The Chairman of the Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NNGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, has called on leaders across the north to embrace unity, bold leadership and collective action in addressing the region’s socio-economic and security challenges.
Governor Yahaya made the call on Thursday, during the commissioning of the temporary secretariat of the forum in Kaduna, describing the development as a historic milestone in the forum’s drive to strengthen its institutional capacity and enhance regional cooperation.
The secretariat, located at No. 26 Muhammadu Buhari Way (formerly WAFF Road), Kaduna, was inaugurated alongside a fleet of operational vehicles procured to facilitate the effective take-off and smooth operation of the forum.
According to the NNGF chairman, the establishment of a permanent administrative structure marks the beginning of a new chapter for the forum, providing the institutional framework required to coordinate policies, programmes and collective interventions aimed at advancing the interests of the 19 northern states.
He stressed that the region must confront its present realities with determination while building on the legacy of its founding fathers.
“The reality on the ground should guide us in addressing the challenges confronting Northern Nigeria today. Edifices like this were built decades ago by our founding fathers.
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“What stops us from building upon the solid foundations they laid? We must strive for excellence, dream big, remain focused, and leave behind enduring legacies for future generations,” Governor Inuwa Yahaya stated.
The governor observed that Northern Nigeria is at a critical stage in its development, requiring greater commitment, sacrifice and collaboration among political leaders and stakeholders.
He expressed optimism that with the strategic roadmap already adopted by the forum, the region possesses the capacity to overcome its numerous challenges and unlock its vast economic and human potential.
“The current situation in Northern Nigeria demands that we do more to remedy the circumstances we find ourselves in. I believe that with the roadmap we have laid, the sky is the limit. Achieving our shared vision requires the sacrifice and commitment of every one of us,” he added.
Governor Yahaya commended his fellow governors for their unwavering support and commitment to institutionalising the forum as a vibrant and result-oriented regional body capable of championing the socio-economic and developmental aspirations of Northern Nigeria.
Also speaking, Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, reaffirmed the commitment of northern governors to sustaining regional unity and strengthening collaboration in confronting common challenges.
He noted that although the forum had operated successfully for years without a functional secretariat, it had continued to serve as an effective platform for consultation and cooperation among governors across the region.
Governor Idris praised Governor Yahaya for providing visionary leadership that culminated in the establishment of the secretariat, describing the development as a significant milestone in the history of the forum.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Ezekiel Gomos, said the commissioning of the secretariat represents a major step toward repositioning the forum for greater efficiency and effectiveness.
According to him, the new administrative headquarters will strengthen coordination of the forum’s programmes, policies and engagements while aligning its operations with best practices adopted by other regional bodies and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
Gomos expressed appreciation to Governor Yahaya for championing the initiative and thanked all Northern governors for their support.
He assured that the secretariat and the operational vehicles would be judiciously utilised to enhance the forum’s activities and promote the collective interests of Northern Nigeria.
