The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has organised a community engagement programme to raise awareness on the importance of public participation in tackling insecurity and other challenges facing Nigeria.
Chairman of CNG’s National Board of Trustees, Mr Nastura Ashiru-Sherif, said on Saturday in Katsina that the initiative supported government efforts to address pressing issues.
The programme with the theme “The importance of popular participation in tackling socio-economic challenges in Northern Nigeria”, aimed to identify security challenges in northern states.
To achieve this, he said that the CNG engaged retired security experts to study insecurity in the region and provided solutions.
“The experts presented recommendations for the federal government, states, traditional rulers, and the general public.
“These recommendations were subsequently presented to the National Security Adviser, Inspector-General of Police, and other Service Chiefs, as well as governors of Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Niger.”
Prof. Sani Abubakar-Lugga, Chairman of the occasion and fifth Wazirin-Katsina, emphasised the need for change, citing the decline of industries and subsequent unemployment.
On his part, Dr Muttaqa Rabe-Darma, identified poverty, insecurity, drug abuse, and illiteracy as major regional problems, advocating for community-action teams and poverty reduction.
Also, Dr Bashir Ruwan-godiya, representing CSOs, stressed tackling corruption and promoting patriotism to address these challenges. NAN
