Governor Sule joins other Northern Governors to tackle region’s challenges

By David Odama

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has joined his counterparts from the North, under the aegis of the Northern Governors Forum (NGF) to brainstorm on how to address the challenges confronting the region.

Traditional leaders from the region, under the umbrella of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council led by His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar are also part of the meeting aimed at addressing the region’s security and developmental challenges.

The meeting is currently taking place at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House in Kaduna.

Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher, in a goodwill message, briefed the governors on efforts by the military to tackle banditry, terrorism and other security challenges bedevilling the region.

Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, Inuwa Yahaya, called for collective action to tackle challenges bedevilling the region, stressing that the recent End Bad Governance protest is a wakeup call for all leaders in the region.

“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,” he said.

The governor called for a joint and committed action to tackle the prevailing challenges of terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities.

“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,” he stated.

He raised concern over the situation where power infrastructure is vandalized thereby disrupting power supply to the North during the past eight days.

Yahaya warned that deliberate efforts must be taken to address growing restfulness in the North, fueled by illiteracy, poverty and lack of economic opportunities, adding that governors of the region must invest in education, skills development, job creation, support small and enterprises; and attract investment, as well as provide support to farmers, ensuring rural security, and promoting agro-allied industries.

He expressed the resolve of the forum to sustain gains against criminals, studying and implementing the Coalition of Northern Group’s Security Committee report, and engaging with security agencies and civil society groups.

“We must deepen our cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, education, and trade, working together to harness our region’s immense potential.

“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,” he added.

Yahaya charged his colleagues and traditional leaders not to lose sight of the bigger picture, their shared responsibility to chart the way forward for a prosperous and forward-looking Northern Nigeria.

“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”, he said.

In a welcome address, the Chief host and Kaduna state Governor, Senator Uba Sani, emphasised unity and collective action against regional challenges.

Sani, also acknowledged the northern Governors’ commitment to peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity, urging that “We must work together to realize our vision of a secure, peaceful, and prosperous North.”

The Governor commended President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to combat insecurity, citing the establishment of a Joint Military Command and Operation Fansan Yamma as clear demonstrations of the Federal Government’s commitment.

He also highlighted the importance of unity and cooperation among northern leaders while praising the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for his presence and support.

In his goodwill message, the Sultan of Sokoto, and Chairman of Northern Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar stressed the traditional rulers’ role in promoting peace and stability in the region.

The Sultan raised concerns over the rising Almajiri syndrome in the North, urging the governors to work towards ensuring the creation of the Almajiri Commission, which will effectively address the growing menace in the North.

Some of the governors who attended the meeting include Bauchi Governor, Bala Mohammed, Borno’s Prof. Babagana Zulum, Nasarawa, Abdullahi Sule, and Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State.