By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna In a bid to address the sociopolitical and economic challenges facing Northern Nigeria, former Governor of S...
By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
In a bid to address the sociopolitical and economic challenges facing Northern Nigeria, former Governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa, and renowned human rights advocate Hajiya Naja’atu Mohammed have launched the Northern Star Youth Empowerment Initiative (NSYE).
The unveiling ceremony, held at Arewa House in Kaduna, marked the commencement of what the organizers described as a transformative movement aimed at mobilizing Northern youths for regional progress.
Speaking at the event, Hajiya Naja’atu Mohammed, Co-Chairperson of NSYE, emphasized the initiative's mission as a rallying call for Northern youths.
“This is not merely the launch of an organization; it is the beginning of a movement, a rallying call for every young person in Northern Nigeria,” she stated. She clarified that NSYE is strictly non-political, with its focus on guidance and opportunities for youth empowerment rather than political activities.
Mohammed underlined the need for innovative solutions to the North's pressing issues. “Leadership in any society must play a critical role in educating, mentoring, and empowering the younger generation. The North cannot afford to be an exception,” she said.
The NSYE initiative seeks to harness the mental and physical potential of Northern youths to drive the region’s socioeconomic development. Mohammed described the region's youthful population as a vital economic asset, noting that a structured framework for channeling their energy and talents could transform Northern Nigeria into a hub of growth and sustainability.
However, she expressed regret over decades of missed opportunities due to poor leadership. “After 64 years of independence, leadership failures remain the root cause of our challenges,” she added.
Former Governor Attahiru Bafarawa echoed these concerns, lamenting the dire state of the Northern region.
“The North, once the stabilizing factor of Nigeria, is now at its lowest point across all socioeconomic indices since the fall of the First Republic,” Bafarawa said.
He criticized Northern elites for their apathy and self-serving priorities, blaming them for neglecting regional development. “It is an offence for elites—political, business, traditional, and intellectual—to sit idly by while the region declines,” he remarked.
Bafarawa called on Northern youths to seize the opportunities offered by NSYE, urging them to overcome religious, ethnic, and personal differences in their pursuit of regional progress.
The event also featured the unveiling of NSYE representatives from various Northern states, marking the start of what organizers hope will be a transformative journey for Northern Nigeria.
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