By Joshua Danmalam
The Forum of Secretaries to the State Governments of the six North-East states has met with members of its technical group in Maiduguri, Borno State, to set the agenda for the 13th meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum.
The meeting, held at the conference hall of the Deputy Governor’s Office in Maiduguri on Friday, was led by the Chairman of the SSGs’ Forum and Secretary to the Gombe State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Njodi.
It was attended by the Director-General and members of the technical group and was convened ahead of the governors’ meeting scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2026.
The governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states are expected to deliberate on issues affecting the region, including development, regional cooperation and challenges confronting the North-East.
Declaring the meeting open, Njodi welcomed participants and urged them to make meaningful contributions towards developing an agenda capable of addressing the region’s pressing challenges.
He said, “I welcome you all to this long-awaited meeting and urge everyone to contribute meaningfully to setting the agenda for our governors.”
The Gombe SSG also commended his fellow SSGs for their commitment to the development of the region, describing their dedication to the North-East cause as unprecedented.
Njodi similarly praised members of the technical group, led by Dr Mairo Mandara, for their commitment and contributions to regional development.
He said, “I want to commend the members of the Technical Group, led by Dr Mairo Mandara, for their passion and commitment to the North-East. Your names will be written in gold for your excellent contributions to the development of our region.”
According to him, the SSGs’ Forum and the Technical Group have remained focused and committed to advancing the interests of the region since their establishment.
“Since the establishment of the forum, the SSGs under my leadership and the Technical Group under Dr Mairo Mandara have remained focused and committed to the cause of the North-East,” he said.
Njodi prayed for continued success and wisdom for members of both bodies as they work towards addressing the challenges confronting the region.
The Gombe State delegation to the meeting comprises the SSG, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi; the Head of Civil Service, Prof. Mua’zu Shehu; and the Commissioner for Special Duties and Regional Integration, Shehu Yerima Abdullahi.
The North-East Governors’ Forum meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for the six governors to review issues of common interest and chart a coordinated approach towards the development and security of the meeting of the region.