Prominent Christian leaders from the 19 northern states on Tuesday decried poverty, violence, and suffering the region is grappling with despite the huge mineral deposits.
Speaking, shortly after a banquet organised by Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, at the Government House Dr Yakubu Pam, said following the untapped resources many youths from the region have deserted their states to the south for greener pastures.
Pam said, “Poverty, violence and suffering make our people to leave to other regions. The cause is because there is no power (electricity), without power there won’t be industries, no employment and no development.”
While lauding the Dadinkowa 40 megawatts hydroelectric dam of the Federal Government, Pam cited Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, the administration’s legacy project adding “there is hope for the country and the state. That project will end the movement of our youths from North to South.”
Commending the development drive of the current administration despite the dwindling revenue Pam added, “Gombe has continued to experience growth in education, healthcare and economic development. Your administration’s efforts at fostering peace has made the state a force to reckon with. We recognise the strides you made in empowering youths and women.”
He continued saying, “We celebrate your role as Chairman of Northern States Governors’ Forum, we commend the platform you created to promote the common good of the people.”
Pam condemned the recent massacre of identified hunters in Edo State, urging authorities to nail the perpetrators, “We condemn the recent killing in Edo State and we call on the security agencies to bring the perpetrators to book.”
On his part, Governor Yahaya harped on the need for leaders to look inward, saying “Irrespective of religion, tribe we need to come together to join forces so that we restore normalcy, and hope to the people of the region and Nigeria. We need to collaborate and bring back the good old days of the north.”
While emphasising the strength of the region, Yahaya noted that the country would achieve huge success once the region finds its footing, “Once you can sort out the problem of the north the problem of Nigeria will be over. Three quarters of Nigeria’s land mass are here. We have 60 percent of the country’s population or 55 percent that’s where the majority are. We need to work hand-in-hand, we need to work together to move our people from where they are,” he added.
