Iyorwuese Hagher, former Minister of State for Health, alongside Tukur Buratai, former Chief of Army Staff, have urged Nigerians to unite in confronting the rising insecurity across the country.
They made the appeal on Friday in Kaduna, during the Arewa Consultative Forum’s (ACF) 25th-anniversary celebration and the launch of its endowment fund.
Hagher explained that the anniversary underscores the unity of prominent Nigerians, which has historically contributed to the development of Northern Nigeria. Using his own experience as an example, Hagher noted that his academic pursuits benefited significantly from scholarships provided by Northern leaders through the ACF, a privilege that current youths are struggling to access due to prevailing insecurity in the region.
Hagher highlighted that Northern Nigeria now faces multiple security challenges, including kidnapping, terrorism, robbery, and banditry, threats that were less prevalent in the past. He stressed that the gathering of leaders from all 19 Northern states at the ACF event provided an opportunity to reflect on the forum’s journey, assess its current position, and chart a path forward.
“The unity that has brought us together under the umbrella of the ACF should also unite Northern leaders and Nigerians at large in tackling insecurity facing the country today,” Hagher said.
Declaring the event open, Buratai, condemned recent attacks on communities and the abduction of 25 students. He noted that Northern Nigeria has historically been the country’s most peaceful region, often preferred over other parts of the country.
Buratai congratulated the ACF Chairman, saying the forum has produced outstanding leaders and continues to promote the interests of the youth, the leaders of tomorrow.
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“The ACF promotes the interest of Northern youths, and when the interest of half the country is promoted, the country’s interest is advanced entirely,” he said. “Nigeria today has diverse personalities, cultures, and societies that collectively project the nation’s interests, and the ACF remains a key platform for this mission.”
In a related announcement, Buratai revealed that the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation, in collaboration with the Tukur & Tukur Foundation, is offering free medical outreach services, including eye screening and Ear, Nose, and Throat treatment, using specialised drugs, in commemoration of the ACF’s 25th anniversary. He encouraged all to participate.
