Northern Governors, traditional leaders meet with FG delegation in Kaduna

The 19 northern governors are meeting in Kaduna State together with Chairmen of the Traditional Council of Emirs and Chiefs from the region and Federal Government delegations to discuss challenges bedeviling the region.

The meeting is expected to receive reports of 12 committees set up in November 2020, which include the committee on New Nigeria Development Committee (NNDC) chaired by Jigawa State Governor, committee on security of the north headed by Governor of Katsina State, committee on Gamji Foundation chaired by former Governor of Bauchi State with SSGs of Benue and Kaduna States as members, committee on herdsmen-farmer clashes headed by Plateau State Governor, committees of economy of the north post-Covid-19 and financial sustainability, headed by the Governor of Kebbi State and committee on youths engagement headed by Emir of Zazzau.

Others include the committee on restructuring and position of the north, headed by the Governor of Sokoto State, committee on role of traditional rulers headed by Emir of Lafia, committee on ending the Almajiri phenomenon, committee on investment in renewable energy headed by Governor of Kaduna State, committee establishment of a commercial banks with northern investors as major shareholders headed by the Governor of Sokoto State, committee on New Nigeria Newspapers chaired by the SSG Kaduna State.

Plateau state Governor and Chairman of the Northern States’ Governors Forum, Simon Bako Lalong said the recommendations of the committees will help the region project a common position on national issues.

Others at the opening ceremony of the meeting include representatives of the region at the National Assembly, the Director General of the DSS, IG of Police as well as representatives of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and Northern Elders Forum (NEF).

The Federal Government delegation is led by the Chief of Staff of the President, Ibrahim Gambari and the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed.