By Khadija Kubau
The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF), in collaboration with the Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NNGF) and other strategic partners, will host a Human Capital Development Summit aimed at advancing sustainable development across Northern Nigeria.
The summit is scheduled to hold on June 24, 2026, at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja, and is expected to bring together key stakeholders from government, traditional institutions, the private sector, academia, civil society, and development organisations.
In a statement signed by the Director-General of the Foundation, Engr. Abubakar Gambo Umar, the Foundation said the summit is designed to address the region’s human capital challenges and harness the potential of its youthful population through strategic investments in education, healthcare, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
According to the statement, the event aligns with the Foundation’s vision of promoting human development as a catalyst for economic growth, social progress, and regional prosperity.
The summit is expected to attract high-profile participants, including the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as Special Guest of Honour, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, governors of the 19 Northern states, ministers, heads of ministries, departments and agencies, royal fathers, captains of industry, youth leaders, academics, and representatives of civil society organisations.
The Foundation noted that the gathering will feature expert presentations, policy discussions, and stakeholder engagements aimed at producing concrete and actionable outcomes. Key areas of focus include improving access to quality education, strengthening healthcare delivery, addressing youth unemployment through skills development and entrepreneurship, promoting innovation and technology adoption, and enhancing inter-state collaboration on development policies.
Engr. Umar described the summit as a significant opportunity for leaders and stakeholders to collectively chart a new course for the region’s development.
“This Summit represents a bold and collective step towards bridging the human capital gap in Northern Nigeria. With the Vice President as Special Guest of Honour and the active participation of governors, royal fathers, and key government institutions, we are confident that the outcomes will translate into tangible progress for our people,” he said.
He called on governments, development partners, the private sector, and other stakeholders to actively participate in the summit and support efforts aimed at securing a brighter and more prosperous future for Northern Nigeria.
The Foundation expressed optimism that the summit would generate practical recommendations and commitments capable of accelerating human capital development and unlocking the region’s vast socio-economic potential.
