The Northeast Governors’ Forum has declared that the security challenges plaguing their region can only be resolved through a multidimensional strategy that addresses both military and socio-economic issues.
Speaking yesterday at the 12th rotational meeting of the Forum in Jalingo, Taraba State, Borno State governor and chairman of the forum, Babagana Zulum, identified education, healthcare, security reinforcement and infrastructural development as key areas of focus.
While commending President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to combat insurgency, the governors stressed the need to address underlying causes such as youth restiveness, unemployment, poor road networks and weak poverty reduction programmes.
“We must reiterate our call for non-kinetic solutions to the challenges. This involves tackling youth unemployment through technical and vocational education, improving road networks, revitalising agriculture, and enhancing poverty alleviation, security and healthcare, among others,” Zulum said.
The forum also called for greater collaboration with the federal government to create an enabling environment for both local and foreign investors and to promote the growth of small and medium-scale enterprises.
Zulum added, “We must take practical steps that will attract investments and promote large and small-scale enterprises. In line with hydrological and climate predictions for 2025, we must also prioritise robust mitigation strategies.
“In these authoritative forecasts, it is recommended that your excellencies immediately prioritise the development of robust mitigation strategies.”
Earlier, Taraba State governor, Agbu Kefas, urged the Forum to push the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) to fast-track the reconstruction of the Nnamai Bridge, which collapsed in August 2024, claiming several lives.
The governors reaffirmed their commitment to addressing the region’s humanitarian and infrastructural setbacks, pledging to drive sustainable development across the North-East region.
Zulum had said on Friday evening at a dinner hosted for him and other governors of the Northeast by the Taraba State governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, that deliberations at the meeting would focus on strengthening unity and addressing the pressing issues of insecurity, poverty and infrastructure deficits within the region.
The event, which was held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Jalingo, served as a prelude to the formal meeting and was attended by other governors of the Northeast states – Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe and Mai Mala Buni of Yobe.
The evening featured vibrant cultural displays, music and performances by traditional and contemporary groups from Taraba and across the Northeast zone, showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage.
In his remarks, the NEGF chairman, Governor Zulum, expressed his profound appreciation to Governor Kefas and the people of Taraba State for their exceptional hospitality and the refreshing welcome extended to the delegates.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Governor Agbu Kefas emphasised the critical importance of regional solidarity, stressing that a united front and a strong bond of brotherhood are essential for tackling the common challenges confronting the Northeast.
“The Forum provides a vital platform for us to develop collaborative strategies that will promote sustainable peace, accelerate development, and ensure shared prosperity for all our people,” Kefas noted.
