SABMF to host Northern human capital development summit in Abuja

The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF), in collaboration with the Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NNGF) and other stakeholders, has announced plans to convene a Human Capital Development Summit aimed at addressing socio-economic challenges facing Northern Nigeria.

The summit is scheduled to hold on June 24, 2026, at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja.

According to a statement issued by the Director-General of the Foundation, Engr. Abubakar Gambo Umar, the summit is designed to provide a platform for stakeholders to develop strategies for strengthening human capital development across the region.

He said the gathering would focus on unlocking the potential of Northern Nigeria’s youthful population through investments in education, healthcare, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and innovation.

Umar explained that the initiative aligns with the Foundation’s commitment to advancing human development and promoting sustainable growth in the region.

He added that the event is expected to attract top government officials and stakeholders, 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 (MDAs), traditional rulers, private sector leaders, youth groups, civil society organisations and academics.

According to him, discussions at the summit will feature expert presentations and stakeholder engagements focused on generating practical outcomes and policy commitments.

Areas expected to receive attention include improving access to quality education, strengthening healthcare delivery, addressing youth unemployment through skills development and entrepreneurship, promoting innovation and technology adoption, and enhancing collaboration among Northern states.

Umar described the summit as a collective effort to bridge human capital gaps and create opportunities for sustainable development.

He called on stakeholders across sectors to participate actively and contribute towards shaping a more prosperous future for Northern Nigeria.