The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has raised alarm over the region’s alarming number of out-of-school children, acknowledging that it currently holds the unfortunate distinction of having the highest such population in the world.
Recognizing that Human Capital Development is vital for the region’s progress and prosperity, the Forum has pledged to take decisive action to address this pressing issue.
This resolution was outlined in a Communique issued following the Forum’s meeting on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, convened at the Council Chambers of Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna under the leadership of Chairman Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, Governor of Gombe State.
The Forum has committed itself to significant investments in education and skill development, healthcare, and social services as part of a concerted effort to combat this challenge.
Additionally, the Forum received a presentation from the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) and the World Bank Team, highlighting achievements in areas such as system strengthening, project management, infrastructure development, and structural improvements.
The Forum assured the AGILE and World Bank Teams of its enduring support and urged them to expedite the process of scaling up the program to maximize its impact and reach.
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The Forum then commended the Federal Government under the dynamic, focused and courageous leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which has demonstrated total commitment to winning the war against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality.
It then expressed its deepest sympathy and collective support to the Governments and people of Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, Plateau and Zamfara States over the unprecedented security challenges currently affecting the States and resolved to stand in solidarity with them during these difficult times.
The Forum further received the report of a Committee to review the Report of the Technical Committee on the New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) and resolved that members should study the report for consideration at the next meeting of the Forum.
The Forum also noted the expected role of New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) on the revitalization of the economy of the Northern States, it accordingly resolved to invest in critical infrastructure that are capable of unlocking the huge industrial and economic potentials of the North.
Furthermore, the Forum noted that climate change, unsustainable agricultural practices and population growth posed significant challenges to the region and resolved to adopt holistic approach that promote environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture and responsible resource management to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of the people and preserve the national heritage of generations yet unborn.
It also received on Courtesy Call from the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and noted the resolve of the Board of Trustees to harmonise activities of various interest groups as well as voices, speaking and acting on behalf of the region
The Forum further resolved to support and encourages the Board of Trustees towards the realisation of the objectives of the founding fathers of the Arewa Consultative Forum.
The Forum also received a report from the Coalition of Northern Group on the security in Northern Nigeria. The Forum commended the Group for its commitment to the security of the Northern region and pledged to work together with the Group.
It commended its own leadership for engaging with the National Security Adviser, Service Chiefs, Coalition of Northern Civil Society groups and other relevant stakeholders in charting a way forward for sustainable peace and stability in the North.
The Forum then commended the Chairman of the Forum who is the Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his inspirational leadership and commitment towards advancing the interest of the North. The Forum also commended the host Governor for his sustained effort in hosting the meetings of the Forum.
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