ABUJA, Nigeria (ChatnewsTV) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emphasized that the development of northern Nigeria is crucial to the nation’s overall prosperity, stating that “whatever disrupts the growth of one region sets back the entire nation.” The president’s remarks were delivered on Tuesday by Vice President Kashim Shettima during a stakeholders’ roundtable on Northern Youth Development, hosted by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Abuja.
The event, organized by a foundation established by the governors of the 19 northern states to honor the legacy of Sir Ahmadu Bello, highlighted the ongoing commitment to the region’s progress. Tinubu’s message underscored the significance of unity, stressing that “the North cannot progress in isolation, and Nigeria cannot prosper unless every part of this nation thrives.”
In a bid to empower the youth, Tinubu announced plans for a National Youth Development Bank and a Youth Data Bank, describing them as vital resources for “providing financial and informational support” to young Nigerians. These initiatives are expected to bolster the economic opportunities and skill development for the country’s younger generation.
Addressing the persistent security issues in the region, Tinubu outlined several measures aimed at stabilizing the north, including “strengthening community policing, rehabilitating displaced persons, and tackling cross-border challenges such as smuggling and insurgency.” The president’s strategy reflects an effort to address the root causes of insecurity and foster a safer environment conducive to development.
Vice President Shettima paid tribute to Sir Ahmadu Bello, the late Premier of the Northern Region, highlighting his enduring influence. “The late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, was one of the towering giants on whose shoulders we have ascended as a nation. His vision was clear,” Shettima said, reaffirming the president’s message of a united and thriving Nigeria.
