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Tag: Arewa Think Tank

  • China trip: ATT urges govs to emulate Nasarawa gov’s efforts on solid minerals

    China trip: ATT urges govs to emulate Nasarawa gov’s efforts on solid minerals

    The Arewa Think Tank (ATT) has commended Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule for successfully attracting foreign investment in the development of solid minerals, urging other governors to follow his example.

    Governor Sule recently secured a $250 million commitment from Kenyang Mining Company to establish a tantalite processing plant in Udege, Nasarawa Local Government Area, with completion expected within 24 months.

    ATT Chief Convener Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu praised the governor’s trip to China as exemplary, highlighting that it was fully sponsored by Lovol, a Chinese firm, at no cost to the state government.

    “We commend Governor Sule for ensuring that Kenyang, which has been mining and exporting raw tantalite from Udege since 2003, agreed to set up a processing plant. This project is a game-changer that will boost the local economy and create jobs, including a minimum monthly salary of N500,000 for degree holders,” Yakubu said.

    He added that the governor’s efforts have also attracted other investments, including a commitment from an industrial equipment manufacturing firm to establish a maintenance facility in Nasarawa State.

    Yakubu noted that Governor Sule’s visit to lithium processing plants and agricultural hubs in China has further reinforced his resolve to prioritize agriculture and fully utilize Nasarawa’s arable land.

    Read Also: God willing, I will be next Nasarawa Governor – Wadada

    “The governor observed how China maximized its land for agriculture, which is the backbone of their economy. He has pledged to implement similar strategies in Nasarawa State,” Yakubu said.

    He emphasized the importance of merit and talent, citing China’s progress as a lesson for Nigeria.

    “Governor Sule’s trip highlights the need for unity and focus on meritocracy in developing our nation. We urge other governors to take similar initiatives and put politics, tribe, and religion aside for the greater good of Nigeria,” he added.

    The ATT however described the governor’s trip as a model for visionary leadership, stressing that such efforts are crucial for unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential through solid minerals and agricultural development.

  • Arewa Think Tank backs Sule’s position on tax reform bills

    Arewa Think Tank backs Sule’s position on tax reform bills

    A Northern group, Arewa Think Tank (ATT), has thrown its weight behind the latest position of Nasarawa Governor Abdullahi Sule on President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills before the National Assembly.

    In a statement by its Convener, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu,  ATT described governor Sule’s shift of position against the bill as a good development.

    “We have discovered that the forces against Tinubu tax reform bills are not only fighting Tinubu, the fight is about liberating the North from the shackles hold of few elites, so it is additional reason for us to support governor Sule’s position which originally is our position too.

    “The North must make progress in this 21st century, the North can no longer stay behind. So the few elites that don’t want us to make progress, the majority must be victorious in this regard,” The statement reads. 

    The statement added: “We agreed completely with the views expressed by the Nasarawa State governor, Abdullahi Sule on a National Television programme, that the initial opposition from the northern state governors against the tax reform was propelled by a lack of adequate clarity and understanding of some of the contents of the bills.

    “ATT received this as a welcome development especially as it came in the wake of continuous stakeholder engagement by the chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele

    “We therefore commend Governor Abdullahi Sule, who is also the chairman of the North Central Governors Forum, for his remarkable show of maturity, understanding and statesmanship in shifting ground from his earlier stance against the bills, by openly expressing support for their passage.

    “We want to use this opportunity to call on all his colleagues in the Northern Governors Forum to join him in encouraging the National Assembly to pass all of the four tax reform bills without further delay.

    “For us at Arewa Think Tank, we have insisted that the tax bills were designed by President Tinubu to usher in a progressive national tax system, that will meet the economic and political aspirations of Nigerians in the emerging global economy.

    “To this end, we want to salute the courage displayed by the President for encouraging the true spirit of democracy and freedom of expression among Nigerians in the heat of discussions around the tax reform amid the emerging argument for and against the bills.

    “Also, we want to appreciate the continuous efforts, sacrifices and commitment exhibited by both the Chairman of the Presidential Committee and the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zach Adedeji in their drive to enlighten Nigerians on the objectives of the Tinubu tax reform.

    “We want to restate once more  that there is no aspect of the tax reform bills that is prejudicial to the economic interest of Northern Nigeria or any part of the country as argued by some mischief makers.

