By Atoyebi Nike
Northern leaders have renewed calls for major investment in education and agriculture to tackle the region’s challenges and boost national growth.
The demand came at a two-day summit in Kaduna, hosted by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation. The event reviewed government performance and outlined priorities for Northern Nigeria’s development.
Presenting the summit’s communiqué, the Foundation’s Director General, Engr. Abubakar Gambo Umar, praised efforts by President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He noted gains in security, infrastructure, and economic reform. Still, he called for deeper, people-focused reforms to drive real progress.
A key concern raised was the growing number of out-of-school children in the North. Participants described it as urgent and called for swift action.
The summit also pushed for expanding agricultural value chains and promoting rural industries to strengthen food security and create jobs.
Leaders recommended setting up agro-animal industries and speeding up infrastructure projects. These include highways, gas pipelines, and irrigation systems.
The communiqué called for fairer distribution of national resources. Participants said this would help close regional gaps and support balanced development.
The summit also urged stronger engagement between citizens and government. It stressed the need for regular dialogue to build trust and accountability.
Other recommendations included tighter cooperation between federal and state governments. Civil society, traditional rulers, and religious leaders should also play key roles in policy-making and implementation.
Ethical media practices were highlighted as essential for national unity. Speakers said the media must support responsible journalism to strengthen social cohesion.
Northern states were urged to work together and engage the federal government with one voice.
Education was declared the foundation of development. The summit urged significant public investment in schools as a pathway to human capital growth and long-term security.
While noting recent achievements, participants insisted that national prosperity depends on justice, fairness, and inclusive governance.
They concluded that long-term peace and unity require continued collaboration between citizens, governments, and all key actors.
