ACF marks silver jubilee, seeks support for devt initiatives

As part of activities to mark its 25th anniversary, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the socio-economic and political challenges facing northern Nigeria, while calling for broader collaboration to drive development in the region. Chairman of the ACF Board of Trustees (BoT), Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, stated this yesterday while leading […]

As part of activities to mark its 25th anniversary, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the socio-economic and political challenges facing northern Nigeria, while calling for broader collaboration to drive development in the region.

Chairman of the ACF Board of Trustees (BoT), Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, stated this yesterday while leading executive members of the forum on a courtesy visit to the corporate headquarters of Media Trust Group in Abuja.

He said the ACF, established in 2000 by a coalition of northern leaders, including governors, traditional rulers, retired military and police officers, clergy, youth, and women, was formed to provide a unified voice for the region in the evolving political landscape.

Dalhatu noted that the Forum had played a significant role in reducing conflicts in the region, particularly during the early 2000s, and continues to advocate for solutions to pressing issues such as poverty, unemployment, and the growing number of out-of-school children.

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He said the forum’s 25th anniversary, scheduled for later this year, would bring together stakeholders from across the country to reflect on the region’s challenges and propose actionable solutions.

“We are hoping to use the 25th anniversary of our existence to bring together people of all walks of life in Nigeria, but more particularly in the North, to sit and take stock of our situation, which now is in a very dire condition,” he said.

Dalhatu also praised Media Trust Group for its resilience and contribution to the northern media landscape.

Also speaking, Vice Chairman of the BoT, Ambassador Ibrahim Mai-Sule, said the forum would launch a N100 billion endowment fund during the anniversary to support community-based development projects.

The ACF delegation was received by the top management of the media trust group, including a member of the board of directors, Malam Mannir Dan Ali, GCEO Ahmed Shekarau, editorial director, Ibrahim Shehu and others.