committee to review the Report of the Technical Committee on the New Nigeria Development Company. The Forum resolved that members should study the report for consideration at the next meeting of the Forum.
6. The Forum noted the expected role of New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) on the revitalization of the economy of the Northern States. The Forum accordingly resolved to invest in critical infrastructure that are capable of unlocking the huge industrial and economic potentials of the North.
7. The Forum noted that climate change, unsustainable agricultural practices and population growth posed significant challenges to the region. The Forum resolved to adopt holistic approach that promote environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture and responsible resource management to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of the people and preserve the national heritage of generations yet unborn.
8. The Forum received a presentation from Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) and World Bank Team. The Forum noted achievements in areas of system strengthening, project management, infrastructure and structure emplaced and challenges as regards project implementation and expected areas of support. The Forum assured the AGILE and World Bank Teams of their sustain support and requested them to FastTrack the process of upscaling the programme.
9. The Forum received on Courtesy Call from the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF). The Forum noted the resolve of the Board of Trustees to harmonise activities of various interest groups as well as voices, speaking and acting on behalf of the region. The Forum further resolved to support and encourages the Board of Trustees towards the realisation of the objectives of the founding fathers of the Arewa Consultative Forum.
10. The Forum also received a report from the Coalition of Northern Group on the security in Northern Nigeria. The Forum commended the Group for its commitment to the security of the Northern region and pledged to work together with the Group.
11. The Forum commended its own leadership for engaging with the National Security Adviser, Service Chiefs, Coalition of Northern Civil Society groups and other relevant stakeholders in charting a way forward for sustainable peace and stability in the North.
12. The Forum commended the Chairman of the Forum for his inspirational leadership and commitment towards advancing the interest of the North. The Forum also commended the host Governor for his sustained effort in hosting the meetings of the Forum.
HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU INUWA YAHAYA, CON EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF GOMBE STATE / CHAIRMAN, NORTHERN STATES GOVERNORS’ FORUM
