The former lawmaker who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly, Senator Shehu Sani, has attributed the prevailing poverty and insecurity in northern Nigeria to the region’s poor education.

Sani who made the assertion while delivering a lecture during the “Kaduna Girl Child Conference and Award ceremony” organised by ‘The Creative Think Tank’ in Kaduna on Saturday, stressed that if the people responsible for insecurity in the North had been educated decades ago, the region would not be facing its current challenges.

The political activist also highlighted the North’s vast resources including arable land, mineral deposits, and rivers, but noted with dismay that despite the vast resources, the region remains poor due to a lack of proper leadership and inadequate exploration of its resources.

He therefore, advocated for education as the key to empowering individuals, liberating them, and energising society, ultimately leading to peace and security.

“Today we are celebrating our girls in line with the United Nations declaration. We want to see our girls flourishing in all they do in a safe environment.

“It is also an opportunity to honour individuals who have contributed meaningfully in advocating girls’ rights.

“In 2025, we are also looking at how we can empower about 200 girls, so by this time next year, they will be celebrated,” Sani added.