President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restated his commitment to tackling the security and economic challenges facing Northern Nigeria, assuring that no part of the country will be ignored under his leadership.
Speaking through the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas, at the 25th anniversary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) in Kaduna, Tinubu acknowledged the complex security issues inherited by his administration. He emphasized that despite the scale of the crisis, his government is determined to bring an end to terrorism and banditry in the region.
He also expressed hope for an economic revival in the North, pointing to the upcoming oil production from the Kolmani fields and other new energy projects as signs of a brighter future.
“The North is going through one of its toughest times,” Tinubu said, highlighting the breakdown of security, erosion of community values, and growing fear among residents. He warned that Nigeria’s progress depends on the North’s stability, and the country cannot thrive if any region is left behind.
The President praised the ACF for its role in defending the interests of Northern communities over the past 25 years, calling the group a vital voice for unity and progress. He noted that the forum’s founders built it to withstand national challenges and to represent the hopes of the region.
Tinubu stressed that the strength of the North lies not in powerful individuals but in strong institutions and shared values. He urged leaders to act with integrity and compassion, reminding them that leadership comes with responsibility.
He warned that the region risks failure if its leaders turn a blind eye to the suffering of their people. “The day leaders sleep peacefully while others go hungry or live in fear is the day failure begins,” he said.
Despite the difficulties, Tinubu said he believes the North can recover. The diversity seen at the ACF event, he noted, is a sign that unity is possible and necessary for rebuilding trust and restoring peace.
He outlined several infrastructure projects underway in the region, including the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Superhighway, which is expected to be completed soon. He also praised the ACF’s plan to launch an Endowment Fund focused on education, youth empowerment, and conflict resolution.
Tinubu called on Northern leaders, from government, traditional institutions, and civil society to recommit to the values of justice, fairness, and collective responsibility that guided the ACF’s creation.
He concluded by emphasizing that unity is the North’s greatest strength. Without it, he warned, progress will stall. But with unity, he said, “there is no challenge the region cannot overcome.”
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