In a historic gathering that underscored the unity and resilience of the North, the Northern States Governors’ Forum convened a significant meeting with the chairmen of the Northern States Councils of Emirs and Chiefs on Monday, at the Council Chamber, Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna.

The northern leaders, in a communique signed by His Excellency Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, Executive Governor of Gombe State and Chairman of the Forum, expressed heartfelt condolences to those affected by recent tragedies in the country. “We extend our deepest sympathies to the victims of the flooding in Maiduguri and the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State. We stand in solidarity with every Nigerian who has been touched by terrorism, banditry, and all forms of criminality,” emphasizing the forum’s dedication to providing necessary support and relief for the affected persons and communities.

The Forum which resolved to take proactive stance on security threats faced by the northern region, applauded recent efforts that led to significant victories against criminal elements, and commended the Federal Government and security agencies for their commitment to ensuring the safety of the people.

The meeting also, highlighted the pivotal role traditional institutions play in maintaining peace, stating that they are crucial in bridging the gap between the government and the people, and called for enhanced cooperation between traditional rulers and security agencies.

The communique also conveyed the Forum’s commitment to take proactive steps towards finding lasting solutions to the challenges of youth restiveness by “investing in education, skills development, job creation and pathways for our youth to channel their energy into productive avenues, thereby reducing their vulnerability to crime and social vices”.

In addition, the northern governors addressed the ongoing power crises plaguing much of the northern states, and “urged the Federal Government to urgently address the electricity failures due to vandalization of transmission infrastructure”, stressing the “importance of improving the region’s energy resilience”.

On the issue of educational shortcomings in the region, the leaders expressed their commitment to initiatives that target the alarming rates of out-of-school children, stressing “It is imperative that we collaboratively improve educational outcomes in the northern sub-region”.

Agricultural potential, was another key issue discussed at the joint meeting, with the Forum acknowledging that addressing agricultural challenges can alleviate hunger and spur economic growth in the region.

“We must support our farmers with access to financing, modern farming techniques, and essential infrastructure such as roads and irrigation system. Agriculture should serve as a catalyst for industrialization and job creation across the region,” the communique read in part.

This pivotal meeting in Kaduna marked not just a moment of reflection but also a renewed pledge among leaders driven by a shared commitment to foster peace, development, and the welfare of their communities, while working collaboratively towards a brighter, more secure future for the northern region of Nigeria.

The two-day meeting was attended by state governors, deputy governors, traditional rulers, secretaries to state government from the nineteen northern states including, Deputy Governor of Benue State, H.E. Barr. Dr. Sam Ode, mni, who represented the Executive Governor, H. E. Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia; the Begha u Tiv, Orchivirigh Prof. James Iorzua Ayatse, CFR, Tor Tiv V; and Secretary to the Benue State Government, Barr. Mrs. Deborah Serumun Aber.

Ior Ikyereve
Deputy Chief Press Secretary,
Office of the Deputy Governor, Benue State