In a proactive response to the challenges posed by climate change in the North East region, the North East Governors Forum (NEGF) has affirmed its commitment to enhancing small-scale irrigation farming. Governor Babagana Zulum, the Chairman of the forum, emphasized the pivotal role of agriculture as the backbone of the region’s economy and livelihood during the opening of the ninth NEGF meeting in Yola on Saturday.
Governor Zulum stressed the imperative of strengthening the agricultural sector, recognizing it as a cornerstone that requires substantial support. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of collaborating with key stakeholders to implement an industrial development program aimed at fostering the utilization of local resources. This strategic initiative aims not only to fortify the region’s resilience against the impacts of climate change but also to promote sustainable economic growth and empowerment within local communities.
He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his determination to bring peace and security to the region and country at large.
According to him, the region is faced with different challenges in protecting lives and property, poverty, and unemployment, among other challenges too enormous to handle individually.
“We should be more committed to creating wealth for our people with a view of expanding sources of income and wealth creation to reduce the rate of unemployment by looking at various options by engaging the youth.
“I sincerely hope that with the support of the Federal Government, we should overcome these challenges,” he said.
Host Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, said the forum has placed the region on a pedestal for sustainable development.
He said that in the past four years of the forum, a lot of successes and developments have been recorded in the region.
