The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), the leading socio-cultural organization in Northern Nigeria, has voiced deep concerns over the region’s ongoing challenges. According to the ACF, the North is grappling with severe issues related to insecurity, poverty, and illiteracy, which have placed the region at a significant disadvantage compared to other parts of Nigeria.
In a speech delivered on Monday in Kaduna, Mamman Mike Osuman, the Chairman of the ACF, addressed these pressing issues during a courtesy visit to Governor Uba Sani at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House. Osuman called for immediate action from both leaders and citizens to address these negative trends and to work towards positive change without further delay.
Osuman emphasized the ACF’s founding purpose and its ongoing role in addressing Northern Nigeria’s challenges. “In their wisdom, Northern leaders, including state governors, emirs, chiefs, and other elders, decided to establish the ACF in 2000. It was against the background of a similar crisis of widespread insecurity and strife.” He highlighted that the primary goal of establishing the ACF was to create a unified platform for the diverse people of Northern Nigeria, transcending political, ethnic, and religious differences. This platform was designed to function as a Citizens’ or Elders’ Council, with the responsibility to stay vigilant and proactive regarding issues that could potentially lead to disharmony, conflicts, or crises in the region. Moreover, the ACF aims to promote development and foster unity among the Northern states.
Despite the ACF’s efforts over the years, Osuman acknowledged that achieving lasting peace, unity, and progress in Northern Nigeria remains an ongoing struggle. “Today, however, despite our valiant efforts, the achievement of peace, unity, and progress in the North remains essentially a work in progress.” He expressed disappointment that various indicators of human development—such as poverty levels, illiteracy rates, health standards, and security—continue to reflect negatively on the North, positioning the region at the bottom of the socio-economic scale. This situation signifies that there is still much work to be done by all stakeholders in the region.
Osuman also underscored the ACF’s dedication to advocating for the interests of Northern Nigerians through various initiatives. One notable example of this commitment is the recent establishment of a Technical Committee by the ACF. This committee was tasked with reviewing the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to assess its implications for Northern Nigeria. The findings and recommendations from this committee have played a crucial role in shaping the ACF’s formal submission to the joint committees of the National Assembly responsible for constitutional review.
The ACF’s input on constitutional matters is intended to address specific concerns and aspirations of the Northern region, ensuring that the unique needs of its people are considered in national policy and legislation. “Our input will be formally made available to the Northern Governors’ Forum,” Osuman added, indicating that the ACF’s recommendations will also be communicated to regional leaders to inform and influence future decisions.
The ACF’s role extends beyond mere advocacy. It is actively involved in identifying and addressing critical issues facing the North, ranging from economic challenges to security threats. The organization aims to bridge gaps between different groups within the region, fostering a collaborative approach to problem-solving. By engaging with various stakeholders, including political leaders, traditional rulers, and community leaders, the ACF seeks to build consensus and drive collective action towards regional development.
In addition to its constitutional review efforts, the ACF has been involved in numerous projects aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions in the North. These projects include educational programs to reduce illiteracy rates, healthcare initiatives to enhance public health, and security measures to combat the pervasive threat of violence and instability. The ACF’s commitment to these areas reflects its broader mission to uplift the region and ensure that its people have the opportunities and resources needed to thrive.
The challenges facing Northern Nigeria are complex and multifaceted, requiring a coordinated and sustained effort from all sectors of society. The ACF’s leadership is crucial in steering this effort, providing a platform for dialogue and action. The organization’s emphasis on unity, development, and vigilance underscores the need for a holistic approach to tackling the region’s issues.
As Northern Nigeria continues to confront these challenges, the role of the ACF remains vital in shaping the discourse and driving positive change. The organization’s efforts to engage with government bodies, such as the National Assembly and the Northern Governors’ Forum, are indicative of its proactive stance in advocating for the region’s interests.
In conclusion, the Arewa Consultative Forum’s recent remarks highlight the urgent need for collective action to address the pressing issues of insecurity, poverty, and illiteracy in Northern Nigeria. The ACF’s ongoing efforts to promote development and advocate for the region’s needs reflect its commitment to creating a more prosperous and secure future for the people of the North. As the region continues to navigate these challenges, the ACF’s role in fostering unity and driving progress will be essential in achieving long-term positive outcomes.