    Read Also: Arewa Think Tank blames politicians for Niger military leader’s allegations against Nigeria

    “We know that the bills, amongst others, seek to exempt the teeming population of masses from the payment of tax until they can attain a significant level of economic productivity.

    “We also know that when passed into law, the reform bills will leverage all sub-national governments in the country with the capacity to create more jobs and wealth.

    “Arewa Think Tank has been calling and will continue to call on political and traditional leaders in the North to support the passage of the tax reform bills to counter the political mischief that has misled the people of the region against the Tinubu administration.

    “We have said without number that North in particular will become more innovative from the implementation of the tax reform and as such the region should not waste time in accepting the reality of the reform, especially now that many governors of the region are now supporting the reform bills on tax”.

  • Arewa Think Tank blames politicians for Niger military leader’s allegations against Nigeria

    Arewa Think Tank blames politicians for Niger military leader’s allegations against Nigeria

    The Arewa Think Tank (ATT) has accused desperate politicians of orchestrating allegations made by Niger Republic’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, that Nigeria is colluding with France to destabilize his country.

    In a statement issued on Friday, ATT Convener Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu dismissed the claims as baseless fabrications aimed at undermining President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to deliver the dividends of democracy to Nigerians.

    The group maintained that Nigeria has never engaged in any covert or overt alliance with France or any other nation to support terrorism or destabilize Niger Republic, particularly following the recent unconstitutional change in leadership in the neighboring country.

    “We are  therefore warning desperate politicians not to mismanage our relationship with Niger Republic and cause acrimony between the two neighbouring countries. Nigeria has the history of living peacefully with the world, not to talk of living peacefully with its neighbours. The election has come and gone, it is time for governance. Politicians should wait until the whistle is blown for another election before they starting doing what they want to do for electioneering campaign. 

    “For now, we want peace in the country so that we can enjoy dividends of democracy. These desperate politicians should allow President Tinubu to govern well. If they have issues with him, they should meet him for amicable settlement, but not to rock the boat. They should not show their desperation to destabilise the country because there must be a country before anybody can govern. 

    Read Also: Arewa Think Tank lambasts Peter Obi over comments on Christmas rice distribution stampede 

    “Desperate politicians should not collaborate with foreign enemies to destroy this great country. They have been trying to destroy this great country for a  long time. We won’t allow them to do it. By God’s grace they will not succeed, Tinubu will succeed.

    “Arewa Think Tank strongly rejects allegations made in a viral video by the military leader of Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, claiming non-existent collusion between Nigeria and France to destabilize his country.

    “These claims exist solely in the realm of imagination, as Nigeria has never engaged in any overt or covert alliance with France – or any other country – to sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilize the Niger Republic in the wake of the undemocratic change in the leadership of that country. 

    “It is on record that President Tinubu as Chairman of ECOWAS, has demonstrated exemplary leadership, keeping the doors of the sub-regional body open to re-engaging Niger Republic despite the political situation in the country. 

    “We believe that Nigeria remains committed to fostering peace, harmony, and historic diplomatic ties with Niger.

    “We are happy that Nigeria’s Armed Forces, in collaboration with partners in the Multinational Joint Task Force, are succeeding in curbing terrorism within the region. It is, therefore, absurd to suggest that Nigeria would conspire with any foreign power to undermine the peace and security of a neighbouring country. 

    “As a group committed to peace and unity of our country, Arewa Think Tank knows that no part of Nigeria has been ceded to any foreign power for subversive operations in Niger Republic,” ATT said.

  • Arewa Think Tank lambasts Peter Obi over comments on Christmas rice distribution stampede 

    Arewa Think Tank lambasts Peter Obi over comments on Christmas rice distribution stampede 

    A notable Northern group, Arewa Think Tank (ATT), has lambasted the 2023 former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, over his comments regarding a stampede that killed several Nigerians in Oyo, Anambra, and Abuja a few days ago during the distribution of Christmas rice and other foodstuffs to the less privileged in society by non-governmental organisations.

    Peter Obi had blamed the stampedes on systemic failures in Nigeria amid widespread hardship under the current administration.

    In a statement by the Convener of Arewa Think Tank, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, he warned politicians against linking the stampedes to President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms.

    “We want to advise Peter Obi to be civil in his criticism of this government because he too contested to be president; if he had won, would he be happy receiving criticism against his administration as he is now directing at President Tinubu?

