…As Northern Governors, Forum Inaugurate 19-Member Security Trust Fund Board
By Mustapha Salisu, Kaduna
Kano State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo, on Wednesday represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the meeting of the Northern Governors’ Forum (NNGF) and the Northern Traditional Rulers Council (NTRC), where a 19-member Board of Trustees of the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund was inaugurated to strengthen regional efforts against insecurity.
The meeting, held at the Kaduna State Government House, brought together governors, deputy governors, emirs, chiefs and other critical stakeholders from the 19 Northern states to deliberate on the worsening security situation across the region.
The inauguration of the Board of Trustees was one of the major outcomes of the meeting, with Northern governors expressing confidence in its ability to coordinate support for improved security across the region.
(Photo Credit: SARAKEE NG)
Reading the communiqué at the end of the meeting, Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya urged members of the Board to discharge their responsibilities with diligence, transparency, fairness and accountability.
The forum also called on member states to sustain their monthly contribution of N1 billion to the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund to strengthen regional security interventions.
The governors reaffirmed their collective commitment to restoring peace and stability through closer collaboration among state governments, traditional institutions and security agencies.
They expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to tackling insecurity across the country and pledged continued support for the Federal Government through improved intelligence sharing, stronger community resilience and a sustainable regional security framework.
The forum also reiterated its support for the establishment of State Police, describing it as a critical reform capable of addressing Nigeria’s security challenges if backed by adequate funding, training, equipment and effective oversight.
The communiqué stressed that lasting peace would only be achieved by addressing the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, illiteracy and the growing number of out-of-school children.
It therefore called for sustained investment in education, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment and skills development across the region.
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The governors further resolved to work closely with traditional institutions, local governments and community leaders to protect farmers and rural communities during the rainy season, prevent communal conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence between farming and pastoral communities.
Speaking during the meeting, the Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, described the inauguration of the Board of Trustees as a major turning point in the region’s fight against insecurity.
“For many years, we have held meetings, written reports and made recommendations on how to tackle insecurity. Today marks the beginning of a more practical approach. With the inauguration of this Board, we believe the time has come to move from discussions to decisive action,” the Sultan said.
He assured the Board of the full support of Northern traditional rulers, saying they would continue to provide guidance and work closely with governors and other stakeholders to restore lasting peace across Northern Nigeria.
The Sultan stressed that security is a collective responsibility, urging citizens to support efforts to combat banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other forms of criminality.
He also called on Northern governors to sustain political and financial support for the Security Trust Fund initiative, noting that unity among governments, traditional institutions and citizens remains essential to achieving a peaceful, secure and prosperous Northern Nigeria.
