By Abubakar Muhammad (9NEWS NIGERIA, NORTHEAST)
Following the recent resurgence of Boko-Haram terrorists’ activities in the northeast region, Borno State governor, Babagana Umara Zulum has raises concerns on insecurity situation in some areas within the region.
The governor said that all efforts and resources most be put in place to tackle the situation, noting that, combating terrorism, banditry and other forms of insecurity should be a unified action and approach.
He raised these concerns on Thursday in Yobe State capital, Damaturu, at the 11th Northeast Governors Forum meeting.
In his remarks, Gov. Zulum, who serves as chairman of the forum, also highlighted concerns on the poverty level in the region and the need for a responsible governance in addressing challenges affecting the masses.
The high-level meeting currently ongoing at the Government House, Damaturu, brings together governors from the six Northeastern states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe, to discuss collaborative strategies to tackling the resurgence of Boko Haram hostilities and revitalising agricultural activities amid other challenges.
Northeast governors at the 11th Northeast Governors Forum program in Yobe State capital, Damaturu
“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 urged all well-meaning citizens of our region to support and work with us in the interest of the development of our people.
“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,” Zulum said.
He explained that to tackle these challenges, a short—and medium-term measures and focus on rebuilding and revitalising our agricultural sector most be adopted.
This, he said includes providing support to farmers, investing in irrigation systems, and promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices, suggesting a massive investment in agriculture to provide livelihood and lift people out of poverty.
“We must also focus on creating an enabling environment for establishing small and medium-scale industries in our region. This includes investing in infrastructure, providing incentives for private sector investment and promoting entrepreneurship and innovation. But today, we come together not to lament our problems as identified, but rather, to proffer durable solutions,” he added.
Also speaking, the host and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, re-echoed the region’s commitment to working together in addressing challenges.
He said the responsibility is placed on them to take decisions and provide solutions to challenges confronting their 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,” Buni said.
Experts and representatives from the Northeast Development Commission, National Commission for Almajiri and Out of School Children, and Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILSET) were present to address the governors during the a closed-door session, following which a communique will be released.
The ceremony was attended by top officials from the six states in the region, traditional rulers, security heads and of relevant agencies among many others.
