Kaduna Dec.16, 2023: The Northern Governors’ Forum(NGF) after its inaugural meeting on Friday in Kaduna resolved to collectively fast track regional integration through investment in infrastructure.
Other areas focused by the forum are human capital development, trade, commerce, agriculture, environment, digital economy and cultural exchanges.
Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, who is also the Chairman of the forum made this known while reading the ten- point communique at the end of the inaugural meeting which held at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House,Kaduna
The forum also resolved to address the environmental challenges affecting Northern Nigeria, which were threatening rural livelihood, pushing farmers into conflict with herders, adding to the general level of poverty and insecurity.
He said they would also vigorously pursue the collective interest of the North in areas of enhanced security, peaceful coexistence, economic development, youth employment, drug abuse and revitalisation of education at all levels.
The NGF also commended the Federal Government for its renewed fight against insecurity, menace of kidnapping, banditry, communal clashes and terrorism, bedevilling the region.
He said the forum also resolved to stand united in its commitment to addressing those challenges through enhanced collaboration with security agencies, strengthening local law enforcement,
Yahaya said, “Community engagement, adoption of modern technology and administrative reforms, as well as addressing the root causes of insecurity such as poverty, unemployment and deepening social in-equality.
”It has also received briefing on the activities of NNDC by the Group Managing Director and accordingly constituted a committee to review the report of the earlier committee on its operations with a view to repositioning the company for greater productivity and profitability”.
The governor also donated N180m to support the Kaduna State Government and victims while commiserating with them over the unfortunate incidence of bombing at Tudun Biri community, Igabi LGA
Yahaya further prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and the speedy recovery of the injured while appreciating the Federal Government for handling the matter well
According to the communique, the forum has also resolved to work collectively to ensure that the tragic incident was thoroughly investigated with a view to compensating the victims and taking corrective measures to prevent future occurrence.
The next meeting of the forum is expected to hold on March 2,2024 .
