By Bashir Hassan
The North-East Governors’ Forum has raised ₦15.8 billion in joint contributions towards the establishment of a regional airline aimed at strengthening economic integration and improving transportation across the region.
Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, disclosed this on Monday at the opening of the 13th meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri.
Zulum said the funds were expected to increase as other member states make additional contributions before the end of the year, paving the way for the commencement of the airline project.
He urged the governors to sustain their collective efforts towards actualising the initiative, stressing that enhanced connectivity remained critical to accelerating economic development in the North-East.
According to him, the regional airline would facilitate easier movement of people and goods among the states while strengthening economic activities and integration within the region.
The governor also disclosed that the forum had agreed to generate 10 megawatts of solar power in each state as part of measures to address persistent electricity challenges.
He said a committee of experts was already working on plans for an integrated power generation plant, which he described as a sustainable solution to the region’s energy needs.
Zulum further emphasised the need for greater investment in young people through quality education, vocational training, entrepreneurship, digital technology and employment opportunities.
He said the vision of a peaceful and prosperous North-East could only be achieved by creating an environment where young people could look forward to a better future and access legitimate opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods.
The meeting was attended by the governors of Borno, Adamawa and Gombe states, alongside the deputy governors of Bauchi and Yobe states.
