US invites northern governors for security symposium

To combat the insecurity in the country, 10 governors representing the Northwest and North Central regions, have been invited to the United States of America (USA) to attend Governor’s Symposium on Peace and Security.

The symposium, according to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Katsina state Governor, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed is being organized by the Africa Center at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), aimed to address the pressing security challenges in the region.

The exclusive event, Mohammed said is scheduled for April 23 to 25, 2024, in Washington, DC and It would be attended by the State Governors, relevant U.S. Government officials, Congressional staff, and NGO partners.

Mohammed, in the statement named the 10 northern state governors invited to participate in the summit as, Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina; Uba Sani, Kaduna; Abba Kabir Yusuf, Kano; Nasir Idris, Kebbi and Umar Namadi, Jigawa.

Others are, Ahmad Aliyu, Sokoto; Dauda Lawal, Zamfara; Hyacinth Alia, Benue; Mohammed Bago, Niger; and Caleb -Mutfwang of Plateau State.

The statement said recognizing the crucial role of state governors in mitigating security threats and fostering peace, the symposium is aimed at enhancing their capacity in conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts across Nigeria.

“Through dialogue and collaboration, the Africa Center seeks to empower governors to address the underlying causes of instability and strengthen peacebuilding initiatives at local and state levels,” Mohammed added.

He explained that, during the symposium, the Northern Nigeria governors and their counterparts would engage in panel discussions focusing on the drivers of insecurity and opportunities for stabilization.

“These discussions aim to deepen participants’ understanding of the complex security landscape, identify strategies for addressing security challenges, and explore opportunities for sustainable peace and development in the region,” he said.

A special panel discussion, facilitated by Tom Sheehy, a Distinguished Fellow from the United States, would focus on Strengthening Commercial Business and Two-Way Trade Between Nigeria and the United States.

The objective, he said is to explore collaborative efforts among governors, Nigerian civic groups, private businesses, and the international community to attract investments, generate employment, and foster economic development.