Kaduna, Nigeria
The Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, has called on leaders and professionals across Nigeria’s northern region to unite their resources and expertise, arguing that the North possesses sufficient human capital to overcome its persistent development challenges.
The Governor’s remarks came on Sunday during a courtesy visit from the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), a prominent pan-Northern socio-cultural and advocacy group.
From ‘Complaints to Action’
Governor Sani stated that the forum’s renewed focus under its Board of Trustees Chairman, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, provides an opportunity to pivot from merely discussing problems to implementing concrete solutions.
“For years, we have repeatedly spoken about our challenges—poverty, education gaps, healthcare deficits, and other development issues. I believe we have reached a point where we must stop complaining and start acting,” Governor Sani said.
He noted that the region boasts successful professionals and businessmen in every field, but the “missing link is bringing everyone together” to benefit from their collective experience and resources.
Focus on Financial Inclusion and Investment
Governor Sani highlighted two critical areas requiring immediate attention from northern leaders:
- Financial Exclusion: The Governor lamented that a majority of northerners remain financially excluded, which prevents them from benefiting from government social intervention programmes. He revealed that more than 60% of local government areas in the region lack a single bank branch, advising northern businessmen to invest in the financial sector.
- Skills Acquisition: He commended the ACF’s plan to establish a Central Endowment Fund, but advised that its efforts should focus heavily on skills acquisition to foster self-reliance among the populace.
Governor Sani noted that soon after taking office, his administration signed an Executive Order on Financial Inclusion, resulting in the onboarding of over 2.1 million poor residents into the financial system within a year.
ACF Shifts to Tangible Projects
The ACF delegation, led by Alhaji Dalhatu, announced that its renewed focus reflects a shift from purely political advocacy to tangible development interventions.
The visit was also intended to notify the Governor of the forum’s 25th anniversary celebration scheduled for November 20-22 in Kaduna. The celebration, which will feature Vice President Kashim Shettima and speaker Alhaji Aliko Dangote, aims to build bridges across Nigeria.
“We want to begin sustained dialogue with our brothers and sisters in the South, to share experiences and learn from each other, all in the spirit of promoting a strong, united Nigeria,” Alhaji Dalhatu said.
The ACF leader confirmed that the new Central Endowment Fund is intended to help the forum move “beyond advocacy and begin implementing tangible community-based projects.”
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