The National Chairman of ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje has identified climate change which forced migration of herders to other parts of the country, and mass illiteracy among the Fulani community as the main causes of instability in the North.
Ganduje stated this at a Fulfulde Poetry Competition organised by the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto where noted that the relationship between the farmer and herder used to be mutual.
On his part, Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State said his government is investing heavily in intelligence gathering and information sharing to enhance the prevention of security incidents.
Governor Aliyu said security apparatus were also being strengthened through the provision of tools and training stressing that the state government is empowering the community to actively participate in securing their neighbourhood.
Aliyu who was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Idris Gobir, emphasised that the government would continue to prioritise community engagement and dialogue as a means of building trust and fostering cooperation between security agencies and citizens through town hall meetings, community policy initiatives and the establishment of neighbourhood watch groups.
He also announced the donation of N10 million to the participants by the state government.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Lawal Suleiman Bilbis said poems have been used from time immemorial to bring peace and stability among various communities.
Abdullahi Isah Suleiman from Kano emerged first position, followed by Atiku Abubakar Kesoje who won the second position and Bello Abdullahi Tangaza, who won the third position at the end of the poem competition.
