Address Security Threat, Poverty Ravaging Region, Governor Yusuf Challenges Northwest Commission

Worried by the increasing cases of banditry, kidnapping and related security threat in some Northwestern states, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on Thursday urged the newly established Development Commission to raise against the stiring challenges in the region.

Besides, Governor Yusuf worried over high level of poverty and unemployment rate among teeming youth in the region, insisted the right time to tackle humanitarian crisis in States under the commission is now.

The Governor made the call when he received the leadership of the commission, Alh. Lawal Ismail and the management team on courtesy visit at the government.

Governor Yusuf who hailed President Bola Tinubu for his foresight in establishing the Northwest Development Commission, described it as timely and important considering the too many woes bedeviling the region.

He, essentially applauded the ingenuity of the Federal government, which set aside political inclination in situating the headquarters of the commission in Kano, even when the state is under the opposition party.

According to him, “the North West has been engulfed with so many challenges especially the issue of insecurity where bandits and kidnappers are going round kidnapping innocent citizens and demanding for ransom and even killing.

“Many were subjected to inhuman treatment, raping of women and children and nobody is spared The bunch of people are trying to override the government’s responsibility. I must say therefore that the establishment of this commission came at a right time for our people.

“And so if you speak about poverty and hunger everywhere, malnutrition, like I said people cannot afford three square meals, there is no better time to assist them than now. Therefore this commission has also come at a right time.

“There are so many issues that needs to be addressed and I’m happy part of the act establishing the commission has stated on. Socioeconomic development, infrastructural deficit, insecurity, education, human capital development, poverty alleviation etc.

Earlier, the Chairman, North West Development Commission, NWDC, Lawal Ismail said the commission will not derail from it mandate as it will work closely and collaborate with the Kano State government and others for the better of Kano and North West States at large.