Northern leaders have come together in Kaduna State to confront the ongoing power outage and other pressing challenges facing the region.
The meeting took place on Monday, bringing together the 19 Northern Governors and various traditional rulers.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, who chairs the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), led the discussions.
During the meeting, issues such as insecurity, economic struggles, and sustainable development were at the forefront of conversations.
Ismaila Uba Misilli, the spokesman for Governor Yahaya, shared insights from the gathering, highlighting the focus on creating a unified agenda to boost regional cooperation.
“The NSGF aims to leverage the north’s abundant resources for long-term development,” Misilli stated.
A significant point of discussion was the current power outages plaguing the northern states.
Governor Yahaya expressed concern about the vandalism of critical infrastructure that has led to these disruptions.
He called for urgent investments in new transmission lines and a diversification of energy sources to prevent future blackouts.
“We must develop practical strategies tailored to our unique challenges,” he said.
Yahaya urged attendees to move beyond symbolic meetings and focus on actionable plans.
“The time to walk the talk is now,” he added, showing optimism that unity and strong leadership could guide the region towards a brighter future.
Another vital aspect of the discussions was the strengthening of agricultural infrastructure.
Governor Yahaya emphasized the need to support farmers and revive agro-industries, including the textile sector, to combat food insecurity and stimulate economic growth.
He said, “A strong agricultural sector is crucial for our survival and development.”
The governor also highlighted the importance of traditional institutions in resolving conflicts and engaging communities.
In his welcome address, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State stressed the need for a unified approach to tackle insecurity and other challenges affecting the region.
“Without security, there can be no development,” he warned, underscoring the interconnectedness of these issues.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, who represented the traditional rulers, echoed the sentiment regarding the critical role of traditional institutions in fostering peace.
He called for honest conversations about the root causes of insecurity, which often include poverty and unemployment.
“We need decisive actions from our political leaders to address these issues effectively,” he urged.
Sultan Abubakar praised Governor Yahaya for his commitment to engaging with stakeholders across different sectors.
He noted the governor’s efforts to galvanize his colleagues toward implementing actionable strategies for the region’s numerous challenges.
As the leaders deliberated on these pressing matters, the atmosphere was charged with urgency and a collective desire for change.
The ongoing power outages have left many residents frustrated, highlighting the need for immediate solutions.
In many parts of northern Nigeria, electricity is often unreliable, affecting businesses and everyday life.
Local entrepreneurs struggle to operate in the dark, with many relying on expensive generators to keep their businesses running.
A local trader in Kaduna shared her frustrations: “We can’t keep running our businesses like this. It’s hurting us badly.”
Residents are hopeful that the meeting will yield practical solutions that will restore power and improve living conditions in the region.
The collaboration between governors and traditional rulers is seen as a positive step toward unified efforts for progress.
Many believe that a united front is essential for addressing the systemic problems that have plagued the region for years.
The discussions also touched on the need for job creation and economic diversification.
With unemployment rates rising, many young people are left with few opportunities.