North worst hit by current economic challenges, power blackout –Govs

From: Femi Oyelola Kaduna

Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), yesterday convened an emergency meeting in Kaduna with the traditional rulers to again address the challenges facing the region, saying Northern Nigeria is worst hit by the current economic hardship faced by many Nigerians.
The meeting had in attendance various Northern States Governors, the traditional rulers led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who was invited to brief the Forum on security challenges in the region.
Addressing the meeting, the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya said, as leaders of the North, the governors must adopt measures to alleviate the suffering of the masses through, targeted social welfare programs, support for small and medium enterprises, and policies that attract investment to states.
Governor Yahaya while stressing the need for the Forum to work with the Federal Government to ensure that fiscal policies are sensitive to the realities of the day, noted that, through the August “End Bad Governance” protests, youths have called for change, and as leaders, they must listen and act.
The Northern States Governors’ Forum Chairman said the future of Nigeria is regional, especially with the recent creation of the Ministry of Regional Development and today’s political realities, stressing that, as northern leaders, they must prepare for that future.
He, therefore, called fire comprehensive reforms across all institutions, noting that they are currently undertaking the reform of the Northern States Governors’ Forum to strengthen its institutional capacity, which will enable it to effectively address the region’s challenges.
According to him, “As we gather today, our collective resolve is being tested by the ongoing challenges that we face. These include but are not limited to terrorism, banditry, kidnap-for-ransom, farmer-herder clashes, drug abuse, the menace of Almajiri and out-of-school children, poverty, and unemployment.
“However, our unity and commitment to the prosperity of the people remain our greatest source of strength that will enable us to overcome those challenges.
“While security remains a top priority for the region, we must acknowledge the recent gains made against criminals, especially the elimination of bandits and terror leaders. However, we cannot afford complacency. We must sustain these gains to ensure lasting peace and stability.”