Northern governors and traditional rulers have sounded the alarm over the rising number of out-of-school children in the region, warning that the trend seriously threatens national development and social stability.
According to Ismail Uba Misilli, Director-General of Press Affairs at Gombe State Government House, leaders from the 19 northern states met in Kaduna to address the worsening insecurity and socio-economic challenges.
The meeting, held under the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and chaired by Gombe Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, focused on urgent issues. In his opening address, Yahaya highlighted the high number of out-of-school children, rising poverty, and a weak economic foundation, calling for swift and coordinated action.
“Insecurity remains our most urgent concern,” he said, condemning recent killings in Plateau, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, and Yobe. He urged a review of security strategies and better synergy among federal, state, and local security agencies.
Yahaya also emphasised revitalising assets like the New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) and investing in youth empowerment, education, and vocational training to reduce poverty. He noted neglected infrastructure projects in the North, advocating for public-private partnerships to drive development. Also, he called for a constitutional role for traditional rulers to enhance their efforts in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. “As leaders, we must rise above individual interests and deliver results that improve the lives of our people. The North is watching, and history will judge us by the impact we make, not just the resolutions we pass,” Yahaya said, urging collective action
