Ezekiel Awojide, Abuja
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum hosted the Northern Traditional Rulers Council on Tuesday in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
The meeting aimed to tackle the rising insecurity plaguing Northern Nigeria.
The meeting with the theme, “Enhanced Security As A Panacea For Stability and Development of the North,” was declared open by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was represented by Governor Zulum.
In his remarks earlier, Governor Zulum highlighted security and peacebuilding, age, culture, and youth empowerment as the critical pillars of sustainable development in the northern region.
He also called on all stakeholders to focus on providing opportunities for the youth in northern Nigeria.
He said, “Our youth population is large, energetic, and eager to contribute, but many are without opportunities.
“This vacuum is dangerous. We must invest heavily in skills acquisition, vocational education, digital innovation, and entrepreneurship.
“Empowered youths are not only less vulnerable to radicalisation; then, they become active agents of development.”
Governor Zulum also stressed that agriculture had remained the economic lifeline for t. Hence, a deliberate effort is needed to enhance farming activities across the region.
“With vast arable land and a population well-versed in farming, agriculture is our greatest opportunity. However, insecurity has displaced farmers and halted rural productivity.
“We must secure our farmlands and support modern agricultural practices to restore livelihoods and reduce dependency.
“In Borno, we are expanding access to mechanised farming and irrigation despite the challenges, and the results are promising,” Zulum said.
He added, “On behalf of the government and good people of Borno State, I assure you of our commitment to peace, justice, and shared progress.
“Together, with faith and determination, we will rebuild the north physically, socially, and economically.”
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, explained that the meeting in Borno was to strengthen unity among states in the north and to deliberate on the situation in the region to support the political leadership in addressing series of problems across the north.
The National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Staff, and Inspector General of Police were all represented.
Also in attendance were the Chairman of Northern Governors Forum and Governor of Gombe, Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya, represented by his Deputy, Manassah Jatau, Senator Kaka Lawan, Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Garbai, among many other Emirs across the 19 states of the northern region.
