A former governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, has launched the Arewa Cohesion for Peace, Unity and Development Initiative in Kaduna, with a call for collective action to address insecurity, disunity, and underdevelopment in Northern Nigeria.
The event, held at Arewa House, brought together traditional leaders, community stakeholders, youth groups, and development partners, as Bafarawa emphasised that the initiative is a non-partisan platform aimed at fostering dialogue, strengthening social cohesion, and advancing sustainable development across the region.
In his keynote address, “Peace is Possible, Unity is Achievable, and Development is Within Our Reach,” Bafarawa set a hopeful tone for the movement, stressing that the time had come for the North to reclaim its strength through purposeful collaboration.
Bafarawa, who is also the BoT Chairman of the Initiative, said, “Arewa is more than a geographical expression. It is a symbol of our identity, our history, and our collective destiny. We come together not as tribal groups or political factions, but as brothers and sisters bound by the shared vision of a peaceful, united, and prosperous future.”
The former governor emphasized that the movement is strictly nonpartisan and will not transform into a political party. He noted that members of the initiative are free to pursue their political aspirations outside the structure, and the organization would support any leader committed to implementing its blueprint for Northern development.
“Our mission transcends partisan politics. We are ready to work with anyone who shares our commitment to transforming Arewa and Nigeria for the better,” he added.
According to Bafarawa, the Initiative is a product of collective reflection and a vision anchored on peacebuilding, social cohesion, and sustainable development.
In his welcome address, the director-general of the Initiative, Dr. Abdullahi Idris, highlighted the significance of the launch and the urgency of the region’s challenges.
He described the initiative as a strategic platform for dialogue, reconciliation, and grassroots engagement.
“The future of Nigeria is inseparable from the peace and progress of the North. This initiative seeks to rebuild trust, foster dialogue where there is silence, and create opportunities where there have been too few,” he added.
He acknowledged the worsening insecurity, poverty, and youth restiveness plaguing the region and stressed the need for patience, coordination, and collective ownership in overcoming the hurdles.
“This is not just another programme or policy document. It is a call to action,” he said.
