Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and industrialist Aliko Dangote delivered urgent messages to Northern leaders at the 25th anniversary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) in Kaduna, warning that the region is at risk of further decline in the face of insecurity, economic stagnation, and social collapse unless it re-evaluates its development priorities and fosters unity.

Atiku emphasized that the North cannot afford complacency given the ongoing challenges of poverty, educational decline, and insecurity. He cautioned that without collective effort and clear vision, the region could sink deeper into crisis. Reflecting on the past, he remarked on the need for honest assessments and strategic action, recalling his efforts to unify political blocs when he took office in 1999.

He lauded the ACF for its resilience over the years but insisted that nostalgia should give way to actionable strategies. He pointed to historical programs like the Northern Education Project that addressed educational shortcomings and urged modern initiatives to prioritize education, agriculture, and industrial growth, echoing the visions of founding leaders like Sir Ahmadu Bello.

Dangote, Africa’s richest man, echoed these sentiments, linking the region’s economic struggles to inconsistent policies and chronic electricity shortages. He noted that many promising northern industries have collapsed due to volatile government policies that deter investment. He underscored that without reliable electricity, growth is impossible.

Both leaders stressed that the anniversary should serve as a wake-up call for urgent action. Dangote warned that the prevailing crises, including youth unemployment and banditry, are symptoms of long-standing neglect that require coherent long-term planning anchored in education and industry.