By: Malam Mujitaba Ramalan
‘North Must Dream Bigger, Build on Founding Fathers’ Legacy’- NNGF Chairman
The Chairman of the Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NNGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has commissioned the temporary Secretariat of the Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum in Kaduna, describing it as a historic milestone in the Forum’s determination to strengthen its institutional capacity and drive coordinated solutions to the socio-economic and security challenges confronting Northern Nigeria.
A statement signed by the DG Press Affairs, Gombe state Government house, Ismaila Uba Misilli said located at No. 26 Muhammadu Buhari Way (formerly WAFF Road) Kaduna, the Secretariat was officially inaugurated alongside a fleet of operational vehicles provided to facilitate the smooth take-off and effective functioning of the Forum.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Inuwa Yahaya said the establishment of a functional secretariat signals a new era for the Forum, providing the institutional framework required to effectively coordinate policies, programmes and collective interventions aimed at advancing the interests of the nineteen Northern states.
He called on his fellow governors and all leaders across the region to remain united and guided by present-day realities in tackling the North’s numerous challenges.
“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. 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,” the Governor stated.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya observed that the current situation in the North demands greater commitment, sacrifice and collective action, expressing confidence that with the roadmap already laid by the Forum, the region can overcome its challenges and unlock its immense 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 said.
The NNGF Chairman commended his colleagues for their support and commitment to his vision of institutionalising the Forum into a vibrant and result-oriented regional body capable of effectively addressing the socio-economic and developmental aspirations of Northern Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Governor of Kebbi State, Comrade Nasir Idris, reaffirmed the commitment of Northern governors to sustaining unity and strengthening collaboration in confronting the region’s common challenges.
He noted that despite operating for many years without a functional secretariat, the Forum had continued to serve as a platform for cooperation among Northern governors, and praised Governor Inuwa Yahaya for providing purposeful and visionary leadership that has culminated in the establishment of the Secretariat.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr. Ezekiel Gomos, described the commissioning as a significant step towards repositioning the Forum for greater efficiency and effectiveness.
He said the Secretariat would enhance coordination of the Forum’s programmes, policies and engagements, bringing it in line with other regional bodies and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
Dr. Gomos expressed appreciation to Governor Inuwa Yahaya for championing the initiative and thanked all Northern governors for their support, assuring that both the Secretariat and the operational vehicles would be judiciously utilized for the purposes for which they were provided.(Kada Times)
