By HUSSAINA YAKUBU

Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, Protem Chairman of the Northern Reconciliation Group, has expressed disappointment over the absence of all North-West state governors at the North-West Stakeholders Development Summit held in Kaduna.

Baba-Ahmed made this known on Saturday while speaking at the summit, which was convened to deliberate on critical development issues affecting the North-West region.

He said it was regrettable that none of the governors from the zone attended the meeting in person, lamenting that only representatives were present in spite of the importance of the summit to the region’s future.

According to him, the summit was organised to advance a coordinated, inclusive and sustainable development agenda for the North-West through enhanced legislative leadership, state-level political leadership, stakeholder collaboration and strategic alignment of development interventions.

He explained that the specific objectives of the summit included providing a high-level platform for dialogue among federal and state actors, development partners and other stakeholders on priority development issues in the region.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports, other objectives, were to strengthen regional coordination between the National Assembly, state governments, the North-West Development Commission (NWDC) and relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in planning and implementing development initiatives.

NAN added that the summit was also aimed at supporting the NWDC’s operational readiness and effective delivery of its mandate through shared commitments and stronger coordination structures.

While the forum would promote integrated and cross-sectoral approaches to addressing key challenges such as infrastructure, security, agriculture, climate resilience, human capital development and economic inclusion.

The forum will also encourage private sector participation and development partner support in financing sustainable development projects was a key focus of the summit.

According to him, the meeting is expected to produce a practical, action-oriented communiqué to guide policy alignment, legislative support and coordinated implementation mechanisms for impactful and sustainable outcomes in the region.

Baba-Ahmed described Kaduna as the “heart of the North” and said it was concerning that, despite hosting such a crucial meeting on North-West development, none of the governors from the zone deemed it necessary to attend.

“As stakeholders, we are here to offer our support out of love for the region.

Leadership is a responsibility given to deliver results. When you do well, the people will appreciate you, but when you fail, you will also be held accountable,” he said.

He, however, expressed appreciation to participants who attended the summit physically and those who contributed meaningfully to the discussions. (NAN)

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