ACF seeks N100bn endowment for Northern development
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has unveiled plans to raise a N100 billion endowment fund aimed at tackling critical development challenges in Northern Nigeria, including education, healthcare and economic empowerment. The announcement was made by the Secretary-General of the Forum, Alhaji Murtala Aliyu, during a courtesy visit to the Media Trust Group headquarters in Abuja […]
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has unveiled plans to raise a N100 billion endowment fund aimed at tackling critical development challenges in Northern Nigeria, including education, healthcare and economic empowerment.
The announcement was made by the Secretary-General of the Forum, Alhaji Murtala Aliyu, during a courtesy visit to the Media Trust Group headquarters in Abuja as part of activities marking the Forum’s 25th anniversary.
Aliyu said the initiative reflects the Forum’s desire to move beyond advocacy and into direct intervention, particularly in underserved communities across the region.
“We are not just asking you to publicise it, but we are also asking you to participate in it,” he said, calling on stakeholders and development partners to support the fund.
He explained that the Forum, which has historically relied on member contributions and advocacy, now seeks to implement tangible projects that can serve as models for sustainable development.
“After 25 years, beyond talk, we should be partnering with communities, if it becomes necessary with governments, to carry out some projects that will now be examples for others to follow,” he said.
Aliyu revealed that the initial target was N10 billion, but stakeholders advised that such a figure would not reflect the scale of the region’s needs.
“Initially, our thinking was N10bn. But then the moneybags looked at us and said, look, this will not look serious. So, they raised it to N100bn,” he said.
He added that the Forum is currently developing the structure to manage the fund and identify priority areas for intervention, with universities expected to help flag off the fundraising drive.
Speaking, Chairman of the ACF Board of Trustees, Bashir Dalhatu, Wazirin Dutse, expressed concern over the rising number of out-of-school children and the persistence of the almajiranci system, noting that cottage industries could help empower communities and reduce poverty.
“We are in a very dire condition. Security, unemployment, poverty, lack of good leadership, and how we select our leaders. These are going to be part of the things that we want to discuss,” Dalhatu said.
Group Chief Executive Officer of Media Trust, Ahmed Shekarau, commended the Forum’s renewed commitment to development and pledged the company’s support for the anniversary and related initiatives.
The ACF’s 25th anniversary celebration is scheduled for November 21st and 23rd in Kaduna, and is expected to draw leaders, experts, and development partners to chart a new course for the North.
“Beyond marking a milestone, the anniversary will serve as a rallying point for action to rebuild communities, empower citizens, and secure the future of Northern Nigeria,” the Forum said.