Katsina State Governor and Chairman North West Governors Forum, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda has called for global security collaboration while addressing concerns regarding Nigerian Governors decision to participate in a two-day symposium organized by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) outside of Nigeria from April 23 – April 25, 2024 in United States.
USIP had invited ten governors from Northwest and Northcentral Nigeria regions to the two-day Symposium on Peace and Security in Northern Nigeria.
According to the Governor, “There are so many questions and comments on our being here, some people are thinking that we should be in Nigeria and discuss security issues within the country where the issues are affecting the people.”
Addressing concerns about the governors meeting outside of Nigeria, Malam Radda explained that sharing experiences and ideas on a global scale is crucial in today’s interconnected world.
According to him, “The exchange of ideas is very important in the global space that we have today, as the World is now a global village.”
Governor Radda in his vote of thanks on behalf of the Governors at the symposium, said the value of open communication and collaboration between US officials and the Nigerian Governors cannot be overemphasized.
“We are very glad on the invitation and the engagement. It is also our pleasure to have this kind of engagement on a regular basis. I hope this should not be the last of it but the beginning of our collaboration and partnership,”
he said.
Governor Radda further expressed his appreciation for the US recognizing the need to engage with sub-nationals governments in Nigeria, pledging the support of Katsina and other states:
“We are happy and glad that you have recognized the need to engage sub-nationals at the implementation stage of all the policies and programmes of the United States and we are willing to give our support and we are willing to partner with you.”
Following the security dialogue, the northern governors, led by Katsina State Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, paid a courtesy visit to the US State Department where they met with Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, and Under Secretary of State Jose W. Fernandez.