…Unveils Pantami’s book
…Northern groups hold roundtable in Abuja
Segun Awofadeji in Gombe
Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has proposed “4D” approach to tackling insecurity in the region.
Also, yesterday, Yahaya attended the official unveiling of a book written by a former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, where he said the state was proud of his accomplishment.
Yahaya announced the proposed approach at the opening of a Roundtable on Insecurity, themed “Multi-dimensional Approach to Tackling Insecurity in Northern Nigeria” organised by the Coalition of Northern Nigeria, held at the Nigerian Army Resource Center in Abuja.
According to Yahaya, the “4D” represented a comprehensive and multi-dimensional framework focusing on four key pillars: promoting development; enhancing defence mechanisms; promoting open dialogue; and encouraging diplomatic efforts.
He explained that the intention was to create a well-rounded and holistic strategy to address the complex security challenges to ensure a more effective and enduring response to the challenges beyond the traditional measures, especially the rising cases of kidnap-for-ransom, rural banditry, communal and religious-related crisis and farmer-harder clash among others.
“In order to develop a multi-dimensional approach to tackling our security challenges, I’m advocating the 4D approach: Development, Defence, Dialogue and Diplomacy. On development, today, Northern Nigeria ranks lowest across all indices of human development.
“This provides a fertile ground for terrorism and all forms of insecurity. To address this, we must put all hands on deck to address the root causes of under-development in northern Nigeria.
“These include poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, population explosion and environmental degradation. We must invest in infrastructure, human capital, agriculture, renewable energy, digital economy and the restoration of our environment.
“On defence, we need to invest heavily in security. We must strengthen the capabilities of our security agencies to adequately respond to emerging security threats. This requires investment in manpower, training and capacity building, equipment and logistics, enhanced intelligence capabilities, legal reforms, improved welfare, and sustained local collaboration.
“Also, dialogue is necessary. We must seek to foster a culture of trust and accountability. We must deny divisive elements and conflict merchants the opportunity to divide us. As the late Sir Ahmadu Bello eloquently expressed, we are a ‘People of many different races, tribes and religion who are knit together to common history, common interest and common ideas, the things that unite us are us are stronger than the things that divide us.
“We must therefore work with civil society groups, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and all relevant stakeholders in order to foster dialogue and understanding among our diverse communities,” he added.
The governor remarked that “as leaders, we must all take responsibility and join hands to reverse this ugly trend. We must recognise the urgency of the situation and make strong commitment towards the safety and wellbeing of our people.
“It is a challenge that affects us all. It acknowledges neither tribe nor religion. No one (rich or poor, high or low, young or old) is immune from its consequences. And as a forum, we will continue to strongly commit to the safety and stability of our region”
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was represented by the Ministers of Defence, Badaru Abubakar and Muhammad Bello Matawalle, all pledged federal government continued commitment to ensuring the safety and stability of Nigeria, reassuring that President Tinubu’s administration is prioritising the security of Nigeria and its citizens across all parts of the country.
The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Sa’ad Abubakar III, as well as Prof. Attahiru Jega and Dr. Audu Ogbeh, among other speakers, remarked that leaders and all stakeholders must shift attention to addressing the root causes of insecurity in the region holistically in order to provide a lasting solution to the problem of insecurity that is threatening the progress and prosperity of the Northern region.
Also, at Pantami’s book launch, where he was the chief host,he lauded the book titled: “A Scholar’s Journey: Navigating Academia” for its meticulous portrayal of the author’s academic experiences, asserting its undeniable value for the academic community, particularly aspiring scholars.
“Let me begin by congratulating my brother, one of the proudest Ambassadors of Gombe state, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, for authoring this well crafted book that provides a comprehensive account of his academic journey.
“I am confident that this literary work will be of substantial value, not only to the academic community but the larger society,” he said.
Yahaya noted that the book also offered invaluable insights and guidance, especially for aspiring scholars on their educational path.
Yahaya, who described the author as a shining example across diverse fields, transcending academia, asserted that Gombe state took immense pride in his accomplishments as their illustrious son.
Pantami, in his address, expressed profound gratitude to Yahaya for accepting to serve as the chief host and for leading high-ranking officials of his government to actively partake in the book launch, saying the governor’s gesture was an honor he valued and would continue to cherish.
