Prominent traditional rulers, former government officials and political leaders gathered in Kaduna on Saturday to mark the 25th anniversary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF). The event also featured the launch of an endowment fund aimed at supporting long-term development across Northern Nigeria.
In his goodwill message, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, said Nigeria’s true strength lies in its diversity. He reminded citizens that understanding one another—not attempting to erase differences—has always been the foundation of national stability. Quoting Ahmadu Bello, he urged leaders to focus on solutions and move beyond inconsistent policy implementation.
He encouraged the ACF to reflect on its achievements over the past quarter century while charting a clearer, more effective direction for the future. The Sultan applauded the organisers and emphasised that Nigerians remain members of one larger family—“the party of Nigeria.”
Also speaking, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, described traditional rulers as custodians of peace who must continue promoting coexistence nationwide. Recognised as a “Friend of the North,” he said the region must focus on its strengths and work collectively to address its challenges, especially in security and economic development.
The former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd.), praised the ACF as a stabilising force over the years. He argued that Northern development must now be driven by a home-grown agenda focused on security, agriculture, governance and education. He stressed that the region’s vast farmlands cannot coexist with persistent hunger, urging investment in mechanised farming and youth agribusiness.
Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, thanked the forum for the invitation and said his contributions to Northern infrastructure were driven by national service. He maintained that injustice and inequality remain the major obstacles to Nigeria’s progress.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, said the ACF provides a strategic platform for the North to develop solutions within a united national framework. He dismissed the recent US classification of Nigeria as a country of concern, insisting it does not reflect Nigeria’s lived reality. Bagudu urged Nigerians to support ongoing reforms while recognising progress made across sectors.
Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, described the ACF as a bridge-builder for Northern unity and development. He said tackling insecurity remains the top priority and noted that poverty is at the root of many of the region’s challenges. Namadi expressed confidence that agricultural transformation, backed by strong collaboration, will boost jobs, improve livelihoods and restore peace.
As the ACF enters its next 25 years, leaders at the event agreed that unity, security and development must remain at the heart of the North’s agenda—now more than ever.