BY: NEWS EDITOR
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has urged the federal government to prioritize skills acquisition programs for youths in Northern Nigeria.
He emphasized the need for policies promoting development, peace, and prosperity in the region.
The governor made the appealed during the Northern Nigerian Youth Development roundtable organized by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Abuja.
The North East, where Gov. Zulum governs, has been ravaged by Boko Haram's insurgency for over a decade, leaving youths struggling to find livelihoods and economic activities at a grinding halt.
To address these challenges, the governor proposed several key initiatives. These include skills acquisition programs for youths to enhance employability through vocational training and entrepreneurship support.
Additionally, reviewing tax reform bills would alleviate hardship on vulnerable populations.
Gov. Zulum also emphasized the importance of policies promoting development, peace, and prosperity.
This includes investing in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, as well as promoting private sector growth and job creation.
The Northern Nigerian Youth Development roundtable, organized by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Abuja, brought together stakeholders to address the region's challenges.
Vice President Sen. Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, attended along with Gombe State Governor Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya, Sultan of Sokoto Muhammad Saad Abubakar II, and Sterling Bank MD Abubakar Sulaiman.
The roundtable aims to produce a communiqué and policy report guiding Northern governors and the federal government.
As Gov. Zulum pushes for urgent action, concerns persist about the Nigerian government's commitment, transparency, and coordination.
Local-level programs have shown positive impacts, but scaling up remains challenging due to the government's limitations.
The path forward requires sustained collaboration and strategic support to revitalize Northern Nigeria's economy and ensure a brighter future for its youth.