The Northern Elders Forum has said the rest of the country will be making a terrible mistake if it assumes that the current security challenges and weak economy have made the North marginalised in the Nigerian scheme of things.
This was stated by Abdul-azeez Suleiman, spokesperson for the forum, while delivering a speech at an induction ceremony at Zazzau Tukur School of Health Technology, Zaria.
He said the North will continue to play an important role in the nation’s affairs; he would remember those who supported him and those who tried to take advantage of the current challenges for their selfish benefits.
Suleiman said it was clear that current leaders and governments were unable or unwilling to effectively address these problems.
He said many of the leaders seemed more interested in maintaining their power and wealth than in serving the people and improving the lives of northerners.
“This lack of commitment to addressing the basic socio-cultural and economic problems facing the North is unacceptable and must be challenged.
“The rest of the country will make a terrible mistake if it assumes that the current security challenges and weak economy have made the North a marginal element in any calculations about the nation’s future.
“The North will continue to play an important role in the nation’s affairs; and we will remember those who supported him and those who tried to take advantage of the current challenges for their own interests,” he stated.
However, he admitted that the challenges facing the North are great and noted that with the right mindset and determination, they can be overcome.
Congratulating the students on their graduation, Suleiman asked them to learn from the mistakes of the past, look to the future and work to build a solid foundation for their generation.
He implored them to be proactive in addressing the challenges facing their communities, from poverty, insecurity to social injustice.
The NEF spokesperson said that by taking action and working together, young people can make a real difference and create a better future for everyone.
In his remarks, a lecturer at the Federal College of Education, Zaria, Dr Rabi Bara’u, warned health students about japa syndrome.
He warned them not to travel after graduation in search of better opportunities, and emphasized the importance of giving back to the community what they acquired from it.
Earlier, Mallam Abdulmumini Danladi Mohammed, principal of the school, said 32 students were included in the inaugural programme.
He urged them to avoid all forms of social vices and engage in productive learning for the development of society.
