Northern Governors, Traditional Rulers hold meeting on Electricity, Security

In a critical gathering led by the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, northern governors and traditional rulers have convened to tackle a power outage affecting the region, along with other pressing issues such as security, economic stability, and sustainable development.

The meeting, organized under Governor Yahaya’s leadership, was aimed at forging a unified strategy to promote regional growth, harnessing the North’s resources for long-term prosperity.

In his opening remarks, Governor Yahaya highlighted the urgency of addressing the blackout caused by infrastructure vandalism, advocating for investment in new transmission lines and energy diversification to safeguard against future outages.

He urged that the discussions move beyond mere formality, calling for practical, results-driven solutions tailored to the North’s unique challenges.

“The time to walk the talk is now,” Yahaya stated, expressing optimism that unity and decisive action would drive the region toward a more secure and prosperous future

He also acknowledged recent military gains against terrorism and banditry, emphasizing the need for sustained collaboration with security agencies, as well as implementing recommendations from civil society and regional security bodies to ensure lasting peace.

Reflecting on recent protests, he highlighted the importance of empowering northern youth through education, skills training, and job creation to mitigate future unrest.

Further addressing the North’s economic needs, Governor Yahaya Yahaya advocated for investment in agriculture, infrastructure, and agro-industries like textiles to combat food insecurity and boost economic recovery.

Responding to recent flooding in Maiduguri and other areas, he called for federal collaboration to enhance irrigation systems and promote sustainable environmental practices.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that security is the foundation for any meaningful development in the North. “Without security, there will be no development,” he stated.

Leading the traditional rulers, Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar stressed the essential role of traditional institutions in fostering peace and stability.

He urged honest dialogue on the root causes of insecurity, including poverty and unemployment, and called on political leaders to take decisive action.

The Sultan commended Governor Yahaya’s efforts in rallying stakeholders across sectors to implement actionable strategies for the North’s progress.

The meeting is expected to conclude with a communiqué outlining specific actions to address these urgent issues and advance development across the northern region.

PIAK