ACF Marks 25th Anniversary in Kaduna, Leaders Call for United Front Against Insecurity

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has marked its 25th anniversary in Kaduna with strong calls for renewed unity, strategic security reforms, and a new development agenda for Northern Nigeria. The Silver Jubilee celebration, which brought together top political leaders, traditional rulers, former heads of state, industry figures and policy makers, focused heavily on insecurity, economic revitalisation, and the future of the region.

The three-day event featured keynote speeches, exhibitions, panel discussions and the launch of an endowment fund designed to drive long-term development initiatives across the North.

Leaders Demand Unified Action on Insecurity

At the summit of the issues was security as it dominated discussions throughout the anniversary.
Chairman of the ACF Board of Trustees, Alhaji Bashir M. Dalhatu, warned that escalating attacks, kidnappings, and instability across the region continue to undermine growth. He urged Northern leaders to “close ranks, speak with one voice, and confront insecurity with unity and purpose.”

Former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, represented by former Vice President Namadi Sambo, echoed these concerns, noting that peace and unity remain the “oxygen of the North.” He stressed that without collective commitment, the region risks deeper fragmentation and stagnation.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to defeating terrorism and banditry. He pledged intensified military operations and broader collaboration with traditional rulers and community structures.

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd.), in his message, urged the ACF to take a leading role in championing new security strategies. He argued that the North must begin designing solutions tailored to its realities rather than depending solely on Abuja.

Economic Growth, Tourism and Agriculture Take Centre Stage

Beyond security, the Silver Jubilee also highlighted economic transformation as a major priority.

The Forum officially launched the ACF Endowment Fund, aimed at supporting youth empowerment, women-led initiatives, regional development projects and socio-economic research.

At a high-level roundtable themed “Tourism for Security”, Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa called for the revival of heritage sites, museums, cultural corridors and creative hubs across the North. She argued that tourism can contribute to stability by creating jobs, fostering cultural pride and reducing social tension.

Also speaking, Minister of Livestock Development Idi Mukhtar emphasised the region’s vast potential in livestock farming, urging Northern states to align with the government’s National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy. He said improved value chains, youth participation and modern ranching systems could turn the livestock sector into a key economic driver.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar tasked Northern leaders to confront long-standing structural weaknesses in education and agriculture, warning that failure to act would widen the development gap between the North and other regions.

Call for Unity and Non-Partisanship Ahead of 2027 Elections

A recurring theme at the anniversary was the ACF’s insistence on non-partisanship. Officials cautioned members against making politically sensitive statements ahead of the 2027 elections.

Dalhatu reminded stakeholders that the ACF was founded to promote consultation, unity and regional cooperation, not partisan politics.

Traditional rulers including the Sultan of Sokoto and other royal dignitaries were honoured for their leadership roles, further highlighting the influence of cultural institutions in peace-building efforts.

Celebrating 25 Years of Advocacy

The anniversary—attended by business leader Aliko Dangote, governors, senior military officials, and development partners—also featured exhibitions on innovation, technology, agribusiness and youth entrepreneurship. A special pavilion showcasing women innovators was one of the highlights of the event.

ACF presented Arewa Lifetime Achievement Awards to distinguished individuals who have contributed significantly to the region’s growth and unity.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment to repositioning the Forum and strengthening coordination among Northern stakeholders. Leaders expressed optimism that the momentum generated at the Silver Jubilee would translate into concrete actions capable of reshaping the region’s socio-economic and political landscape.