In a bid to address the escalating insecurity in Northern Nigeria, Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday hosted the 7th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council in Maiduguri.
The meeting, which brought together traditional leaders and top government representatives from across the region, was held under the theme “Enhanced Security As A Panacea For Stability and Development of the North.” Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Governor Zulum, formally declared the meeting open.
Governor Zulum, in his keynote address, identified security, peacebuilding, agriculture, and youth empowerment as critical drivers of sustainable development in the north.
He called for deliberate efforts to invest in youth-focused initiatives such as skills acquisition, digital innovation, and entrepreneurship to curb crime and enhance regional development.
“Our youth are full of energy and ideas but lack opportunities. This is a dangerous gap. We must empower them to reduce vulnerability to crime and make them agents of development,” Zulum stated.
He also highlighted the central role of agriculture in the region’s economy, urging for the protection of farmlands and support for modern farming techniques to boost productivity and restore livelihoods disrupted by conflict.
“Despite challenges, we are pushing ahead with mechanized farming and irrigation in Borno, and we are beginning to see positive results,” he added.
The Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, said the meeting was aimed at fostering unity among northern states and supporting political leaders in resolving the region’s numerous challenges.
High-ranking security representatives, including those of the National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Staff, and Inspector General of Police, were present at the event, reflecting the urgency and importance of the discussions.