Gombe State Governor and Chairman of the Northern States Governors' Forum, Inuwa Yahaya, has stated that Boko Haram insurgents have been weakened but not completely defeated. He made this remark on Saturday at the 13th meeting of the forum in Maiduguri, Borno State. Yahaya identified insecurity as one of the major challenges still confronting northern Nigeria. He noted that despite the weakening of Boko Haram, the group still carries out attacks on communities.
Yahaya expressed concern over the persistent insecurity, which has made it difficult for many people displaced by violence to safely return to their communities. He also mentioned that banditry and communal clashes are emerging as new threats in the region. The governor emphasized that the North is still facing significant challenges in various areas, including healthcare and education. Despite progress recorded in some areas over the past six years, Yahaya said more needs to be done to address these challenges.
The governor also expressed concern over the slow pace of major development projects planned for the region. These projects include the Mambilla hydropower project, regional railway connections, and broadband expansion. Yahaya stressed that the North needs to accelerate the implementation of these projects to drive growth and development in the region. He also highlighted the need for collective action to address the challenges confronting the region.
Reflecting on the formation of the North East Governors' Forum in Gombe in March 2020, Yahaya said the initiative was driven by the need for collective action to address challenges that individual states could not tackle alone. He noted that the challenges confronting the region were greater than any one state could solve alone. The forum was established to promote regional cooperation and coordination in addressing the region's challenges.
According to Yahaya, the forum has recorded progress in areas including infrastructure, electricity, economic development, human capital development, and security. He said the forum has worked to promote regional cooperation and coordination in addressing the region's challenges. Yahaya also highlighted the importance of the Kolmani oil exploration project as a major opportunity for the region.
Yahaya stressed that the Kolmani oil exploration project must ultimately translate into oil production, employment opportunities, and increased government revenue. He emphasized that the project has the potential to drive economic growth and development in the region. The governor also noted that the project would require collaboration and cooperation among the states in the region.
The Northern States Governors' Forum will continue to work towards addressing the region's challenges, including insecurity, infrastructure, and economic development. Yahaya's remarks reflect the region's ongoing efforts to promote peace, stability, and development. The forum's initiatives aim to improve the lives of people in the region and promote regional cooperation.
Key points
- Boko Haram has been weakened but not completely defeated.
- Persistent insecurity remains a major challenge in northern Nigeria.
- The region needs to accelerate the implementation of major development projects.
