Influential Northern elders, political figures, and cultural leaders on Thursday renewed calls for urgent reforms to address insecurity and fast-track development across the region during the Arewa Consultative Forum’s (ACF) 25th Anniversary celebration in Kaduna.
The silver jubilee event featured technology and entrepreneurship exhibitions, women-focused pavilions, cultural showcases, and an awards ceremony highlighting the North’s potential and rising innovatiion.
Declaring the event open, Chairman of the ACF Board of Trustees, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, stressed the need for a new development paradigm driven by youth empowerment and reduced inequality.
“We must begin in earnest to plunge into modern developmental efforts,” he said.
Dalhatu said ACF has created platforms for experts to mentor young entrepreneurs and support innovative ideas. He emphasised that the North’s progress must be rooted in inclusive development rather than economic expansion alone.
He reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to bridging the gap between the rich and the poor and strengthening unity under the banner.
Acknowledging persistent security challenges, Dalhatu called on security agencies to adopt strategies that deliver better results.
“We appreciate their sacrifices, but it is time to look for further, better, more effective means of curtailing insecurity,” he said.
Empowering Youth Is Central to Development
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), described the anniversary as a moment for sober reflection and forward planning. Speaking on the theme Creative Economy: Engaging the Youth, he said youth empowerment is key to closing the region’s development gaps.
“Northern Nigeria is a microcosm of the nation. When one part of the country develops, that progress translates to others,” he noted, adding that the region continues to diversify socially and culturally.
Representatives of Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Defence Staff delivered goodwill messages, underscoring the need for national unity and advocating for the strategic use of tourism to foster peace and community engagement.
Tourism and Security Are Inseparable
A high-level roundtable on Tourism for Security, chaired by the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, highlighted the strong link between economic opportunity and stability.
“Tourism and security are inseparable. Visitors will not explore our heritage sites or cultural festivals if they fear for their safety,” she said.
Musawa added that insecurity is often driven by exclusion, poverty, and alienation, calling for stronger collaboration between government, investors, communities, and security agencies to protect heritage sites and sustain the North’s development vision.
Other dignitaries at the event included former Minister of Information Alhaji Lai Mohammed, former Kaduna State Governor Ramalan Yero, wazirin Katsina Alh. Ibrahim Idah, Nasiru Danu Sardaunan Dutse, and the Emir of Zazzau’s representative, Wazirin Zazzau Muhammad Inuwa, along with other prominent Northern leaders.
