…Describe it as, “Jamboree” to showcase Govt’s journey, achievement to north.
by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Northern Nigeria Youth Leaders Forum, a Coalition of Northern Youths, has blasted and quarried plans by Federal Government to stage a new event in Kaduna, in partnership with Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, one of the original conveners of the 2022 similar engagement.
The forum expressed lamentation that the planned gathering, which came to their attention through credible reports and persistent whispers, and which has already been described by some as a ‘jamboree,’ is purportedly intended to showcase the government’s journey and achievements to the North.
“It has come to our attention, via credible reports and persistent whispers that the federal government, working in concert with the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation – one of the original conveners of the 2022 engagement – plans to stage a new event in Kaduna.
“This gathering, described by some as a ‘jamboree,’ is purportedly intended to showcase the government’s journey and achievements to the North,” the forum stated.
In the text of press briefing, in Kaduna Saturday, addressed by the Secretary, Media and Public Affairs, Muhammad Isah Imam, the forum demanded to know the rationale for new event after two years of relative silence and what has compelled the sudden outreach?
“We must ask: Why now? After two years of relative silence, what compels this sudden outreach? Is it a response to growing unrest or a shift in political fortunes?
“Or, more pointedly, is the government engaging the North at this juncture because it finally recognizes that the region has long been shortchanged, neglected, or otherwise denied its fair share of the national patrimony?,” it queried.
Forum also asked, “Are we being courted to paper over deep-seated grievances or to serve as a political audience in a time of uncertainty? These are not rhetorical questions, but urgent demands for transparency and candor.
“The timing, the process, and the apparent selectivity of this engagement raise profound concerns, and we, as custodians of the North’s future, refuse to remain silent. In seeking clarity and accountability, we put forth the following questions, which must be addressed honestly and publicly:
“Why now? Why is this engagement surfacing after a prolonged period of inaction? What has changed to merit such attention to the North at this specific time?”
It also demanded to know, if the government is engaging the North because it acknowledged the region has been systematically shortchanged or marginalized in national development and resource allocation? “If so, what concrete steps are being proposed to redress these imbalances?”
The forum further asked – if this engagement is truly exclusive to the North or are similar forums being organized for other regions, or the North is being singled out for reasons that have not been disclosed?
It also queries, “Why is the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation the sole partner? Why has the government chosen to engage with only one of the original conveners, when the 2022 forum was the result of a broad, inclusive coalition?
“Why is the initiative being led by the government and not by northern stakeholders themselves? Has the agency and autonomy of northern civil society and leadership been undermined in this process?
“Where are our elders? Why have those, who championed our cause in 2022, not taken the lead or insisted on a genuinely northern-led engagement?
“Have our elders compromised? We must emphasize, meaningful engagement with the North must be predicated on full transparency, broad-based participation, and a genuine respect for the agency of northern people.”
According to the forum, “The current approach, with its opacity and exclusivity, risks sowing further distrust and alienation, especially among the youth, who have too often found themselves excluded from national conversations.”
It, therefore, demands full public disclosure of the objectives, agenda, and anticipated outcomes of the planned Kaduna event, so that no stakeholder is left in the dark.
It also called for inclusive participation for all relevant northern groups, youth organizations, women’s associations, religious and traditional leaders, civil
society, and the original conveners of the 2022 engagement.
Forum urges for restoration of regional agency, adding, any engagement must be initiated and controlled by the North, not orchestrated from outside.
“The government’s role should be responsive, not directive. Equity for all regions: If such engagements are truly about fostering unity, they must occur in every region of Nigeria, allowing all groups to voice their concerns and hold the government accountable.
“Clarification from our elders, the Forum called on the original coalition of 2022 to break their silence and explain their acquiescence to a government-led process that threatens to undermine the spirit of self-advocacy that once united north.
“The youth of the North are vigilant and resolute. We have inherited a legacy of resilience and service, but we will not accept token gestures or cosmetic consultations that fail to address our core challenges or treat us as mere (4) spectators in our own destiny.
“Our generation is determined to ensure that the North’s voice is not only heard but heeded – now and always. We urge the federal government to reflect deeply, act boldly, and recommit to the principles of justice, fairness, and inclusive governance.
“The days of marginalization must end, and the time for genuine partnership and progress must begin. We await forthright answers to our questions and remain ready for meaningful, transparent, and equitable dialogue on the way forward,” it stated.
Earlier, forum stated that the Coalition of Northern Youth stands to be marked by both gravity and hope, to articulate the collective yearnings, frustrations, and aspirations of millions of northern youths, whose destinies are inextricably tied to the fate of this nation.
It added that its commitment remained unwavering – “To defend the future of our region and to ensure that justice, equity, and inclusion are not mere aspirations, but realities for every northerner,” stressing that, “For many years, the North has been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s demographic strength, economic resources, and cultural diversity.
“Yet, it is no secret that our region has also borne the brunt of marginalization, underdevelopment, insecurity, and recurring neglect in national policymaking.
“From the ravages of insurgency and banditry to the persistent shortfall in federal infrastructure and social investments, northern communities have too often been left to grapple with challenges that threaten the very fabric of our society,” it lamented.
They stated that, “It is within this context of historical grievances and ongoing struggles that we reflect on a pivotal moment: the Kaduna Engagement of October 2022.
“On that day, a broad coalition of northern groups – reflecting the rich tapestry of our people – extended an open invitation to every presidential candidate, regardless of creed or party, to come and listen, to dialogue, and to pledge concrete action for the North’s advancement.
“Our elders graced the occasion, offering wisdom and guidance; our youth came in their thousands, animated by the hope that their concerns would be heard and their future secured.
“The event was hailed nationwide as a beacon of participatory democracy and regional advocacy. We entered the following months with optimism, choosing patience over agitation.
“We believed that the new administration, having engaged with us in good faith, would honour its promises and take meaningful steps to address the north’s most pressing concerns – be it in economic empowerment, education, security, or equitable resource allocation.
“For nearly two years, we have watched quietly, monitoring every policy, every pronouncement, and every sign that northern interests were being respected at the federal level. It is against this backdrop that we now confront a troubling development,” forum emphasized.