Northern governors and stakeholders have reaffirmed their commitment to tackling insecurity and poverty in the region.
At the 11th Annual Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Lecture, Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State emphasized the need for a coordinated regional response to combat banditry, insurgency, and economic hardship.
Governor Yahaya identified distinct security threats in different parts of the region and attributed these conflicts to competition over scarce resources.
He advocated for policies aligned with a shared vision for regional development. Other leaders, including Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of unity in addressing insecurity and economic stagnation.
“We must foster collaboration across all divides to confront our common adversaries,” he stated.
Delivering the keynote address, former minister of finance, Dr. Mansur Mukhtar, highlighted the region’s untapped solution to its economic struggles.
“If effectively harnessed, these resources can transform our economy,” he said, stressing the need for modern technologies and sustainable agricultural practices to enhance productivity, ensure food security, and create employment opportunities.
Governor Yahaya reiterated the Northern Governers’ commitment to leveraging available resources for economic development, acknowledge that inadequate infrastructure, high unemployment, and widespread poverty remain major obstacles.
“We must act collectively to tackle these challenges head-on,” he declared.