Kano State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo, on Thursday represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the official inauguration of the temporary secretariat of the Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF) in Kaduna.
The event brought together governors from the 19 northern states and other key stakeholders as part of efforts to strengthen regional cooperation, institutional coordination and collective development across Northern Nigeria.
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The inauguration marks a significant milestone in the Forum’s drive to establish a functional administrative structure to coordinate its activities and advance the shared interests of the region.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, described the inauguration as the “full take-off” of the Forum, noting that it was the culmination of years of commitment by member states.
“We must start from somewhere, and we must aim high,” he said, adding that the formal registration of the Forum and the establishment of its temporary secretariat demonstrate the commitment of northern governors to building a stronger and more effective regional institution.
Governor Yahaya disclosed that plans for a permanent secretariat had reached an advanced stage, with the foundation for the facility expected to be laid soon. According to him, the permanent office will provide a central platform for coordinating the Forum’s activities, promoting peer learning among governors and enhancing collaboration in addressing the region’s common challenges.
He also noted that the operational vehicles and other equipment unveiled during the inauguration were contributed by member states, describing the gesture as a reflection of their collective resolve to ensure the success of the Forum.
The Gombe governor called for greater unity among the northern states, stressing that challenges affecting one state inevitably impact the entire region. He identified insecurity, poverty, hunger and disease as the North’s major development challenges, emphasizing that restoring security is fundamental to achieving sustainable economic growth.
“Without security, there will be no development,” Governor Yahaya said, noting that persistent insecurity has prevented many farmers from accessing their farmlands, thereby threatening agricultural productivity and food security across the region.
In his remarks, Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, said the establishment of the secretariat would provide Forum staff with a functional workspace to effectively coordinate its activities and strengthen regional collaboration.
He described the inauguration as a significant achievement for Northern Nigeria and reaffirmed the commitment of member states to supporting the Forum’s objectives of promoting peace, unity and sustainable development.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Northern Governors’ Forum, Mr. Ezekiel Gomes, assured member states that the secretariat would be managed with professionalism, transparency and efficiency.
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He also expressed appreciation to the governors for the confidence reposed in him and his team to oversee the Forum’s operations.