Vice-President Kashim Shettima, on Saturday, urged state governors to prioritise human and capital development programmes to fasttrack sustainable social and economic development in the country. 

Mr Shettima stated this at the inauguration of the remodelled Government House, Bauchi, constructed by the Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration.

He said that state governments were vital for human development and social change, to address challenges like healthcare, education and security.

“Development indices in many Nigeria states lag behind the global standards and effective value driven political leadership is necessary to improve.

“By promoting right values across schools, institutions and government agencies, state governments can lay a solid foundation for future progress.

“It is incumbent upon all of us in positions of authority to take interventions in developing governance infrastructure as a catalyst to harmonise and supervise our policy making process in the country,” he said.

Mr Shettima, who inaugurated the project, lauded Mr Mohammed for his resolve to reconstruct the Government House.

He said that Mr Mohammed devoted his time, life and energy towards repositioning the state by embarking on development inclined projects.

“This edifice will, In-Sha-Allah, stand the test of time, and posterity will judge you kindly for devoting your time, energies and resources towards the development of Bauchi State,” he said.

The vice-president also commended the North-East state governors for their comradeship, sense of purpose, commitment, and urged them to be more united so as to face the challenges of underdevelopment in the sub-region.

Earlier, Mr Mohammed said that before contesting for the office of the governor, he considered the old government house as an affront to the state.

He said that his administration’s goal was to establish legacy projects capable of sustaining the ambitious developmental needs of the people of the state.

“We believe we can do it and to the glory of God, the remodelled government house has been done,” he said. 

Mr Shettima is in Bauchi to inaugurate the 15th Edition of the North-East Domestic Trade Fair and other projects executed by Mr Mohammed’s administration.

The event was attended by governors Babagana Zulum, Inuwa Yahaya, Ahmadu Fintiri, Mai Mala Buni and Agbu Kefas of Borno, Gombe, Adamawa, Yobe and Taraba.

 (NAN)