BY GODWIN IJEDIOGOR
VICE President Kashim Shettima has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu approval of the Pulaaku Initiative, a non-kinetic solution to insurgency and banditry in the North, and allocated the sum of N50billion to the initiative, in its first instance.
Shettima, who stated that in his opening address at a two-day roundtable on Insecurity in Northern Nigeria, organised by the Coalition of Northern Groups, with the theme, ‘Multi-Dimensional Approach to Tackling Insecurity in Northern Nigeria,’ added that the initiative would begin in seven states of the North- Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Benue, Zamfara, Niger and Kaduna- and would “catalyse” the fortunes of the northern region.
The vice president, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Hadeija,noted: “Every part of the country is equal to the rest and the government treats the needs of each region as critical.
“For the North, we are also embarking on a transformative journey to address the root causes of the challenges. The Pulaaku Initiative, a non-kinetic solution, has received presidential approval, with an allocation of N50billion in the first instance.
“This initiative aims to enhance living conditions and livelihoods in selected states, starting with Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Benue, Zamfara, Niger and Kaduna. The construction of residences, roads, schools and other essential facilities is set to commence, promising to catalyse the fortunes of this region.”
Shettima said the government was committed to addressing insecurity in the country, having allocated a larger share of this year’s budget to Defence, urging Nigerians to focus on building stronger systems and stop narratives that divide the country.