    “However, we want to sympathise with the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic incidents, which claimed over 70 lives, including about 40 children.

    “We are very much aware that the tragedies underscore the importance of ensuring proper crowd management during such charitable activities, especially during the festive season.

    “We want to acknowledge the noble intentions of organisers who seek to bring relief to vulnerable members of society and admonish all individuals and organisations planning similar events to comply with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, on liaising with police formations for effective crowd control and security measures.

    Read Also: Arewa Think Tank to Lukman: Stop dragging ex-leaders into 2027 politics

    “The police and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) were crucial in safeguarding lives and ensuring that such efforts to assist those in need do not inadvertently lead to further distress.

    “We are appealing to politicians and other stakeholders to refrain from politicising the unfortunate incidents, and we wish to state clearly that those tragic events were in no way connected to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s economic reforms.

    “It is worth noting that similar unfortunate occurrences have been recorded in the past, before the current administration; thus, any attempt to link these tragedies to the President’s reforms is unfounded and sentimental.

    “We believe that the reforms, which are repositioning the Nigerian economy for sustainable growth, are designed to uplift the lives of all Nigerians, particularly the vulnerable, without causing distress,” the statement read.

  • Arewa Think Tank to Lukman: Stop dragging ex-leaders into 2027 politics

    Arewa Think Tank to Lukman: Stop dragging ex-leaders into 2027 politics

    A Northern group, Arewa Think Tank (ATT), has told former Director General of the Progressives Governors Forum, Salihu Lukman, to stop dragging ex-leaders of the country into the 2027 politics of the presidential election.

    Lukman had in an open letter called on former President Olusegun Obasanjo to lead efforts to unify opposition parties to challenge the incumbent, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

    The former national vice chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), northwest, also called on former leaders such as General Yakubu Gowon, General Ibrahim Babangida, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Goodluck Jonathan, and Muhammadu Buhari to lead efforts to rally opposition parties.

    However, Arewa Think Tank advised Lukman to stay off the former leaders, saying they are men and leaders of high integrity who should not be rubbed in the mud of politics by desperate and selfish politicians.

    In a statement on Wednesday by the Convener of Arewa Think Tank, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu said ahead of the 2027 election, most Nigerians have already thrown their weights behind President Tinubu for a second term, saying that such Lukman’s call will amount to fruitless efforts.

    “We see Lukman’s call on the former Nigerian leaders as a disturbance to men of high integrity who know right from wrong as well as what is good for the country. Nobody can fool or lead astray these ex-leaders for selfish interests.

    “We are aware that many regions of this country have benefited significantly from Tinubu’s administration since he assumed office in 2023.

    “Nigerians should rather praise President Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure, appointments, and security in the country and for his policies which have brought unprecedented development across the nation.

    “We agreed with the North-Central APC Forum that Tinubu has demonstrated bold leadership and delivered tangible benefits to the region.

    “The current level of insecurity in the North-Central is significantly lower than what was experienced in the past. Farmers who previously could not go to their farms due to insecurity can now cultivate and harvest their crops.

    “We want to commend Tinubu’s economic reforms, the recent strengthening of the naira, increased oil production, and improved foreign reserves as indicators of progress.

    “These policies would lead to lower petroleum prices and reduce inflation in the near future.

    “No administration since the return to democracy in 1999 has given the North-Central as many opportunities as President Tinubu’s. His infrastructural projects and appointments have had a profound impact on the region, and we believe he deserves a second term to consolidate these gains.

    “We urge all Nigerians to rally behind the President to deepen the gains of his reform policies. With his bold initiatives and track record, Tinubu is the right person to continue leading Nigeria towards greater prosperity.

    “We are urging Lukman as the former APC National Vice Chairman to return to the APC like the Prodigal son so that he could be forgiven his sins and join men of good Will to put Nigeria on the path of sustainable development.

    “Nobody will take him seriously if he continues to drag Obasanjo and others to declare support for unity among opposition parties and to correct mistakes that, he argued, have facilitated the emergence of substandard leaders. His argument cannot convince personalities of high integrity. Lukman should just keep quiet if he cannot return home to APC for better recognition instead of playing the street boy”.

