A former governor of Zamfara State and incumbent senator for Zamfara West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, has called on stakeholders in Northern Nigeria to embrace unity, development, and economic resilience as key pillars for transforming the region.
Yari made the call at the weekend in Kaduna where he chaired a summit organised by Arewa 100% Focus in collaboration with the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF).
Its theme was Revitalising Arewa: Strengthening Traditional Institutions, Education, Security, and Economic Resilience for a Brighter Arewa”.
Represented by a former minister of state for foreign affairs, Tijjani Yahaya Kaura, the lawmaker said Arewa must emerge as a hub of productivity and innovation rather than remain dependent on external aid.
“For too long, we have grappled with the challenges of insecurity, unemployment, and infrastructural gaps. Yet, these challenges are not insurmountable if we embrace unity as our collective compass and development as our common language.”
He emphasised the need to promote economic resilience through investment in education, agriculture, youth empowerment, and local industry.
“We must heal the fractures of ethnicity and division, replacing them with the cement of trust, cooperation, and shared aspirations.”
Yari, however, urged the youth to embrace education, innovation, and discipline as tools for advancement, while assuring them that their efforts are the building blocks of a greater tomorrow.
“It is a privilege to witness the convergence of minds and hearts devoted to the prosperity of our region, a region blessed with rich history, resilient people, and boundless potential waiting to be unlocked.”
He noted that the gathering was symbolic and a call to action for stakeholders to chart a new course that prioritises inclusive growth, regional cooperation, and youth empowerment.
Also, Murtala Aliyu, the secretary general of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), called for an end to negative stereotypes about Northern Nigeria.
He challenged the misconception that Northerners are defined by poverty or lack of sophistication.
Aliyu reflected on the damage wrought by colonial systems that set the North behind in education and governance, praising the progress made since independence.
He urged Northerners to reclaim their identity, protect their cultural legacy, and focus on the region’s strengths, ecological diversity, and spiritual resilience.
“Arewa is not a burden. It is a region rich in resources, culture, and potential.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the summit convener, Abubakar Sadiq, traced the movement’s evolution from a small group of purpose-driven individuals into a growing regional force.
He described the Arewa 100% Focus initiative as a mission to restore dignity, strengthen traditional institutions, and catalyse sustainable development across the North.
“Our vision is to build a united, peaceful, and prosperous Arewa, rooted in our shared culture and driven by opportunity.”
He outlined key goals, including youth reorientation, empowerment through entrepreneurship and mentorship, educational access for out-of-school children and structured leadership succession at community levels.
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