BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, MAY 01, 2025 | 03:56 PM
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has led a delegation of his counterparts from across the Northeast region to Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State, for the 11th Northeast Governors' Forum meeting.
The high-stakes gathering is centered on forging stronger collaborative strategies to combat the persistent security challenges plaguing the region and to revitalize the crucial agricultural sector as a means of economic empowerment.
The meeting was held at the Government House in Damaturu following an opening session, brings together the governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and the host state, Yobe.
Discussions are focused on developing a unified front against the resurgence of Boko Haram hostilities, banditry, and other security threats that continue to destabilize the Northeast.
In his opening remarks, Governor Zulum, who chairs the forum, underscored the critical need for a cohesive regional approach to tackling these pressing issues.
'Your Excellencies, our Forum's determined efforts in tackling collectively all issues affecting our region have further made us a force to be reckoned with in the nation,' Gov. Zulum stated.
He urged all citizens of the Northeast to support and collaborate with the governors in their efforts to develop the region.
He emphasized the profound responsibility the governors bear towards their people, stressing the need to provide essential necessities, create opportunities for prosperity, and ensure a peaceful and secure environment.
'But we cannot do all these alone,' he acknowledged, calling for mutual support, cooperation, and understanding among the states. 'We must recognise that our successes are tied to the success of our region. We must acknowledge that our collective progress depends on our ability to work together to share our resources and leverage our strengths.'
Highlighting the alarming poverty levels across the Northeast, he called for bold and decisive action.
'The poverty level in our region is alarming, and it is imperative that we take bold steps to address this challenge. We must recognise that poverty is not just an economic issue but also a social and humanitarian crisis,' he asserted.
To combat poverty and foster sustainable development, Gov. Zulum strongly advocated for a strategic focus on rebuilding and revitalizing the agricultural sector. He proposed the adoption of both short-term and medium-term measures, including providing robust support to farmers, investing in vital irrigation systems, and promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices.
Furthermore, he urged his fellow governors to prioritize the creation of an enabling environment for the establishment of small and medium-scale industries across the Northeast. This, he suggested, includes strategic investments in infrastructure, providing attractive incentives for private sector involvement, and actively promoting entrepreneurship and innovation.
'But today, we come together not to lament our problems as identified, but rather, to proffer durable solutions,' Gov. Zulum concluded.
The host governor, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, echoed the collective commitment of the Northeast to collaborative problem-solving.
'Your Excellencies, destiny has placed on you the leadership of your respective states to take decisions and provide solutions to challenges confronting your people,' Gov. Buni stated.
He emphasized the significance of the forum as an opportunity for deliberation, reflection, and the making of "far-reaching decisions" to promote peace, security, and prosperity across the North Eastern states.
Following the opening session, the governors proceeded into a closed-door meeting where they are expected to receive insights and recommendations from experts and representatives of key regional and national bodies, including the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC), the National Commission for Almajiri and Out of School Children, and the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILSET).
A communique outlining the key decisions and resolutions reached during the forum is expected to be released at the conclusion of the meeting.
The high-profile event in Damaturu was attended by Secretaries to the State Governments from all six Northeastern states, respected traditional rulers, top security chiefs, heads of relevant regional agencies, and numerous other dignitaries, underscoring the unified commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the Northeast.