    “Anyone who truly wants Nigeria to produce progressive leaders must stop hiding under selfish interests, correct his or her personal mistakes and go beyond crying foul and take all the necessary steps to see national interest first before struggling for personal interest in the name of playing the good man through names dropping to achieve cheap popularity under the cloaks of Retired Generals.

    “Some people will not cry foul today if they are given appointments by this government, but because they lost out of the political arrangements, they have resorted to the Pull Him Down syndrome, making empty and ineffective noise for nothing’s sake. We call on such people to look back blame themselves and return home for forgiveness.

    Read Also: Lukman to Obasanjo: Come clean to accept your past mistakes

    “Such persons have no successful missions to add to their credits, and records of achievements other than to make noise so that they can be noticed for appointments.

    “It is advisable that Lukman should engrave himself and all his followers, if he has any, to work to return to the party he left and strengthen his membership if not he will be floating like a bunch of reels on the water heading to nowhere since he was privileged to be in the leadership of APC during the 2023 elections.

    “Although Lukman has withdrawn his membership of APC, we can say authoritatively that the current mindset of President Tinubu and APC is to bring back repentant prodigal sons and daughters to the ruling party. We believe that it is better to repent than to heat the politics that has no effect on the policies and programmes of Mr. President.”

  • Arewa Think Tank commends DG of NACA for initiating local production of HIV/AIDS drugs

    Arewa Think Tank commends DG of NACA for initiating local production of HIV/AIDS drugs

    A Northern group, Arewa Think Tank (ATT) has commended Temitope Ilori, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) for initiating the local production of active ingredients for antiretroviral drugs.

    In a statement by the Convener of ATT, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu said the move by the Director General of NACA is commendable because it was coming ahead of the 2024 World AIDS Day.

    World AIDS Day is commemorated on December 1 and the theme for 2024 is ‘Take the Right Path: Sustain HIV Response, Stop HIV Among Children, and End AIDS in Nigeria by 2030’.

    “We are particularly happy when the DG said that under the current administration, and with the support of partners, NACA has recorded significant strides in transforming Nigeria’s HIV response.

    “We also noted when she disclosed that the agency launched the preventing mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) and pediatric antiretroviral therapy (ART) acceleration committee, a critical step in eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

    Arewa Think Tank wants to believe this is one of the signs that President Bola Tinubu’s concerns for the health sector have started manifesting especially since the NACA has initiated agreements to produce active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) for the African region, with a view to manufacturing antiretrovirals, test kits, and other HIV-related commodities locally, ensuring sustainability and health security.

    “We are however not comfortable with the low coverage and advocacy because, despite Nigeria’s progress in tackling HIV and preventing mother-to-child transmission, it remains below 33 percent, below the 95 percent target.

    “We are therefore advising that efforts must be made to scale up the prevention of mother-to-child transmission services nationwide, promote universal access to free antenatal care, abolish user fees for PMTCT services nationwide, and expand health insurance schemes to include comprehensive HIV care for everyone.

    Read Also: World AIDS Day: NACA, stakeholders intensify efforts against mother-to-child transmission

    “We also want to encourage that to sustain the gains made, Nigeria must invest in resilient and inclusive healthcare systems that ensure uninterrupted access to antiretroviral therapy (ART).

    “We want to appeal to Nigerians to support the agency to break the stigma, embrace equity, drive collective action, and stop HIV among children across the country.

    “However, NACA must empower every individual, especially women who are most vulnerable to contracting HIV and other vulnerable populations, to access life-saving services and live with dignity.

    “Arewa Think Tank believes that President Tinubu understands that health is not merely the absence of disease, but the embodiment of physical, mental, and social well-being. So, his abiding efforts in this sector will have a tremendous impact on the nation’s human capital index”. The statement said.

  • Stop distracting Tinubu, Arewa Think Tank tells IMF, World Bank

    Stop distracting Tinubu, Arewa Think Tank tells IMF, World Bank

    …says IMF/W Bank policies have failed to transform Nigeria’s economy

    A Northern group, Arewa Think Tank (ATT), has warned officials of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to stop distracting President Bola Tinubu from implementing good policies for Nigerian citizens, saying that IMF policies have failed to transform Nigeria’s economy for the better over the years.

    In a statement on Wednesday, the convener of ATT, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, noted that the IMF was trying to discourage President Tinubu from ensuring that the people of Nigeria enjoy dividends of democracy sooner rather than later.

