Several prominent Christian leaders from the 19 northern states, including the Federal Capital Territory, have decried the high level of 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, observed that because of the untapped resources, many youths from the region have deserted their states to the south for greener pastures.
He said, “Poverty, violence, and suffering make our people to leave for other regions. The cause is that 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 initiative of the Federal Government, Pam cited the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park as one of the administration’s legacy projects, adding, “There is hope for the country and the state. That project will end the movement of our youths from North to South.”
Also commending the development drive of the current administration despite the dwindling revenue, Pam stressed, “Gombe has continued to experience growth in education, healthcare and economic development. Your administration’s efforts at fostering peace have made the state a force to reckon with. We recognise the strides you’ve made in empowering youths and women.”
He continued, “We celebrate your role as the Chairman of Northern States Governors’ Forum, and we commend the platform you created to promote the common good of the people.”
The cleric condemned the recent massacre of hunters in Edo State, and thus urged the authorities concerned, including the governments at all levels, to show their seriousness and readiness to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of the heinous and barbaric act.
“We condemn the recent killing in Edo State, and we call on the security agencies to fish out the perpetrators to book.”
On his part, Governor Yahaya harped on the need for leaders to look inward, saying, “Irrespective of religion and trib,e 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.
He stressed, “Once you can sort out the problem of the north, the problem of Nigeria will be over. Three-quarters of Nigeria’s land mass is here. We have 60 per cent of the country’s population or 55 per cent. 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.