The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, convened a strategic meeting with prominent northern stakeholders on Tuesday to deliberate on the development of northern Nigeria in line with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
The high-profile gathering, held at the office of Alhaji Ibrahim Kabiru Masari in Aso Rock, Abuja, brought together key political figures to outline plans for promoting growth and enhancing security across the region.
Among the attendees were the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, and Masari, who serves as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters.
Dr. Matawalle underscored that sustainable development in the North depends on achieving lasting peace and security. He emphasized the progress made under his leadership, citing the successful operations that led to the elimination of notorious bandit leader Halilu Sububu and others.
“Development cannot take place when there is insecurity,” Matawalle said, noting the decline in violent activities across the region. Recent months have seen a significant reduction in insecurity, with no reports of kidnappings. Matawalle attributed these gains to coordinated security efforts and pledged to sustain operations to eradicate remaining threats.
The meeting highlighted the importance of aligning with President Tinubu’s vision to foster economic and social progress in northern Nigeria. Participants expressed optimism that the North will experience improvements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare under the current administration.
Senator Abubakar Bagudu provided an overview of the government’s fiscal plans, emphasizing the importance of responsible budgeting and efficient resource allocation to drive growth in the region. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to equitable development across the country, with special attention to the northern states.
Governor Mai Mala Buni urged northern communities and leaders to unite behind the government’s efforts. He stressed that overcoming longstanding challenges requires collective action and collaboration among stakeholders.
Alhaji Ibrahim Kabiru Masari, who hosted the meeting, emphasized the role of political stability and community engagement in achieving lasting peace. He encouraged northern citizens to support Tinubu’s leadership, assuring them that efforts are underway to deliver meaningful development to the region.
The participants also discussed the need to invest in youth empowerment and education to prevent future insurgencies. They agreed that education plays a critical role in fostering social cohesion and reducing poverty, which are key factors in addressing insecurity.
