From JOHN FWAH, Kaduna
Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State says that Northern states must form strong partnerships to revitalise the region’s economy, and combat poverty and insecurity.
The governor who was represented by his deputy, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, spoke at the 6th executive meeting of the Northern Traditional Council in Kaduna recently.
Gov Uba Sani suggested immediate collective action by governors in the region to strengthen access to education, healthcare and agriculture, and in addressing poverty and unemployment. He said the northern states must form strong partnerships to revitalise the region’s economy, and combat poverty and insecurity.
The meeting primarily focused on enhanced security as a key factor for stability and the development of the North.
During the meeting, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, said they would explore solutions to alleviate the challenges and advise governors in the region accordingly.
Sultan Abubakar, who is the Chairman of Council, advised the traditional rulers to appraise the situation candidly in order to find effective solutions to the region’s problems.
He said the meeting with chairmen of the 19 Northern state traditional rulers’ and FCT, was to address concerns of the people, for a better future.
According to him, the outcome of the meeting will be communicated to all governors in the region.
He acknowledged their responsibility as fathers to provide solutions to the various challenges facing the region, emphasising the need for honesty in acknowledging all issues, including lack of regular sources of livelihoods, leading to insufficient daily meals for the common man.
The royal father said insecurity and the rising issue of poverty demand immediate attention, stating that things are not okay in Nigeria and the North, adding that having a large population of unemployed youth without proper opportunities was hazardous.
The sultan urged political leaders to take decisive actions to remedy the situation to ensure peace and stability in the region and Nigeria as a whole.
He said that the meeting should delve into the root causes of the problems, but added that the problems should not be solely attributed to the present government.
The Sultan expressed concern that previous solutions articulated by the traditional rulers were not implemented, but said they would continue to discharge their duties to millions of people who believe in the traditional institution.
He also stressed the importance of empowering traditional institutions to function effectively.
The Director General, Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf-Magaji Bichi, represented by Kaduna State Director of DSS, Abdul Enechi, emphasised the inseparable link between security and development.
He called for collaboration within all institutions to counter any security threat, and urged the traditional rulers to monitor activities in their domains and identify informants.
Bichi said rising prices and lack of availability of food is already causing tension and called on the royal fathers to support government in developing alternatives to the issues
