Borno Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, and the Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, have called for an end to the insecurity plaguing Northern Nigeria, citing the Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other crimes that have long plagued the region.
The two leaders made the call on Tuesday during the 7th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
The meeting’s theme was “Enhanced Security As A Panacea For Stability and Development of the North.”
Governor Zulum identified security, peacebuilding, agriculture, and youth empowerment as crucial for the North’s development. He urged stakeholders to create opportunities for the region’s large youth population.
“Our youths are energetic and eager to contribute, but many lack opportunities. This gap is dangerous,” he said.
“We must invest in skills acquisition, vocational education, digital innovation, and entrepreneurship to empower our youths.”
The governor also emphasised the importance of agriculture, saying it has been severely hindered by insecurity. “We must secure our farmlands and support modern agricultural practices to restore livelihoods and reduce dependency,” he added.
The Sultan explained that the meeting aimed to strengthen unity among northern states and support political leadership in addressing regional challenges.
Governor Zulum reiterated Borno’s commitment to peace, justice, and progress, expressing hope that collective efforts would rebuild the North.
Speaking the Sultan explained that the council’s meeting in Borno was convened to foster stronger unity among the northern states and to deliberate on the pressing issues affecting the region.
He stress the council’s commitment to supporting the political leadership in finding lasting solutions to the multifaceted problems confronting the North.
The meeting was attended by high-ranking government officials, including representatives of the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Inspector General of Police.
Other attendees included the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya, represented by his Deputy, Manassah Daniel Jatau; Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan; the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Garbai; and numerous other Emirs from across the 19 states of the northern region.
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