The just concluded conference organised for Northern Nigeria governors by the United States Institute of Peace has attracted divergent opinions on its benefits or otherwise to the people of Northern Nigeria.
According to a media consultant Abdullahi Idris Zuru, the conference which involved intensive executive engagement, was designed to, among other things, broaden the governors knowledge on strengthening conflict prevention with special focus on policy coordination and management of peace and stability in the region.
However, Public affairs analyst, politicians of different political affiliation and economic development experts particularly from the North, have been expressing different opinions on whether or not, the conference will produce the desired result.
While some opined that it wa a wasteful venture that shouldn’t have been embarked upon, others strongly argued that much have been learnt and based on the outcome, positive impact for the social and economic transformation of the region will emerge in no distance future.
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State was among the Governors that actively participated in the various sessions on different sectors organised during the conference., aware that the conference will have a holistic approach to the common challenges of Northern Nigeria, the Governor in his own window, included the secretary to the state government, some Commissioners and Members of the state and National Assemblies in his entourage, with a separate proposal for the good of Kebbi State to be unfolded at planned sideline meetings during the Conference.
Alhaji Abubakar Umar Dutsinmari the state Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs who was in the Governor’s entourage explained that the Governor’s separate articulated proposal were for discussions with different development partners in the United States to solicit for complimentary support or partnership towards addressing the multiple socioeconomic challenges in Kebbi state.
Most worrisome to the Governor among the various sectors of the economy, were articulated and thoroughly discussed during the sideline meetings. They included the alarming deteriorating condition of the educational sector particularly primary education, the unimaginable condition of the health care delivery, the dwindling fortunes of agricultural sector and the increasing rate of unemployment.
At the various meetings, Governor Nasir had explained to the development partners including the United State Agency for International Development (USAID) the foundation being laid by his new administration towards reviving and turning around the fortunes of the critical sectors of development.
Already, rehabilitation and construction of the affected primary and secondary schools have commenced, both primary and secondary health care centres and General hospitals that need urgent attention are being identified.
As part of efforts to boost agricultural development in the state, farmers are being supported with free fertiliser and solar powered irrigation pumps at subsidised price, arrangements for the establishment of skills acquisition centres in all parts of the state are also being concluded.
He said it is envisaged that the government’s approach through agricultural support services and establishment of fully equipped ICT and skills acquisition centres with monthly stipends for the participants will, to some reasonable extent reduce if not completely eradicate the menace of unemployment in the state.
At the end, the development partners have assured the Governor’s led delegation of their preparedness to support or partner with the government as requested.
It was agreed in principle, that both parties should workout areas of support and partnership for further consultations and possible consideration.