Northern Governors gathered in Kaduna yesterday to address pressing issues including increasing kidnapping, out-of-school children, and insecurity. They described these challenges as unacceptable realities that must be tackled head-on.
Chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, emphasized the need for economic and human capacity development in the region to combat security challenges effectively. He stressed that long-term economic growth is essential for addressing insecurity.
Yahaya highlighted the high number of out-of-school children in Northern Nigeria as a major concern that could exacerbate security challenges. He emphasized the importance of economic development in addressing security issues, pointing to the revitalization of the New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) as a key aspect of the region's economic agenda.
The Governor also emphasized the need for investment in education, healthcare, and social services to empower youth and future generations. He called for a holistic approach to environmental sustainability, highlighting the challenges posed by climate change and unsustainable agricultural practices.