The Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN) Kano Chapter and the Center for Information Technology Development (CITAD), have called for a collective action in advancing the development of Northern Nigeria.
At a stakeholder engagement in Kano state North West Nigeria with the theme “Building A Connected Northern Nigeria; Unlocking The Opportunities Through Sustainable Infrastructure and Good Governance”, Dr. Muhammed Haruna of the Faculty of Communications at the Bayero University Kano said, Northern Nigeria must wake up from it’s slumber to development.
He explained that Northern Nigeria is blessed with numerous natural endowments that are yet to be tapped adding that, taking necessary actions to develop them will lead the region to prosperity.
According to Haruna, “instead of lamentations and playing politics of divisiveness, emotionalism,” the North needs to leverage on the economic agenda and policies set by the government.
He stressed the need for governors, the political class, and other stakeholders in the North to put pressure on the completion of vital Projects in the region as doing so will propel the economy of the region and the country at large.
Dr. Haruna said, “the AKK Gas pipeline project is currently under construction. This project which is part of the trans- Nigeria Gas Pipeline (TNGP) aims to provide gas to Northern region of Nigeria supporting power generation, industrialization, and other economic activities and employment generation.
“The 375 kilometer highway linking Abuja – Kaduna – Kano is a critical infrastructure that would have positive effect on business, industrial and commercial activities in Northern Nigeria as it is an arterial road project linking the North with the South of Nigeria.
“A 208 kilometer rail line that will connect Kaduna and Kano is a critical infrastructure that will equally facilitate socio-economic development of the region linking two major cosmopolitan cities in the North for business, commercial and industrial development and growth.”
Dr. Haruna said all stakeholders in the North have a critical role to play in bringing about the much desired development and upliftment of the material condition and well being of the people.
The Executive Director of CITAD, Engr. Yunusa Ya’u believed that bridging the technology gap in the region is key to unlocking opportunities in the region.
A public Affairs Analyst, Ahmad Sajo, advocated for the need to carry on the advocacy in a structured manner.
He called for monitoring and tracking all development project in the region by the people of the region.
Others who spoke are of the view that making Mambila Hydro Dam project a reality and Dredging of River Niger as well as completion of Ajaukuta Project will help propel Nigeria to Prosperity.
Others believed that revitalizing Agriculture will go a long way in addressing Youth restiveness in the North and Nigeria.
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