Ten governors – three from north central and seven from north west – have been invited to the Governor’s Symposium on Peace and Security in Northern Nigeria.
A statement on Tuesday by the spokesperson of Katsina State governor Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed gave the names of the invited governors to include Dikko Umaru Radda (Katsina), Abba kabir Yusuf (Kano), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Ahmad Aliyu (Sokoto) and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara) from North West.
Those from North Central Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Mohammed Bago (Niger) and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau).
The statement said the symposium organized by the Africa Center at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), would hold from April 23 to 25, 2024, in Washington, DC.
“It will convene state governors, relevant U.S. government officials, Congressional staff, and NGO partners,” the statement said, adding that the symposium will enhance the governors’ capacity in conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts across Nigeria.
He said “Through dialogue and collaboration, the Africa Center seeks to empower the governors to address the underlying causes of instability and strengthen peacebuilding initiatives at local and state levels.”
The statement noted that the Nigerian governors and their counterparts will engage in panel discussions focusing on the drivers of insecurity and opportunities for stabilization, adding that “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.”