Northern Emirs Converge in Maiduguri, Hosted by Zulum, to Forge United Front Against Insecurity
By Abdulhamid Sani
Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria – In a powerful demonstration of regional solidarity, Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, played host to the Northern Traditional Rulers Council for its 7th Executive Committee Meeting in Maiduguri on Tuesday, with a resolute focus on tackling the escalating insecurity plaguing Northern Nigeria.
The high-profile gathering, themed “Enhanced Security As A Panacea For Stability and Development of the North,” was officially declared open by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was ably represented by the host governor, Babagana Umara Zulum.
In his opening address, Governor Zulum underscored the critical pillars essential for sustainable development in the northern region: security and peacebuilding, agriculture, and youth empowerment. He passionately called upon all stakeholders to prioritize the creation of opportunities for the burgeoning youth population in the north.
“Our youth population is large, energetic, and eager to contribute, yet many are without opportunities. This vacuum is dangerous,” Governor Zulum warned. “We must invest heavily in skills acquisition, vocational education, digital innovation, and entrepreneurship. Empowered youths are not only less vulnerable to crime or radicalisation; they become active agents of development.”
Highlighting agriculture’s enduring role as the economic lifeline of the north, Governor Zulum stressed the urgent need for a deliberate and concerted effort to revitalize farming activities across the region.
“With vast arable land and a population well-versed in farming, agriculture is our greatest opportunity. However, insecurity has displaced farmers and halted rural productivity,” he lamented.3 “We must secure our farmlands and support modern agricultural practices to restore livelihoods and reduce dependency. In Borno, we are expanding access to inputs, mechanised farming, and irrigation despite the challenges, and the results are promising.”
Extending a message of hope and resilience, Governor Zulum affirmed, “On behalf of the government and good people of Borno State, I assure you of our commitment to peace, justice, and shared progress. Together, with faith and determination, we will rebuild the north physically, socially, and economically.”
The Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, articulated that the significant meeting in Borno aimed to fortify unity among the northern states and to collectively deliberate on the region’s multifaceted challenges, ultimately supporting the political leadership in finding effective solutions.
The gravity of the security situation was further underscored by the presence of high-ranking representatives, including the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Inspector General of Police.
Also in attendance were the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and Governor of Gombe, Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya, represented by his Deputy, Manassah Daniel Jatau, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Garbai, alongside numerous other esteemed Emirs from across the 19 states of the northern region. This powerful assembly of traditional and political leaders signals a unified and determined front in the quest for peace and development in Northern Nigeria.
About The Author
