Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has called on North-East governors to remain focused on security, saying continued peace is essential to the region’s economic and social development.
He gave the warning at the North East Governors’ Forum (NEGF), on Friday at the opening of the forum’s 10th meeting in Maiduguri.
Zulum, the chairman of the forum, said the North-East had recorded improvements in security in recent years, which he attributed to the sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces, cooperation among the states and non-military measures such as the Safe Corridor Initiative.
The initiative has supported the surrender and rehabilitation of repentant insurgents.
Despite the progress, Zulum warned that the region must not become complacent, stressing that security remains necessary for economic growth, healthcare and education.
The governor also highlighted several development plans by the North-east governors, including the establishment of 10-megawatt solar power plants in each of the six states.
The states are also working with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to improve livestock production, animal healthcare and processing facilities.
Zulum commended the North East Development Commission (NEDC) for procuring nearly 10,000 electric vehicles and e-tricycles for the region. The vehicles are expected to support transportation and economic activities across the six states.
He also called on the states to strengthen systems for storing, processing and buying farm produce to reduce post-harvest losses and increase the value of agricultural products.
“Our people expect results,” Zulum said.
“They expect security that allows them to live peacefully, roads that connect their communities, schools that prepare their children for the future, hospitals that save lives, jobs that restore dignity, and economies that enable families to prosper.”
