Northeast governors meet to discuss regional security, agriculture, others

By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu

The North East Governors Forum meeting opened on Thursday in Damaturu, Yobe State, with focus on regional security, agriculture and other emerging challenges.

The meeting is being attended by the governors of Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe, to focus on issues related to insecurity and economy of the region.

The governors are expected to agree on collaborative strategies to tackle the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks on communities in the region.

The Chairman of the forum and Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, emphasised the need for a unified approach to combating terrorism, banditry, and other security threats destabilising the region.

“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.

“I urge all well-meaning citizens of our region to support and work with us in the interest of the development of our people,” he stated.

“As Governors, we have a sacred responsibility to our people; we must provide them with the necessities of life, create opportunities for them to thrive, and ensure that they live in a peaceful and secure environment. But we cannot do all these alone.

“We need each other’s support, cooperation and understanding. 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.

“Your Excellencies, 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.”

Also speaking, the host and governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, re-echoed the northeast’s commitment to working together to address the challenges facing the region.

He said, “Your Excellencies, destiny has placed on you the leadership of your respective states to take decisions and provide solutions to challenges confronting your people.

“Today we are here on this occasion for us to deliberate, reflect, and make far-reaching decisions for, and on behalf of our people, to promote peace, security, and prosperity of the North Eastern states.”