Northern Governors’ Forum Donates N180 Million to Kaduna Bombing Victims
By Matthew Eloyi
In a landmark inaugural meeting of the Northern States Governors’ Forum held on Friday at the Council Chamber, Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna, the newly elected Chairman of the forum, Gov Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, led the forum in expressing heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Kaduna State following the tragic bombing incident at Tudun Biri Community in Igabi Local Government Area of the state.
The Forum, which convened to discuss critical issues affecting the region, took immediate action by announcing a significant donation of One Hundred and Eighty Million Naira (N180,000,000.00) to support the victims of the Tudun Biri bombing incident. The funds will be directed towards aiding those who lost their lives, as well as individuals currently undergoing treatment for injuries sustained during the unfortunate event.
During the meeting, the Governors expressed their sympathy for the affected families and commended both the Kaduna State and Federal Governments for their prompt response and management of the aftermath.
The Forum acknowledged the need for a comprehensive investigation into the Tudun Biri incident, aiming to provide compensation to victims and implement measures to prevent future occurrences.
Emphasizing the importance of collaboration, the Governors resolved to work collectively in areas such as enhanced security, peaceful coexistence, economic development, youth employment, drug abuse, and the revitalization of education at all levels.
In addressing the pervasive insecurity in the region, the Governors commended the Federal Government for its renewed efforts and resolved to stand united in the commitment to tackling challenges such as kidnapping, banditry, communal clashes, and terrorism.
The Forum outlined a multifaceted approach, including collaboration with security agencies, strengthening local law enforcement, community engagement, adoption of modern technology, and addressing root causes such as poverty and unemployment.
Furthermore, the Governors resolved to address environmental challenges in Northern Nigeria, recognizing their impact on rural livelihoods, conflicts between farmers and herders, and the general level of poverty and insecurity.
In a bid to fast-track regional integration, the Forum committed to investing in infrastructure, human capital development, trade, commerce, agriculture, environment, digital economy, and cultural exchanges.
The meeting included a briefing on the activities of the New Nigerian Development Company (NNDC) by the Group Managing Director. In response, a committee was constituted to review the earlier committee’s report on NNDC operations, aiming to reposition the company for greater productivity and profitability.
