By: Austine Emmanuel, Kaduna
Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), has called for urgent action to address the rising tide of youth restiveness in Northern Nigeria.
The Forum led by its chairman and Governor of Gombe state, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, highlighted the factors contributing to widespread discontent, including poverty, illiteracy, and unemployment, emphasizing the need for leaders to listen to the youth and implement effective strategies aimed at creating economic opportunities and fostering stability in the region.
Governor Yahaya pointed out that the economic challenges faced by the northern region are exacerbated by significant disparities between the North and South.
He stressed the need for targeted interventions, including social welfare programs and support for small and medium enterprises, seeking measures to adopt alleviate the suffering, especially in the context of increasing economic hardship.
Calling for collaboration with the federal government to create fiscal policies that reflect the realities of the people, he expressed hope that the outcomes of the meeting would lead to concrete actions that positively impact the lives of the people.
Furthermore, the governor addressed the urgent need to tap into the agricultural potential of the North, noting that by providing farmers with access to financing, modern farming techniques, and necessary infrastructure, the region could alleviate hunger and create job opportunities for its youth.
“Agriculture should not only be seen as a means to feed our people but also as a catalyst for industrialization and job creation across the region,” Yahaya said, advocating for the revival of agro-allied industries to stimulate economic growth.