March 13, (THEWILL) – Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has called on the North West Development Commission (NWDC) to take decisive action in addressing insecurity, poverty, and other pressing challenges plaguing the region.
The governor made the appeal on Thursday while receiving the Chairman of the Commission, Lawal Ismail, who led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Government House in Kano.
Describing the current security and economic situation in the region as dire, Yusuf stressed that the time to act is now, adding that urgent intervention is required to protect lives, boost development, and alleviate widespread suffering.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for his foresight in establishing the NWDC, stating that its creation was both timely and necessary in light of the deep-rooted challenges facing the North-West.
“The North-West has been engulfed by numerous problems, particularly insecurity. Bandits and kidnappers are operating freely, abducting innocent citizens, demanding ransom, and in some cases, killing their victims,” Yusuf said.
“Many people have been subjected to unimaginable cruelty, including women and children who have suffered grave abuses. The establishment of this Commission, therefore, comes at a crucial time.”
The governor also highlighted the worsening levels of poverty and hunger in the region, noting that many families are struggling to afford three square meals a day.
He expressed confidence that the Commission’s mandate, which includes socioeconomic development, infrastructural growth, security interventions, education, and human capital development, would help mitigate these challenges.
He dismissed speculations that political considerations influenced the choice of Kano as the Commission’s headquarters, assuring the NWDC of his administration’s full support in providing a conducive environment for its operations.
“It is our collective responsibility to work with the Commission in tackling these issues,” he stated.
In his remarks, the NWDC Chairman, Lawal Ismail, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate. He assured that the NWDC would collaborate closely with the Kano State Government and other stakeholders across the region to drive sustainable development.
A major highlight of the event was Governor Yusuf’s presentation of land allocation documents to the Commission’s leadership for the construction of its permanent headquarters in Kano.
Abdullahi Yusuf is a seasoned journalist, communicator and was previously the Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Jos, where he retired on December 15, 2021
