Education, Employment are Weapons against Insecurity – Gov Bala

By: Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi

The governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir on Friday said that education and gainful employment are the potent weapons against insecurity in Nigeria.

Senator Abdulkadir made this known in his welcome address during the North East governor’s forum meeting that took place at the government house Buachi.

According to him: “it goes without saying that the most potent weapons against insecurity are education and gainful employment. Both confer on the individual a sense of pride and dignity, and reduce the temptation to join criminal gangs. To achieve these, in my humble view again, remains the guiding spirit of our deliberations and the enduring focus of our Forum”

He applauded the chairman of the North East governor’s forum and the governor of Borno state, Umara Babagana Zulum for his commitment and exemplary leadership that have sustained the Forum as a formidable regional bloc.

“Through his effort, despite being made up of different parties, the Northeast Governors’ Forum has continued to grow from strength to strength, since its inception ten years ago, as a nonpartisan platform for addressing issues of common interest and group survival within the context of the Nigerian nation.

“Since our previous meeting here in March 2024, so much has changed in the socio-economic and political landscape of the country. Topping the list of political changes is the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the President of Nigeria. Similarly, a brand new youthful Governor has emerged in Taraba State in the person of Agbu Kefas”

“On the economic scene, the past one year has experienced some convulsions as the Federal Government initiated policies aimed at restructuring the economy. These policies have fuelled inflation, with transportation and food being the worst hit. The huge public outcry is understandable. In Bauchi State, we are grateful for the intervention of the Federal Government and for the understanding shown by the President.

“We spent an additional N2.5 billion to augment the Federal Government intervention. Obviously, measures by both the Federal and State Governments, though very helpful, have lived up to the name: palliative, only temporary measures. In the long run, governments must incentivize individuals for self-reliance and sustainable growth”

“As we commence this meeting, permit me to acknowledge the valiant effort of our security high command and our patriotic men and women under arms, who have substantially ‘degraded’ the menace of Boko Haram.

“Granted that the twin evil of banditry and kidnapping are still with us, it is gratifying to note that through the patriotic efforts of our gallant military, with the support of other groups such as the vigilante, many displaced persons are returning to their homes, individuals can now undertake various economic activities, while investors can now operate with higher levels of security guarantees” he stated.