Northeast Governors meet in Damaturu, Discussed Issues of Insecurity, Others

Northeast Governors meet in Damaturu, Discussed Issues of Insecurity, Others

By: Our Reporter

Governor Mai Mala Bumi of Yobe State has assured that the insecurity in the northeast would soon be overcome and Internally Displaced Persons return to their ancestral homes.

Mala Buni stated this when he hosted governors of the northeast region in Damaturu, the Yobe state Capital on Tuesday.

The governor, who shows determination to end insecurity and armed conflicts in the Northeast region, said that such periodic meetings have continuously proven to be vital in their quest for the full return of peace and prosperity of the northeast region. 

While expressing satisfaction with the initiative and commitment of the respective State Governments to such important meetings, governor Buni said. “This underscores our collective commitment to free the Northeast sub-region from the clutches of insecurity, poverty and other emerging challenges of development in the aftermath of the over one decade of insurgency which devastated many communities in our individual states.

“As we are all aware, prior to the advent of Boko Haram insurgency, the Northeast had to contend with desertification and desert encroachment, low rainfall and drought among other natural factors such as flooding that continued to affect agricultural productivity being the major preoccupation of our people.”

He observed that, like most parts of the Country, the region is faced with the challenge of dearth of functional public and private companies to absorb the ever-growing number of skilled and unskilled labour in the area.

“Obviously, it could not be an understatement to say that the task before us is enormous and requires a collective and holistic approach, if we are to bequeath a prosperous future to the next and upcoming generations.

“It is therefore, a matter of pride for all our States that having realized the magnitude of our common challenge, we have evolved a stronger fraternity upon which we would continue to build a solid bond of brotherhood for socio-economic advancement not only among our leaders but also among our people.  Throughout the insurgency period, our people have demonstrated resilience in spite of losing their relatives, shelter and means of livelihood”. 

Speaking on the post insurgency response, governor Mala Buni said, “I would like to appreciate the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria under the able leadership of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, for creating the North East Development Commission and for the supply of various relief materials and empowerment packages for the victims of insurgency and all the people in this area. 

Also Read:Former MD, Specialist Hospital, Dr. Saidu Bala kidnapped

“Similarly, I would like to commend the humanitarian activities of our development partners, International Non-Governmental Organizations, Philanthropists and other stakeholders for bringing succor to the victims of insurgency during the most trying periods and donation of various items for the restoration of livelihood in the affected areas”.

“In a meeting of this magnitude, we must also continue to appreciate the commitment of His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the fight against insurgency and other related crimes threatening the corporate existence of the Country. 

“In the same vein, I would like to reiterate my commendation to our gallant troops who are diligently performing their statutory duties of defending our fatherland against all internal and external threats.  I also commend the complementary efforts of the vigilante groups in the fight against insurgency and other crimes to make our country more secure and peaceful. It is imperative to note that in spite of the improvement in the fight against insurgency, it is not yet over and therefore, requires re-strategizing and sustenance”.

Buni added that as the situation continues to improve, there is the need for each State to intensify its efforts in the recovery process and to evolve sustainable means of livelihood to our people for accelerated development. “This meeting has therefore provided another golden opportunity for us to share ideas on laying a solid foundation for a brighter future for our States. 

Also Read: GIVE US A FAVOURABLE JUDGMENT IN OVOKE’S KILLING,…

There is no gainsaying the fact that we need to evolve practical and proactive measures to create a peaceful, stable, just and egalitarian society. We should strive to create the right atmosphere for equal opportunities to our citizenry regardless of political, tribal, religious, class or any other subjective factors with a view to avoiding recurrence of insurgency and other menaces”. 

“The government of Yobe State under my leadership has identified revitalization of education as one of the key areas for post-insurgency socio-economic rejuvenation. 

“We have remained focused on the declaration of State of Emergency at the inception of our administration and the current Education Revitalization Appeal Fund in which we have raised funds above the set targets in most of the Local Government Areas.  Simultaneously, we are gearing our efforts towards revamping agriculture to serve as an instrument for attainment of food security, employment and revenue generation”.

“We are constructing an International Cargo airport which is almost completed, just as we are about to commission the new Modern Markets in Damaturu, Gashua, Nguru and Potiskum towns and also a Trailer Park in Potiskum.  In addition, we would support Small and Medium Scale enterprises and encourage the formation of clusters to enable eligible people access loans to boost their occupations”.   

“This august gathering may be pleased to note that, we have this year created the Ministry for Wealth Creation, Empowerment and Employment Generation chiefly to arrest youth restiveness and unemployment by providing grants to communities in the form of empowerment materials for distribution to Internally Displaced Persons in host communities, farmers, fishermen, herdsmen, persons with disabilities, women, youth and other vulnerable groups.

The Ministry is also charged with the responsibility of uncovering our potentialities in solid minerals and other areas for internal revenue generation for the Government and employment opportunities for the people”.

“I believe that for speedy socio-economic development of the North East to be achieved, we need maximum cooperation and support of the Federal Government for resuscitation of Lake Chad, implementation of the Great Green Wall and actualization of the Mambilla Hydro Power Project among other major issues’ ‘.   

“On this note, I would like to once again welcome my dear brothers and colleagues, their Excellencies, the Executive Governors of Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe and Taraba States to Damaturu for the 6th meeting of the North East Governors’ Forum. I wish us all fruitful deliberations and happy stay in Yobe State”.

On his part, the Chairman Northeast Governor’s Forum and Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum revealed that they have been able to identify the problems facing the northeast region and have begun steps to improve livelihood.

“No doubt our problems are enormous but with courage and determination, we shall surmount these problems and take our people once again to those days where we all have a lasting peace.” Zulum said

Northeast Governors meet in Damaturu, Discussed Issues of Insecurity, Others