Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and fellow Nigerians, we gather today being 28th of February 2025 as the Arewa Grassroots Leaders Assembly national executive members to discuss pressing issues affecting Northern Nigeria. Our region faces unique challenges, from insecurity to economic disparities. As leaders, we recognize the need for collective action to address these challenges.
We urge President Tinubu’s administration to implement policies that address our region’s specific needs. We request increased military presence and community-led initiatives to enhance security, particularly in the face of persistent threats from banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism. We also propose investments in agriculture, education, and entrepreneurship programs to stimulate economic development and address poverty and unemployment.
Furthermore, we advocate for improved access to quality education and vocational training to address the alarming rates of out-of-school children in Northern Nigeria. We also recommend increased funding for primary healthcare facilities and personnel to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and services.
We acknowledge President Tinubu’s efforts to prioritize funding for agriculture and education, as well as maintaining good relations with Nigeria’s neighbors. The prioritization of the Sokoto-Badagry Highway and the Trans-Saharan highway, and measures to fast-track the completion of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, are commendable.
However, we urge the President to reconsider policies that may negatively impact Northern Nigeria, such as inadequate funding for critical infrastructure and social services, insufficient representation in key government positions, and lack of support for regional economic development initiatives.
To address insecurity, we plan to host a security summit, bringing together at least 5000 grassroots and community leaders. This summit will be held after consultation with security heads and critical stakeholders. We aim to discuss community-led initiatives to enhance security, identify areas of collaboration with security agencies, and develop a comprehensive plan to address insecurity in Northern Nigeria.
We believe that by working together, we can create a brighter future for Northern Nigeria and contribute to a more prosperous, united Nigeria. We urge President Tinubu to implement policies that address our region’s specific needs and look forward to collaborating with his administration.
Thank you.
Hon. Onogu Collins Monday,
President General,
Arewa Grassroots Leaders Assembly -AGLA.
