Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has underscored the imperative of deploying cutting-edge technology to tackle the prevalent insecurity plaguing Zamfara State and the broader Northern region of Nigeria.
Governor Lawal, alongside several state governors, convened with Amina J. Mohammed, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, in Washington, D.C., on Friday.
According to a statement by Sulaiman Bala Idris, spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor, the meeting witnessed the participation of governors from Zamfara, Benue, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, and Niger states.
Commending the Governors for their dedication to seeking sustainable solutions to the challenges facing their respective states, Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed remarked, “Your presence here reflects a profound commitment from the Northern Governors to drive positive change in their domains.”
In his address to the Deputy Secretary-General, Governor Dauda Lawal articulated the pivotal role technology can play in bolstering security measures. He emphasized the necessity for a concerted approach to leverage technological advancements, advocating for the utilization of artificial intelligence, biometric identification systems, and surveillance cameras.
“We are confronted with shared challenges, primarily stemming from insecurity, which demands immediate action. Insecurity has crippled agricultural activities, necessitating a transition from subsistence farming to modernized agriculture empowered by technology to combat insurgency,” Governor Lawal stated.
Expressing concerns over the state’s developmental trajectory, he added, “I have inherited a state grappling with systemic dysfunction and dismal development indices. I have declared a state of emergency in the education and health sectors, recognizing the urgency to address these fundamental issues to secure a brighter future for our populace.”
The spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, reiterated the need for substantial support to surmount these challenges and pave the way for sustainable development.
The engagement with the United Nations underscores the collective resolve of Northern Governors to foster progress and prosperity in their states, anchoring their vision on innovation and collaboration.