    “We want to condemn IMF in all ramifications. We want to remind them that if they cannot pay us in the good coins in the 70s that Nigeria borrowed them money, they should leave us alone. If you see the IMF saying that Nigeria is working, it means the country is working against its citizens. Nigeria should not take this IMF people seriously. It is because they have noticed that President Tinubu’s policies are working seriously, and that is why they want to discourage him and distract him.

    “We agreed with the former Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigeria’s former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Prof. Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, who has said that years of economic prescriptions from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank have failed to transform Nigeria’s economy for the better.

    “We can recall that in the 1970s, Nigeria borrowed IMF money. If the economic policies of the IMF and World Bank had been effective, Nigerians would be living more prosperously today.

    “In all honesty, where have all the prescriptions of the IMF and the World Bank over the years taken Nigeria to?

    Read Also: Arewa Think Tank hails Ribadu over comments on new terrorist group

    “It’s time we define our problems and design ways to solve them. If the IMF and World Bank’s prescriptions had been correct, we should be living happily today, but we are not. To make matters worse, the world itself is changing, and the international community is evolving; global relationships and norms are shifting.

    “We also want to recall that in the 1980s, the Nigerian military government rejected IMF and World Bank prescriptions. Nigeria and Africa as a whole should define their problems and develop their institutions and forget about the IMF a long time ago.

    “In this regard, it is high time the African continent began to strengthen African institutions such as the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the African Development Bank (AfDB).

    “We can see that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. Presiden, the politics, oil and gas, business, economy, women, youth, and the environment are thriving without the support of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

    “Arewa Think Tank is therefore appealing to President Tinubu not to allow IMF pressure to distract him from implementing good policies for the people of our great country, Nigeria”. The statement said.

  • Saboteurs out to frustrate Tinubu – Arewa Think Tank

    Saboteurs out to frustrate Tinubu – Arewa Think Tank

    A notable Northern group, Arewa Think Tank (ATT) has said that the arrest  of minors who participated in the last #EndBadGovernance protest was the handwork of those who want to sabotage President Bola Tinubu’s government.

    ATT urged Tinubu to bring those who want to sabotage his government to book and deal with them according to the law of the land.

    The group charged Tinubu to also sit up because such saboteurs are all out to frustrate his 2027 second term bid adding that, “Tinubu should be aware of fifth columnists in his government”.

    The group also called on government appointees especially the ministers to wake up to their responsibilities and defend the government because they are part and parcel of President Tinubu’s administration.

    In a statement, the Convener of Arewa Think Tank, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu said: “Those who have axe to grind with President Bola Tinubu should not use the arraignment of these minors as an opportunity to lampoon the government. The President should stand up firm now and deal with those who have encouraged this embarrassment”.

    Reactions have continued to trail over federal government’s decision to arraign minors who participated in the last #EndBadGovernance protest in court.

    According to ATT:  “We want to believe that President Tinubu is not aware of this arrest of this category of children, so we are calling on the federal government to withdraw the charges against them and return them to their States and homes.

    “We are not happy about the  arraignment of those minors for their participation in protest. It is most unfortunate and shameful for our country’s democracy.  But those who were involved in their arrest should have abided by the law of the land against detention of minors.

    “We are alarmed by the distressing condition of malnourished children in court, many of whom may not meet the legal age threshold for formal arraignment.

    “We are appealing  to the Nigerian judiciary to safeguard the rights of minors unjustly detained during the #EndBadGovernance protests.

    “We are also calling on those who arrested the children to protect the Minors from inhumane treatment, attend to  their physical and mental distress caused by prolonged detention and malnutrition.

    “We want to emphasise the importance of collective action in upholding a vision of Nigeria that values justice, equity, and the rights of every child to a safe and dignified life.

    Read Also: Tinubu urged to assent to North Central Development Commission Bill

    “However,  we are satisfied that the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi has agreed that it has  come to his notice that the police have arraigned those arrested in connection with the #Endbad governance violent protest in court for various offences including treason.

    “We are also happy that the Minister has said that there are some issues his office will need to look into regarding the matter to enable him take an informed decision.

    “We are appealing to Nigeria Police to transfer the casefile to the office and hand over same to the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) as demanded by the minister of justice.

    “We are commending the AGF for directing that immediate machinery  be put in motion for consideration of the court to bring the adjournment date to a nearer date for the minors”. 

