Northern leaders meet in Kaduna for region’s unity, economy
Leaders from the 19 Northern states and Abuja, on Saturday, converged on Kaduna to chart a new course for the region’s unity, institutional strength, and economic revitalisation.
Speaking at the Unity and Development Summit held at Arewa House, Kaduna, a former Zamfara State Governor and Senator, Abdulaziz Yari, urged leaders, elders, and youths across the region to close ranks and pursue a shared vision anchored on unity, strengthened traditional institutions, inclusive education, and economic resilience.
Yari, who chaired the summit, said the region’s longstanding challenges, ranging from insecurity to youth unemployment and infrastructure decay, could be overcome through peace, dialogue, and a commitment to shared prosperity.
“This gathering is not just another event; it is a call to action for all stakeholders in Northern Nigeria to forge a new path anchored on unity, development, and economic resilience,” Yari told the gathering, which included royal fathers, community leaders, technocrats, youth and women from the 19 northern states and Abuja.
The summit themed, ‘Strengthening Traditional Institutions, Education, Security, and Economic Resilience for a Brighter Northern Nigeria,’ was hosted by Arewa 100% Focus, a youth-led development platform, in collaboration with the Arewa Consultative Forum.
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Yari emphasised the importance of building a self-reliant economy.
In his words, “I am particularly encouraged by the focus on economic resilience.
“It is only by strengthening our local industries, empowering our youth, harnessing our agricultural wealth, and investing in education that Northern Nigeria can stand tall; not as a recipient of aid, but as a hub of productivity and innovation.”
He also encouraged young people across the North to embrace education, innovation, and discipline, stating that even their smallest contributions would help build a better future for the region.
Earlier, the convener of Arewa 100% Focus, Abubakar Fakai, highlighted the journey of the movement from a small initiative to a region-wide effort aimed at transforming Northern Nigeria.
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“Our vision is to build a vibrant, united Northern Nigeria rooted in culture, purpose, and opportunity.
“We aim to reorient the mindset of our youth, strengthen traditional leadership, expand access to education, tackle insecurity, and drive grassroots economic transformation,” he said.
He outlined several ongoing initiatives, including youth mentorship, skills training, enterprise promotion, stakeholder mobilisation from grassroots to senatorial levels, and dialogues to resolve disputes in traditional leadership structures.
Fakai noted that the group had recently convened over 100 delegates at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, a sign that “our people are ready to take charge of their future.”
He also announced upcoming projects, including the Arewa Unity Cup across all 19 northern states and the FCT, state-level summits and training hubs, school mentorship programmes, and quarterly community peace and security dialogues.
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He appealed for more than just financial support, stressing the need for technical expertise, greater visibility, and credible partnerships.
Fakai commended the ACF for “demonstrating the true spirit of Northern Nigeria by opening up their space for us to engage.”
“As we gather here today, let this summit mark our shift from conversations to measurable impact.
“Northern Nigeria has the talent, wisdom, and will. What we need now is a collective commitment to make change inevitable,” he added.
The summit ended with participants pledging to sustain dialogue, deepen collaborations, and pursue a united, secure, and economically vibrant Northern Nigeria within a stronger, more prosperous nation.
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