The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has acknowledged the significant challenges facing Northern Nigeria, emphasizing that the region remains a "work in progress" in terms of human development indicators such as poverty, illiteracy, health, and security. The ACF made this statement during a visit to Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, where they also distanced themselves from the planned nationwide protest against bad governance, labeling it as ill-timed and counterproductive.
Mamman Osuman, the Chairman of the ACF, stated, "All the indices that track human progress, most of all poverty, illiteracy, health, and security of life and property, tend to place the North at the deep end of the trough." He stressed the urgent need for leaders and citizens in the North to work together to change this narrative.
The ACF was established in 2000 by Northern leaders, including state governors, Emirs, Chiefs, and other elders, to address crises of insecurity and strife by bringing together diverse representatives of Northern Nigeria, regardless of political, ethnic, or religious affiliation. Despite their efforts, Osuman acknowledged that achieving peace, unity, and progress in the North is still a significant challenge.
During the visit, the ACF announced plans to organize two important events in the coming months: the 90th birthday celebration of General Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria's most respected former Head of State and one of the founders of the ACF, on October 19, 2024, and the 25th anniversary of the ACF's establishment in March 2025. They extended a respectful invitation to Governor Sani to be the Chief Host for both events.
Osuman also highlighted the ACF's commitment to defending the interests of Northern Nigeria through various activities, including a recent review of the 1999 Constitution by a Technical Committee. The report formed the basis of the ACF's submission to the National Assembly's joint committees on Constitution review, and will also be made available to the Northern Governors' Forum.
In closing, the ACF expressed gratitude to Governor Sani for his ongoing support and assistance to the people of Kaduna State, Nigeria, and the ACF at both national and state levels. They expressed hope that his doors would remain open to them in the future.
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