Out of School Children: Northern Govs to Invest in Education, Skills Devt

Governors of the 19 northern states, under the aegis of Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) have resolved to invest massively in education, skill development, health care and social services in order to address the menace of out of school children in the region.

In a communique issued at the end of its meeting yesterday at the Government House Kaduna, the forum noted that human capital development was critical to the progress and prosperity of the region.

The communique signed by the chairman of the forum and Governor of Gombe state, Muhammadu Yahaya, lamented the burden currently facing the north as the region "with the highest number of out of school children in the world".

The forum received report of a technical committee on the New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) and resolved that members should study the report for consideration at its next meeting.

The governors noted the role of the NNDC in reviving the economy of the northern states and resolved to invest in critical infrastructure that are capable of unlocking the huge industrial and economic potentials of the region.

"The forum noted that climate change, unsustainable agricultural practices and population growth posed significant challenges to the region.

"The forum resolved to adopt holistic approach that promote environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture and responsible resource management to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of the people and preserve the national heritage of generations yet unborn", the communique said.

The governors also received a presentation from Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) and World Bank team.

The NSGF assured the AGILE and World Bank team of its continuous support and requested them to fast track the process of upscaling the programme.

The governors also received executive committee and board of trustees of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) on courtesy call during the meeting, noting the resolve of the ACF to harmonise activities of various interest groups as well as voices, speaking and acting on behalf of the north and resolved to support them.

A report from the Coalition of Northern Group (CNG) on the security in north was also received by the governors.