By Bature Mohammed
The charge was given by the chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF Board of Trustees, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu,Wazirin Dutse, at ACF 25th anniversary celebration in Kaduna.
“The forum must begin in earnest to plunge into modern developmental efforts,” he said, insisting that the forum intentionally created platforms where experts will mingle with our young entrepreneurs and coach us in ways and means that must become necessary parts of our lives from now on.
He said inclusive development, not just economic growth, must define the future of the North, saying the celebrations are taking place against the backdrop of a region deeply scarred by violence. We are doing this fully well the dire security circumstances that our region and our people are going through.’
Dalhatu said.while mourning victims of insecurity over the last 15 years insisted it was time to demand more from security actors.
Former chief of Army staff, in Lt Gen Tukur Buratai (rtd), said forums 25 year milestone was a moment to assess both the past progress and future challenges, noting that the events focus on youth under the theme “Creative Economy Engaging the Youth” was critical to reversing the North’s development deficits.
Northern Nigeria is a microcosm of the nation” Buratai said, when one part of the country develops, that progress translates to others.
A major component of the anniversary was a high level round table on Tourism for Security”chaired by the minister of Arts, culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa.
She said Tourism could serve as a strategic stabilizer for the nation.”Tourism and Security are inseparable. Visitors will not explore our heritage sites or cultural festivals if they fear for their safety, saying lack of opportunity is one of the roots of insecurity, noting that security challenges often stem from exclusion, poverty, and alienation.
In their remarks, former Vice President of Nigeria, Alh Atiku Abubakar and president of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote warned Northern leaders against attempts by adversaries to sabotage the regions development by exploiting ethnics and religious differences.
Atiku described the threats as “sophisticated subversion” noting that modern technology is being used to inflame divisions and drive a wedge between communities.
He praised the ACF for surviving the thick and thin of a turbulent quarter-century. He said it’s endurance was no small feat amid political shifts and social fragility in Northern Nigeria Post-Ahmadu Bello era.
Kaduna state Governor represented by his deputy, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, highlighted ACF’s 25th year dedication to dialogue, peace building and regional cooperation. He noted that the silver jubilee reflects shared values anchored on respect, progress and the collective good of the North.
And endowment fund raising generated handsome donations from individuals, institutions and corporate bodies. Some of the prominent donors include Abdulsamad Isyaka Rabi’u and Aliko Dangote who donated N5 billion, Gen TY Danjuma (rtd) N1 billion, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal N1 billion, AA Rano N100 million, Nigerian Senate N100 million, Senior Abdul’aziz Yari N1 billion Turakin Gumel N500 million, Senator Barau I Jibrin N50 million, House of representatives N100 million, Rotimi Ameachi N30 million, Arewa consultative BOT N100 million, Nasiru Dabo N50 million.
