Northwest Governors, UNDP Set For Peace Summit In Katsina

The Northwest Governors’ Forum, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is set to start the first peace and security summit in Katsina State.

The regional cooperation, which is aimed at securing lives and livelihoods, would assemble governors of Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa and Zamfara states, including the Niger State governor to brainstorm on possible ways to address banditry.

Addressing journalists as part of the activities for the summit, the Katsina State commissioner for information and internal affairs, Hon. Bala Zango, said the summit scheduled for June 24 and 25, 2024 would also bring stakeholders and experts from across the region as well as key partners to discuss and find solutions and to the pressing security challenges in the area.

He said, “The Summit arrives at a crucial moment for Northwest Nigeria, as the region faces mounting security challenges. In recent years, there has been a marked increase in incidents of banditry, terrorism, and communal conflicts.

“These issues have had devastating consequences for the local population, resulting in significant loss of lives, severe disruption to livelihoods and widespread destruction of property. The summit aims to explore solutions to ongoing insecurity, focusing promotion of peace and stability while strengthening cooperation among state governments to tackle these complex issues.”

He urged all to join hands in a collective effort to create a safe and secure environment for all, believing that peace and security are essential for development and prosperity, including support for victims of violence and displacement.