Bafarawa, Naja’atu Mohammed Unveil Initiative to Empower Northern Youths
By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
In response to the sociopolitical and economic challenges facing Northern Nigeria, two prominent figures – former Governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa, and human rights advocate Hajiya Naja’atu Mohammed—have launched the Northern Star Youth Empowerment Initiative (NSYE).
Speaking at the unveiling held at Arewa House, Kaduna, Hajiya Naja’atu Mohammed, Co-Chairperson of NSYE, described the initiative as a transformative movement aimed at rallying Northern youths towards regional progress.
“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 said. Emphasising the non-political nature of NSYE, she stressed that the initiative will not be used for political purposes but will focus on providing guidance and opportunities for youth empowerment.
According to her, the current realities in the North demand innovative solutions that transcend political, social, and economic challenges. “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 aims to harness the mental and physical potential of Northern youth to achieve the region’s socioeconomic development. Mohammed highlighted the region’s youthful population as a key economic asset, noting that a reliable framework for harnessing this potential could transform Northern Nigeria into a hub of growth and sustainability.
However, she lamented that decades of poor leadership have squandered numerous opportunities, leaving the region at a crossroads. “After 64 years of independence, leadership failures remain the root cause of our challenges,” she added.
Former Governor Bafarawa echoed these sentiments, describing the Northern region’s current state as dire. “The North, once the stabilising factor of Nigeria, is now at its lowest point across all socioeconomic indices since the fall of the First Republic,” he said.
He criticised Northern elites for their indifference and prioritization of personal wealth over regional development. “It is an offence for elites – political, business, traditional, and intellectual, to sit idly by while the region declines,” he said.
Bafarawa urged Northern youths to seize the opportunity offered by NSYE, work with determination, and rise above religious, ethnic, and personal sentiments to reclaim the region’s glory.
The event also featured the unveiling of NSYE representatives from various Northern states, marking the beginning of what organisers hope will be a transformative journey for Northern Nigeria.
