Former Vice President Namadi Sambo has said the newly formed League of Northern Democrats is a vital platform that will address challenges facing the North and the country.

He made this remark on Saturday while hosting the forum’s leadership led by Chairman and former Kano State Governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau at his Abuja residence.

Mr Sambo expressed concern about the crippling effects of insecurity on agriculture, education, and healthcare, exacerbating poverty and inequality in the North and nationwide.

He said, “It is deeply troubling to note how insecurity has devastated agriculture, threatening the education and health of our children and women. This has consequently widened the net of poverty and inequality among the people of the North and the entire country.’’

Mr Sambo pledged his support for the initiative, emphasising the need for the forum to harness experiences and resources across political affiliations.

He urged members to work together to meet the aspirations of the northern people, fostering sustainable peace and socio-economic development.

The League of Northern Democrats, convened by Dr Umar Ardo, was inaugurated on August 21, with Mr Shekarau as protem chairman and former House of Representatives member, Emmanuel Jime, as secretary.

The forum, scheduled to hold a historic summit in Kaduna in October, aims to address challenges such as insecurity, poverty, illiteracy, and unemployment, without political, ethnic, or religious affiliations.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima is expected to attend the summit.

According to its convener, the forum seeks to support the government in tackling the myriad of challenges undermining northern states, including insecurity, poverty, illiteracy, and destitution, as well as address issues of unemployment and drug addiction among youths.

(NAN)