North-East govs urge FG to reintegrate out-of-school children, tackle insurgency
Story by Sa’adatu MAINA, Damaturu
The North-East Governors Forum (NEGF) has called on the Federal Government to support the expansion of the Nigerian Law School in the region and reintegrate out-of-school children through vocational training.
The appeal was made during the Forum’s 11th meeting held on Thursday in Damaturu, Yobe State.
In a communiqué signed by the Forum’s Chairman and Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, and read by Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, the governors identified infrastructure neglect as a key driver of instability.
Governor Kefas delivered the resolutions at the WAWA Hall of the Yobe State Government House, flanked by the governors of Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, and Yobe states, following a closed-door session.
The Forum commended the Federal Government’s security efforts but called for a reassessment of counterinsurgency strategies by the military and community leaders.
Read also: 11th NEGF: “We must act fast to ensure lasting peace” – Gov. Buni (Pictures)
It linked rising insurgent activities to systemic issues such as unemployment and poor infrastructure, advocating for vocational education and poverty reduction.
The NEGF highlighted abandoned road projects as a major obstacle to development and security, urging President Bola Tinubu to intervene urgently.
“A functional road network is vital for economic growth and regional integration,” the communiqué stated.
“Plans were unveiled to attract investments in agriculture, climate resilience, and industrialisation to create jobs and combat poverty.
“While acknowledging the Northeast Development Commission’s (NEDC) efforts, the Forum demanded faster execution of projects in roads, education, and healthcare,” said the commuque.
Furthermore, the Forum scheduled its next meeting for 25th–27th July to be held in Taraba State and pledged continued collaboration with federal agencies to address the region’s challenges.
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