The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has joined forces with the League of Northern Democrats (LND) to tackle the pressing challenges facing Northern Nigeria, including terrorism and socio-economic strife.
Speaking during the Forum’s National Executive Committee meeting in Kaduna on Wednesday, ACF Chairman, Mamman Mike Osuman (SAN), highlighted the urgent need for unity and strategic action.
“There is now a clarion call for individual sacrifices and inputs for the survival of our region and the emancipation of our downtrodden people,” he said.
Osuman noted that while politics is essential, the current focus must be on alleviating hardships in the region.
Since his investiture in December 2023, Osuman revealed that the ACF has seen significant growth in membership and infrastructure, including the inauguration of a new Kano chapter secretariat.
He commended local chapters for their grassroots efforts but urged them to prioritise unity and purpose.
Osuman also announced plans to produce a comprehensive register of ACF members by early 2025, to strengthen communication and coordination across chapters.
Addressing the ACF’s financial challenges, he urged state chapters to fund their members’ participation in meetings.
Touching on broader issues, he called for introspection among Northern leaders, emphasising collaboration with traditional leaders and public awareness initiatives to address insecurity, illegal mining, and other socio-economic issues.
Osuman highlighted ACF’s recent efforts, including visits to flood-affected areas in Borno, consultations with Aliko Dangote on economic projects, and representation at the burial of Ohaneze Ndigbo’s President-General.
He commended the LND’s objectives of addressing Northern Nigeria’s socio-political decline but advised that their efforts should focus on addressing immediate challenges in the region.
The chairman reaffirmed ACF’s commitment to being a voice for the downtrodden, announcing the establishment of ACF Radio to amplify its message and reach grassroots communities.
As the ACF prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2025, Osuman urged members to remain steadfast in their mission of service and unity. “United we stand, divided we fall,” he said.
