Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Thursday led fellow governors from the Northeast region to Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, for the 11th meeting of the Northeast Governors’ Forum, with security and agriculture topping the agenda.
The high-level gathering, hosted at the Yobe State Government House, brought together governors from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe states.
The closed-door session, following an opening ceremony, is focused on developing collaborative strategies to combat resurging insecurity including Boko Haram attacks and revitalize agriculture across the region.
In his opening remarks, Zulum, who chairs the forum, stressed the need for collective action to address pressing regional issues. “Our forum’s united efforts have made us a force to reckon with nationally,” he said. “We must work together to fight terrorism, banditry, and other threats, and take bold steps to address poverty, which is both an economic and humanitarian crisis in our region.”
He highlighted agriculture as a key pathway to economic recovery, proposing increased investment in irrigation, climate-resilient farming, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises to boost livelihoods and reduce poverty.
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“We are not here to lament,” Zulum stated, “but to offer lasting solutions.”
Yobe State Governor and host, Mai Mala Buni, echoed Zulum’s sentiments, urging his colleagues to rise to their responsibility. “Destiny has placed on you the leadership to make bold decisions for the peace, security, and prosperity of our region,” Buni said.
The meeting also featured participation from experts and representatives of key federal agencies, including the Northeast Development Commission, the National Commission for Almajiri and Out of School Children, and the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILSET), who are providing insights to aid the governors’ deliberations.
Attendees included Secretaries to State Governments, traditional rulers, heads of security agencies, and officials from relevant institutions, reflecting the regional importance of the summit. A communique is expected at the conclusion of the meeting.
