John Shiklam in Kaduna

The calls for urgent and innovative action to tackle the North’s deepening insecurity and growing development gaps dominated discussions yesterday  as prominent leaders from the region converged on Kaduna for the 25th anniversary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF). 

Speakers at the anniversary, including ACF Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd.), representatives of Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, cautioned that the North must urgently rethink its developmental trajectory or face deeper instability.

Speaking while declaring the event open, Dalhatu urged the region to embrace “bold, modern developmental models” capable of reducing inequality and empowering young people. 

“We must begin in earnest to plunge into modern developmental efforts,” he said.

Dalhatu explained that the ACF intentionally structured the anniversary around mentorship and innovation, creating a space 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 stressed said inclusive development must define the region’s future. 

He added that the  forum is committed  to providing opportunities “for those that are less opportune, so that we can include with us and amongst us the haves and have-nots, the opportune and less opportune.”

Dalhatu restated the ACF’s message of unity, describing the North as “one people, one North,” and emphasising that meaningful progress requires collective purpose. 

He noted, however, that the celebration was taking place during one of the most challenging periods in the region’s recent history, as communities continued to bear the brunt of violence.

“We are doing this knowing full well the dire security circumstances that our region and our people are going through,” he said.

 “We appreciate the sacrifices they are doing, but it is time to also look for further, better, more effective means of challenging and curtailing our security circumstances,” Dalhatu said. 

Speaking on the significance of the anniversary, Buratai noted that the occasion presented an opportunity to assess past achievements while preparing for the future. He commended the theme, ‘Creative Economy: Engaging the Youth,’ noting that it reflected the realities of a region that must transform its youthful population into an asset.

“Northern Nigeria is a microcosm of the nation. When one part of the country develops, that progress translates to others,” Buratai said. 

He  also observed that Nigeria’s evolving social environment now reflects interwoven identities, cultures, and institutions, giving the celebration “a truly national outlook.”

Representatives of Governor Mai Mala Buni, Ribadu, and the Chief of Defence Staff CDS  also addressed the gathering, stressing that national unity and social stability remain essential to unlocking the North’s economic prospects, especially in the tourism and cultural sectors. 

They argued that tourism, if properly harnessed, could serve as a powerful driver of peace.

One of the key highlights of the anniversary was a high-level roundtable on “Tourism for Security,” chaired by Musawa. The minister said tourism could provide a strategic pathway out of insecurity by promoting job creation, community engagement, and cultural preservation.

“Tourism and security are inseparable. Visitors will not explore our heritage sites or cultural festivals if they fear for their safety,” she said. 

She added that many of the region’s security challenges were rooted in exclusion and deepening poverty and called  on states and communities to adopt tourism as a stabilising force.

Musawa urged greater collaboration among government, investors, traditional institutions, and security agencies. “Walk with us. Safeguard our heritage. Protect our dream,” she appealed.

The commemorative activities featured exhibitions in technology and entrepreneurship, dedicated women’s pavilions, cultural displays, and a high-level policy roundtable.

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