Muhammadu Yahaya, Governor of Gombe State and Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, stressed the importance of working together to address the pressing security issues and propel regional development.
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Held at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House in Kaduna on Saturday, the periodic 19 State Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the members of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council heard Governor Yahaya’s statement, in which he condoled the recent tragic killings in Plateau, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, and Yobe states and urged the federal government to reevaluate security strategies in order to restore normalcy to the impacted government agencies.
In order to address the insecurity plaguing the nation, he emphasized the need for cooperation between federal, state, and local security structures. He also mentioned that there is an urgent need to address the resurgence of Boko Haram in the northeast and the violent killings in the north central regions.
The security threats to our area require a concerted effort from all of us. He emphasized the critical need of bolstering security measures to safeguard citizens.
While acknowledging the necessity for more effective methods, he lauded President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to the security of Nigeria.
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The governor acknowledged that the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the National Economic Council, and the National Assembly had successfully addressed tax reform concerns and commended President Tinubu for his openness to feedback and efforts towards more inclusive leadership.
Concerning infrastructure, Governor Yahaya voiced his displeasure with the current situation in Northern Nigeria, mentioning abandoned projects like the Kano-Maiduguri road and the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail line.
To close the infrastructure gap, he pushed for creative funding mechanisms such as infrastructure bonds and public-private partnerships.
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Restoring NNDC to its former glory will need correct reorganization, competent management, and effective oversight, but the Governor highlighted the company’s potential to drive regional economic growth.
In order to combat the Almajiri issue and provide young people with employment prospects, the governor emphasized human capital development. To equip the future generation, he stressed, high-quality education and practical skills are essential.
Fourteen governors from the North were present at the 19th Northern Governors’ Forum meeting: Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Senator Uba Sani of Kaduna, Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe, Umar Namadi of Jigawa, Nasir Idris of Kebbi, Ahmed Fintiri of Adamawa, Kefas Agbu of Taraba, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, Mai Malam Buni of Yobe, Mohammed Bago of Niger, Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, Dikko Radda of Katsina, and Ahmed Ododo of Kogi.
Participating governors were from the states of Bauchi, Borno, Kano, Benue, and Kwara.
Almost every governor from the North was present at the summit, which also included regional chiefs and emirs.