Bafarawa unveils grassroots initiative to heal ‘deepening divisions’ in North

Former Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, has unveiled a new grassroots initiative aimed at healing the deepening divisions in Northern Nigeria while promoting peace, unity and sustainable development. Speaking at the official launch of the Arewa Cohesion for Peace, Unity and Development Initiative in Kaduna, Bafarawa, who serves as Chairman of the group’s Board […]

Former Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, has unveiled a new grassroots initiative aimed at healing the deepening divisions in Northern Nigeria while promoting peace, unity and sustainable development.

Speaking at the official launch of the Arewa Cohesion for Peace, Unity and Development Initiative in Kaduna, Bafarawa, who serves as Chairman of the group’s Board of Trustees, declared that the movement is not a political party but a collective response to the region’s long-standing challenges.

He said the initiative was borne out of the rising insecurity, disunity, and marginalisation facing the North and emphasised that collective efforts can reverse the situation through dialogue, justice, and inclusive development.

“This initiative was birthed from a simple but powerful idea—that peace is not merely the absence of war, but the presence of justice, equity, and dialogue. Unity does not mean uniformity, but the strength that comes from embracing our diversity,” he said.

Bafarawa lamented the rising insecurity, communal tensions, youth restiveness, and economic marginalisation in the North and called on stakeholders to rise above political affiliations and work toward a shared goal of rebuilding the region.

“The group is open to collaborating with any individual or organisation committed to its ideals,” he added.

The Director-General of the initiative, Dr. Abdullahi Idris, said the group was formed after extensive consultations across communities and institutions.

He described the movement as a response to decades of insecurity and social fragmentation in the North.

He said the initiative is anchored on three interlinked pillars: peacebuilding, unity, and sustainable development.

Chairman of the occasion, General Jon Temlong (Rtd.), charged members and leaders of the initiative to uphold the region’s shared values and view the project as a covenant with future generations.

The launch drew traditional leaders, development partners, civil society groups, and youth representatives, all of whom pledged support for the new movement.