By Muhammad Mamman
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Wednesday led fellow North-East governors to the Presidential Villa in Abuja for a crucial meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The high-level talks centred on accelerating development in the region, with the governors pressing for the completion of 17 strategic road projects and the resumption of oil exploration in frontier basins, particularly the Kolmani and Lake Chad wells.
Joining Zulum were Governors Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Bala Muhammad (Bauchi), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa) and Agbu Keffas (Taraba).
Zulum, who chairs the North-East Governors’ Forum, stressed the need to link the six states with critical infrastructure, listing major projects such as the Kano–Maiduguri Road, the Port Harcourt–Jos–Bauchi–Maiduguri railway line, and key highways connecting Bama, Mubi, Yola, Wukari, Jalingo, Damaturu, Gombe and Maiduguri, among others.
While commending the president for his commitment to restoring peace, Zulum reaffirmed the governors’ support for Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
“We thank you for fostering stability in the sub-region and continuing your predecessor’s initiatives against insurgency. We are fully aligned with your vision to develop manpower and deploy technology, both of which are essential in tackling insecurity and boosting agriculture,” Zulum said.
He added that the governors had unanimously resolved to partner with the president in delivering good governance and leaving behind “lasting legacies and landmarks for the nation.”
In response, President Tinubu assured the delegation of his administration’s determination to address the developmental priorities of the North-East.
