spot_img

The Arewa’s Leadership Conundrum: Leading by Example or Following the Crowd

The Northern region, also known as Arewa, has lost sight of its core values, leading to multidimensional challenges. Key among these lost values are the detrimental influences of money politics and the erosion of family, cultural and societal norms and traditional institutions, where Emirship is now often determined by Local Government Area (LGA) chairmen. Identity crisis and divisions along ethnic and religious lines have fragmented the region.

A significant factor contributing to Northern poverty is the decline of investments in the agricultural sector, particularly in lucrative crops like cotton and groundnuts. Rich individuals have diverted their resources to other ventures, neglecting the potential of agriculture to stimulate economic growth. Additionally, local businesses suffer from inadequate funding due to lack LGA autonomy, resulting in untapped opportunities at the grassroots level.

Related Posts

The societal fabric of the North has been compromised, with moral values largely eroded. Urgent reinstatement of these values is necessary to restore social cohesion. Moreover, the Almajiri system requires remodeling to improve the lives and well-being of abandoned children. By addressing these issues, the North can reclaim its lost values.

Embracing local technology is vital for economic resurgence. Traditional crafts like old babing and blacksmithing hold immense potential but remain neglected. Similarly, the region’s vast ecological resources, including highly appreciated lands, remain untapped. Harnessing these resources can spur growth and development.

Effective governance is critical to the North’s prosperity. The judicial system must allow laws to take their course, ensuring accountability and justice. Moreover, the region’s vast population, akin to China and India, can be a significant asset if leveraged effectively. Diversifying the economy by investing in non-oil sectors, which currently contribute 87% of Nigeria’s exports, will reduce dependence on oil revenue.

To achieve sustainable growth, Northern Governors must prioritize investments in driven river Niger projects, transforming the region into an industrial hub. Infused poverty and divisive politics must give way to the humility and modesty embodied by legendary leaders like Tafawa Balewa and Sardauna. Historically, character and integrity were essential qualities for leadership selection.

Ultimately, reclaiming Arewa’s lost values requires collective effort. By addressing these challenges and embracing opportunities, the North can rediscover its identity, foster economic growth, and reclaim its rightful place in Nigeria’s development trajectory. This necessitates a paradigm shift, prioritizing community-driven solutions, local empowerment, and inclusive governance to ensure a brighter future for generations to come.

The recent sensitization campaign launched by the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), led by Dr. Nastura Ashir Sharif, is a timely and crucial step towards reviving the lost values of Northern Nigeria. By engaging the community in Katsina, one of the most volatile areas affected by insecurity, CNG is addressing the pressing need for collective action.

The “One Day Community Engagement” at Command Guest Bauchi, themed “Imperative of Popular Participation in Tackling Socio-Economic Challenges Bedeviling Northern Nigeria through Community-Driven Solutions,” highlights the importance of community participation in shaping the region’s future.

This initiative’s focus on community-driven solutions acknowledges that the North’s socio-economic challenges require a collaborative effort. By empowering local communities, CNG aims to foster sustainable development and reclaim the region’s lost values. Effective community engagement strategies, such as encouraging multi-channel engagement, creating a safe environment, and giving the community a sense of purpose, are essential for the success of this initiative .

CNG’s community engagement campaign can build trust, foster brand loyalty, and promote collaboration. By leveraging effective strategies, CNG can drive positive change, improve lives, and empower Northern youths been the key drivers of this change. This initiative has vast potential to uplift the region, cultivating a brighter future for generations to come, through collective action and unity.

The EndBadGovernance protests in Northern Nigeria have highlighted a pressing concern. The active involvement and participation of underage youth in destructive activities, leading to billions of Naira in property damage. This trend exposes a deeper issue: the erosion of moral values and parental guidance in the region.

The lack of effective parenting and mentorship has allowed young people to be exploited and recruited into violent activities, perpetuating a cycle of unrest and instability. This not only puts the youth at risk but also undermines the region’s social fabric and economic development. The consequences of this phenomenon are far-reaching, with long-term effects on the region’s stability and growth.

It is essential for community leaders, parents, and guardians to reclaim their roles in shaping the values and actions of young people. This can be achieved through revitalized community engagement, education initiatives, and economic empowerment programs targeting youth. By addressing the root causes of this issue, Northern Nigeria can mitigate the dangers posed by underage involvement in destructive activities and foster a more secure and prosperous future.

For Northern Nigeria to truly thrive, its stakeholders – including governors, political appointees, National Assembly members, security personnel, and even former presidents from the region must join forces to uplift those who have been left behind. The region’s current leaders owe a debt of gratitude to visionary leaders like Sardauna and Tafawa Balewa, who paved the way for their success by embracing inclusivity and carrying others along.

It is time for today’s leaders to pay it forward by fostering a culture of collective progress and social cohesion. By doing so, they will not only honor the legacy of their predecessors but also secure a brighter future for the region. This collective effort will require collaborative leadership, strategic planning, and a genuine commitment to empowering marginalized communities. Only then can Northern Nigeria unlock its full potential and take its rightful place as a prosperous region.

Key challenges include economic stagnation, insecurity, poor education, inadequate healthcare, and crumbling infrastructure. A leadership deficit, characterized by lack of vision, ineffective governance, elite capture, and limited accountability, exacerbates these issues. Transformational leadership is needed to revitalize the North.

In conclusion, Northern Nigeria’s future hinges on addressing the moral decay and exploitation of underage youth. Community leaders, parents, and guardians must reclaim their roles, promoting education, economic empowerment, and peaceful coexistence. Collective action can prevent further unrest and foster a secure, prosperous region. Urgent intervention is crucial.

Danaudi, Public Affairs Analyst writes from Bauchi Via [email protected]

Send us tip

If you or someone you know has a lead, tip or personal experience about this report, our WhatsApp line is open and confidential for a conversation

Latest stories