Northern leaders and stakeholders, led by the Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, have reiterated their commitment to addressing the region’s challenges.
Speaking at the 11th Annual Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Lecture and Merit Awards in Bauchi on Tuesday, Yahaya was joined by Bauchi State Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, in emphasizing the urgent need for regional development.
Guest speaker Dr. Mansur Mukhtar, former Minister of Finance, highlighted Northern Nigeria’s vast natural resources, stating that if properly harnessed, they could help resolve many socioeconomic challenges. He noted that agriculture once served as the backbone of the region’s economy, employing over 70% of the population, and called for modern farming techniques and sustainable practices to enhance productivity and food security.
Governor Bala Mohammed stressed the importance of unity, urging collaboration across all divides to tackle common challenges. He commended the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation for preserving the legacy of the late Premier and fostering Northern unity.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya reaffirmed the Northern Governors’ commitment to economic development, acknowledging critical issues such as inadequate infrastructure, high unemployment, and persistent poverty. He called for collective action to address these concerns while leveraging the region’s resources.
He also outlined the diverse security challenges affecting different parts of the North:
- Northwest: Banditry and kidnapping
- North-Central: Ethno-religious crises
- Northeast: Insurgency
Yahaya attributed many of these conflicts to competition over resources and emphasized the need for tailored solutions while maintaining a unified vision for regional development.
The event underscored the urgency of addressing security, economic, and developmental challenges in Northern Nigeria through collaborative governance, resource optimization, and innovative solutions.
