Northern leaders gathered in Kaduna for the Arewa Consultative Forum's silver jubilee celebration, making a unified call for transformative action to address the region's persistent challenges and chart a new course toward prosperity.
Urgent Call for Modern Development Models
The 25th anniversary event, held on November 21, 2025, saw key stakeholders emphasize the need for immediate adoption of contemporary development approaches. Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, the ACF Board of Trustees Chairman and Wazirin Dutse, declared the session open with a powerful message about the North's urgent development needs.
"We must begin in earnest to plunge into modern developmental efforts," Dalhatu insisted, highlighting the Forum's deliberate creation of platforms where experts would interact with young entrepreneurs. He stressed that inclusive development, rather than mere economic growth, must define the region's future trajectory.
The BOT Chair reinforced the message of unity under the mantra "North is one people, one North," while acknowledging the difficult security environment. "We are doing this knowing fully well the dire security circumstances that our region and our people are going through," he stated solemnly.
Security Concerns and Youth Focus
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, participants consistently addressed the security challenges that have plagued the region for over 15 years. Dalhatu honored victims of insecurity while calling for more effective security measures. "We appreciate the sacrifices they are making, but it is time to also look for further, better, more effective means of challenging and curtailing our security circumstances," he asserted.
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), described the Forum's 25-year milestone as a critical moment for reflection and forward planning. He emphasized the event's focus on youth under the theme "Creative Economy: Engaging the Youth" as essential for reversing the North's development deficits.
"Northern Nigeria is a microcosm of the nation," Buratai observed. "When one part of the country develops, that progress translates to others." He noted Nigeria's evolving social landscape, describing the anniversary as having "a truly national outlook" that reflects the country's diverse personalities, cultures, institutions, tribes, and religions.
Tourism as Security Strategy
The anniversary program featured a high-level roundtable on "Tourism for Security" chaired by Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy. She presented tourism as a strategic stabilizer for the nation, arguing that "tourism and security are inseparable."
"Visitors will not explore our heritage sites or cultural festivals if they fear for their safety," Musawa stated practically. She identified lack of opportunity as a root cause of insecurity, noting that "security challenges often stem from exclusion, poverty, and alienation."
The minister called for enhanced collaboration between government, investors, communities, and security agencies, urging them to "walk with us. Safeguard our heritage. Protect our dream."
Representatives of Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Defence Staff echoed the call for national unity to boost tourism as a means of addressing insecurity across Nigeria.
The anniversary celebrations included diverse activities such as technology and entrepreneurship exhibitions, women-focused pavilions, cultural nights, and an award ceremony, demonstrating the Forum's comprehensive approach to regional development.
Other distinguished attendees included former Minister of Information Alhaji Lai Mohammed, former Kaduna State Governor Ramalan Yero, Nasiru Gwamdu (Sardaunan Dutse), and the Emir of Zazzau's Representative Muhammad Inuwa (Wazirin Zazzau), among other northern elite.
