By Ehis Agbon, Kaduna, Nigeria
Kaduna, Nigeria — Former Governor of Sokoto State, Dr. Attahiru Bafarawa, today, Thursday 10 July 2025, led the launch of the Arewa Cohesion for Peace, Unity, and Development Initiative, a bold regional movement aimed at reversing Northern Nigeria’s deepening insecurity, poverty, and political disunity.
Speaking as Chairman of the Board of Trustees and official launcher of the initiative, Dr. Bafarawa said the North had reached a tipping point where collective regional action was no longer optional but a matter of survival.
“We gather here today in recognition of a shared responsibility—the urgent need to come together with purpose, clarity, and renewed commitment to the long-term well-being of our dear Arewa region,” Bafarawa said.
The event, held at Arewa House in Kaduna, was attended by numerous political heavyweights, regional leaders, elder statesmen, civil society actors, and delegations from all 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
‘The Future of Nigeria Depends on Northern Stability’
In a stirring keynote address, Dr. Bafarawa warned that insecurity, unemployment, economic exclusion, and youth frustration have pushed the region to the brink. These issues, he noted, were not isolated, but threaten the overall peace and unity of Nigeria.
“The North, has been tested by persistent insecurity, economic hardship, and deepening social fragmentation. But let us be clear: the consequences of this crisis are not limited to our region. They ripple across the country. The future of Nigeria is inseparable from the peace and progress of the North,” Bafarawa stated.
He said the Arewa Cohesion Initiative was born out of deep reflection and dialogue among leaders and grassroots communities and was committed to practical action, not empty rhetoric.
Vision for Unity and Good Governance
Speaking to Procyon News on the sidelines of the launch, Dr. Abdullah Idris, Director General of the Arewa Cohesion for Peace, Unity and Development Initiative, emphasized that the initiative was born out of urgent concern over the region’s deteriorating state, citing rampant insecurity, deepening poverty, youth unemployment, and systemic neglect.
“Why are we having insecurity? Why are we seeing deepening poverty and suffering in the North?” he asked. “This gathering was convened to start answering those questions. It is time Northerners rise to the challenge of saving their own region.”
A Movement for All Northerners
Dr. Idris stressed that the movement is not for politicians alone but for every stakeholder in the North—youth, women, elders, professionals, religious and traditional leaders.
“It is our region. It is up to us to salvage it. All hands must be on deck,” he said, noting that the first objective of the initiative is to build unity across ethnic, religious, and social lines in the North.
He described Northern Nigeria as a “highly diverse region” and warned that the region would continue to struggle unless its people learn to act in unison.
Fixing the Leadership Crisis
A major focus of the initiative, according to Dr. Idris, is tackling what he called the “leadership deficit” plaguing the region. He called for reforms in how leaders are selected, advocating for educated, visionary individuals who genuinely care about the people’s welfare.
“We must look again at our leadership recruitment process to ensure that only credible and committed leaders ascend to power,” he stated.
Not Another Talk Shop
Dr. Idris was quick to distinguish the initiative from other northern advocacy platforms, saying this is not a rhetorical movement.
“Everyone knows what the problems of the North are. What makes us different is that we will act. We will walk the talk. This is an action-based initiative,” he said.
He criticized past efforts that failed to go beyond diagnosis of the region’s problems, stating that now is the time for execution.
Wide Acceptance Across the Region
He also reported that the initiative has been well received across various northern demographics—from youth and women’s groups to professionals and civil society organizations.
“We’re seeing enthusiastic acceptance across the board,” he said. “This is only the beginning. By God’s grace, Arewa Cohesion will become a formidable force in this country.”
Message to the Undecided
To those yet to join the initiative, Dr. Idris had a clear message:
“The train is moving—and it’s moving very fast. You better jump in before it leaves you at the station.”
Broad-Based Support from Across Arewa
Dr. Bafarawa acknowledged the presence and support of prominent Northern figures including traditional rulers, serving and former legislators, commissioners, youth and women leaders, and senior professionals. He praised the mobilization effort, which has gained momentum across all northern demographics.
“This is not the work of one man. It is a regional movement backed by the voices and aspirations of the people. We must move from a place of disunity to a future built on collaboration and shared values,” he said.
He described Arewa’s rich cultural and religious diversity as a strength that must be harnessed, not a reason for conflict.
Observers say the initiative could shape political, social, and developmental conversations in the North for years to come—if it delivers on its promises of unity, accountability, and bold action.
Highlight of the event was the official unveiling of the forum by the chairman board of trustees.
