The Rebuild Arewa Initiative for Development has called on political, traditional and community leaders across Northern Nigeria to take decisive and coordinated steps in addressing the region’s escalating security crisis, warning that passive responses are no longer acceptable.
The group made this appeal on Friday during a breakfast engagement with journalists marking Sardauna Memorial Day, an annual event it organises to reflect on the leadership ideals of Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto.
Speaking on behalf of the organisation, its Director of Communications and Publicity, Comrade Bitako Abubakar Umar, appreciated media practitioners and stakeholders for their presence and for what he described as their dedication to factual and responsible reporting.
He noted that the memorial was instituted to honour the contributions of Sir Ahmadu Bello and Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa to national unity, education, good governance and the socio-economic advancement of Northern Nigeria within a united federation.
Umar announced that this year’s activities would include a National Convention of Northern Nigeria, which RAID plans to host in collaboration with influential stakeholders drawn from political circles, traditional institutions, religious bodies, youth and women groups, civil society, professionals and the business community.
According to him, the convention would serve as a platform to articulate a collective Northern position on security challenges and the region’s political and economic future.
RAID emphasised that the gathering would not be politically motivated, but rather a forum for candid discussions, strategic planning and consensus-building on the way forward for the North.
The group expressed concern over what it termed deliberate attempts by certain interests to weaken Northern cohesion, adding that such forces have undermined unity and collective progress.
It highlighted a range of pressing problems confronting the region, including persistent insecurity linked to banditry, insurgency by Boko Haram and ISWAP, clashes between farmers and herders, kidnapping and communal conflicts.
RAID also pointed to high poverty levels, rising youth unemployment, an education crisis marked by a large number of out-of-school children, deteriorating infrastructure in key sectors such as roads, electricity, healthcare and water, as well as leadership gaps that have hindered effective governance.
The organisation warned that these issues pose serious risks not only to Northern Nigeria but to the stability and prosperity of the entire country.
It stated that the proposed convention would produce a unified roadmap for security, development and inclusive governance, while also outlining the expectations of leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
RAID pledged to continue promoting unity in the North while fostering constructive engagement with other regions of Nigeria, as well as development partners and the international community.
In closing, the group said that honouring the legacy of the Sardauna must go beyond symbolism, urging Northern leaders and stakeholders to prioritise the welfare of the people above personal or sectional interests.
