From Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
Yobe State Governor and host of the 11th North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) meeting, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, has called on his counterparts in Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, and Bauchi States to strengthen collaboration among themselves, the Federal Government, and security agencies to develop a strategic approach to combat the resurgence of Boko Haram and other security threats in the region.
According to a statement by Mamman Mohammed, Director General of Press and Media Affairs to the Governor, Buni made this call on Tuesday during the NEGF meeting held in Damaturu.
“We must act fast to consolidate the gains achieved in peace, security, and socio-economic development recorded in recent years,” Buni said.
“My dear compatriots, we must, as a matter of urgency, share our resolutions with security chiefs and relevant federal agencies to deepen synergy and ensure a timely response to the sad and ugly resurgence of insecurity.”
He noted that the Forum has built strong regional cooperation over the years, serving as a platform for pursuing common interests.
“As we begin this important meeting, we have the opportunity to review past resolutions, assess our achievements, analyze challenges, and propose workable alternatives to achieve our set goals.”
Governor Buni commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership, assuring the President of the Forum’s support for federal policies and programmes aimed at fostering unity, peace, and economic prosperity.
He praised the courage of security personnel, Civilian JTF, vigilante, and hunter groups—many of whom have paid the supreme price in defense of the region.
He stressed the importance of reducing dependence on federal allocations by unlocking the region’s economic potential. “We must create employment opportunities for our youth to prevent them from being recruited into terrorism and other social vices.”
“As leaders, we have a moral obligation to make agriculture attractive, affordable, and profitable. This can be achieved by providing machinery, inputs, and support to exploit our vast arable lands and large population to ensure food security and economic growth,” Buni added.
Also speaking at the event, Borno State Governor and Forum Chairman, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, described the renewed security challenges in parts of the region as worrisome.
He pledged continued support to security agencies in the fight against emerging threats and urged citizens to embrace agriculture. Zulum also advised the public to adhere to Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) warnings to effectively plan their farming activities and mitigate the impact of flooding.
