Yahaya Assures Of Development For North As NSGF Elects Him Chairman

The Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has assured that he will work for the development of the North.

Yahaya made this known on Tuesday following his election as the Chairman of the Northern States Governors' Forum (NSGF).

The Governor who was unanimously elected by the 19 northern governors takes over from Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong with effect from May 29, 2023.

In his acceptance speech, the promised to justify the confidence reposed in him by his colleagues across party devides. 

He emphasized that the good legacies of the Forum will be sustained to bequeath not only verile organisation, but a better future for the people of the north at the end of his tenure as chairman of the Northern Governors Forum.  

He assured his fellow northern Governors that in line with the objectives of the Northern Governor' Forum, he will strive to sustain the strides left behind by his predecessors.  

He said the focus of the NSGF on economic development will be the driving force of the Forum while his chairmanship lasts.

This was contained in a statement by Ismaila Uba Misilli, spokesperson to the governor, on Tuesday. 

"He observed that the region is challenged by insurgency in the North East, ethnic and religious crisis within the North Central as well as farmers/herders clashes and the subsequent effect of banditry and cattle rustling among others," Misilli stated. 

Yahaya added that despite the challenges confronting the region, the NSGF has made tremendous impact.

"We will work hard to ensure that we catch up with the rest of the country, possibly with the developed parts of the world so that our people will feel the impact of good governance we all pursue," Misilli quoted Yahaya.

Also speaking, the outgoing Chairman, Governor Lalong, said the governor was elected to Chair the NSGF in view of his experience, sterling leadership qualities and commitment to good governance. 

He urged him to bring to bear his pedigree of excellence in running the affairs of the Northern Governors Forum.

"As you are all aware, our region for the most part of the period under review continued to face serious challenges with the incidences of kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes that impacted negatively on the lives of the people and the economy of the entire region.

"However, with our collective and individual efforts coupled with the support of the Federal Government and security agencies, we were able to do our best to contain the situation.

"Without the series of meetings and engagements we held, our people would have been thrown into deeper hunger and despair as the threat by criminals restrained them from engaging in farming which is the main economic activity of the region. 

"Although we have not overcome this challenge completely, we have substantially improved the situation.

"We hope that the incoming Governors and those continuing their second terms will work together with the Federal Government to ensure the region is secure", Lalong said.