Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday hosted the Northern Traditional Rulers Council for its 7th Executive Committee Meeting in Maiduguri, focusing on the escalating insecurity in Northern Nigeria.
The high-level gathering, themed “Enhanced Security As A Panacea For Stability and Development of the North,” was declared open by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was represented by Governor Zulum.
In his address, Zulum emphasized the importance of security, peacebuilding, agriculture, and youth empowerment as foundations for sustainable development in the region.
He urged stakeholders to invest in skills training, digital innovation, and entrepreneurship to harness the potential of Northern Nigeria’s youth.
“Our youth are full of energy and ideas but lack opportunities. This is a dangerous gap. We must empower them to reduce vulnerability to crime and make them agents of development,” Zulum said.
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He also stressed the role of agriculture in the region’s economy, calling for the protection of farmlands and the adoption of modern farming techniques to restore rural productivity.
“Despite challenges, we are pushing ahead with mechanized farming and irrigation in Borno, and we are beginning to see positive results,” he noted.
The Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, said the meeting aimed to promote unity among northern states and support political leaders in addressing the region’s pressing issues.
Top security officials were represented at the event, including the National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Staff, and Inspector General of Police.
