Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that the unity of northern leaders is critical to Nigeria’s stability and progress.
Speaking on Wednesday when he received a delegation from the ACF led by its Board of Trustees Chairman, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Shettima said this is the time for the North to stand together and support the federal government’s economic and social reforms.
He cautioned against the activities of “mischief makers” seeking to divide the country, urging leaders to distinguish between legitimate grievances and selfish agitations.
“While some agitations arise from genuine grievances seeking justice and fairness, others are fuelled by greed — by the quest to exploit disorder for selfish gain,” Shettima said.
According to him, the Tinubu administration is committed to addressing fair demands for equity and inclusion while isolating those who profit from chaos.
“Our diversity is our strength. We must continue to resist all attempts to divide us. Our future depends on unity, and unity must remain our creed,” he added.
Dispelling claims of marginalisation, the Vice President maintained that every group, faith, and tribe has a voice in national decision-making, assuring that no region would be left behind.
“We will never accommodate the marginalisation of any group. Our policies are designed to create opportunities for all — to lift every community through inclusion, education, and enterprise,” he stated.
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Highlighting ongoing efforts to revitalize the North, Shettima said the Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises education, agriculture, industrialisation, and security as pillars of northern development.
He cited reforms such as the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has opened access to tertiary education, and investments in agro-processing, industrial zones, and microfinance systems to empower smallholder farmers and youth.
On security, the Vice President said the government has made gains in tackling banditry and restoring stability in troubled areas.
“Through coordinated operations, we have neutralised notorious bandit leaders and restored relative peace. This is the foundation upon which we intend to rebuild the North — through peace, justice, and economic empowerment,” he said.
In his remarks, ACF Board of Trustees Chairman Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu praised the administration for its reforms and expressed the group’s support for the government’s agenda. He also invited the Vice President to the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Forum, where it plans to launch an endowment fund for northern development.
Dalhatu said the anniversary would provide a platform for engagement with other socio-cultural groups nationwide, while ACF’s National Executive Chairman, Mamman Mike Osuman, reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to a united and prosperous Nigeria.
Also present at the meeting were senior members of the ACF, including Sen. Ibrahim Ida, Murtala Aliyu, Amb. Ibrahim Mai-Sule, Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, Lt. Gen. Abdurahman Danbazau (rtd), Hon. Beni Lar, and Mrs. Christine Gadzama, among others.