  • LG poll victory proves Alia’s committed to grassroot development – Arewa Think Tank

    LG poll victory proves Alia’s committed to grassroot development – Arewa Think Tank

    A Northern group, Arewa Think Tank (ATT) has commended the Benue state governor, Rev. Father Hyacinth Alia, over victory recorded by the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the just concluded local government Chairmanship election in the State.

    It was reported that said the APC won all the 23 local government areas in the State.

    The group said the victory showed that governor Alia is committed to grassroot development in the State.

    In a statement by the Convener of ATT, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, it also commended the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) for the transparent conduct of the local government elections.

    “Arewa Think Tank views Benue State Council Elections at this moment of our national history as an extraordinary democratic activity for many various reasons as a build up to unfolding democratic events in our nation.

    The Benue state government effective Funding of the State Independent Electoral Commission was observed as a vital factor in the smooth and organized arrangements of the Council Elections.

    “We want to commend the Benue State governor, Rev. Father Hyacinth Alia for ensuring that the ruling party carried the day in the just concluded local government election.

    Read Also: Arewa Think Tank tackles Obasanjo over ‘Nigerian leaders should be in jail’ comment.

    “Arewa Think Tank also wishes to commend the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) for the transparent conduct of the local government elections.

    “The assessment has been good. The governor has done one of the great things that has ever happened in Benue State by enabling one of the best local government elections in the state.

    “The election everywhere in the State was peaceful and calm, and the turnout was commendable based on reports we gathered.

    “We are happy that all the structures and supporters were on the ground to achieve the goal”.

    “Though we gathered that the turnout was low and in some polling units, voting commenced late, the exercise was hitch-free.

    “We are impressed that there was massive deployment of security personnel in polling units, streets, and major highways within the state capital”, the statement said.

    The ATT expressed optimism that the grassroots development is assured now that the ruling party emerged victorious at the end of the exercise in Benue State.

  • Protest: Ahmadu Bello Foundation, Arewa Think Tank, Youth Assembly back out

    Protest: Ahmadu Bello Foundation, Arewa Think Tank, Youth Assembly back out

    Rising from a one-day conference of the Arewa Youth Assembly, Arewa Think Tank in collaboration with Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation has announced the decision to back out of the planned nationwide protest against the government of President Bola Tinubu over socio-economic hardship in the country.

    A communique issued and read after the meeting by the Convener of Arewa Think Tank, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu noted that the conference theme, “Fuel Your Creativity: Choosing Entrepreneurship for Progress”, resonated well with the Northern youths and held significant potential for the benefit of the entire country.

    The communiqué stated: “We strongly oppose protests in any form, as they often lead to violence, loss of lives, and property damage. Instead, we advocate for constructive engagement with authorities through dialogue and peaceful means.”

    The communique read in part: “We strongly denounce protests under any guise, as they are counterproductive and can lead to violence, loss of lives, and destruction of properties. Therefore we have resolved that we will not be part of any protests. We call on Nigerian Youth to engage authorities constructively through peaceful and legal means, such as dialogue and constructive engagement.

    Read Also: UN: SDG 2, zero hunger may not be achieved in 2030

    “We, the youth of the Arewa Youth Assembly, remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, advocating for youth development, and promoting peace and progress in our nation. We call on all stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and the private sector, to join hands with us in achieving these goals

    “We, the youth, firmly resolve to embrace entrepreneurship as a powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty and foster wealth creation in Nigeria. We recognize that by developing our entrepreneurial skills and knowledge, we can become self-sustainable and reduce dependence on the government for employment opportunities.

    “We call upon the government to implement robust measures aimed at developing the knowledge and skills of the youth. It is essential for the government to prioritize youth development and empowerment as a matter of urgency, both at the national and sub-national levels.

    “We urge the Federal Government to address the prevailing issues of banditry and insurgency effectively. By ensuring security and stability. 

    “The youth can actively engage in the agricultural sector, which has significant potential for business opportunities and economic growth. 

    “We call upon Governments at the sub-national level, specifically the states, to prioritize youth development and empowerment. It is crucial for State Governments to allocate resources and create programs that support the growth and advancement of young people in their respective states.

    “We advise youth across the country to seek enhanced knowledge, skills, and competencies required for competitiveness in the 21st century. It is imperative for young people to equip themselves with the necessary tools and adapt to the rapidly evolving global landscape”.