ACF: Gowon, northern elders demand tougher action on insecurity

By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd) has led a fresh charge for unity and stronger regional cooperation as the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) marked its silver jubilee in Kaduna.

Gowon, represented by former Vice President Namadi Sambo, said the North must prioritise peace and cohesion if it hopes to overcome its current challenges.

He noted that the ACF was founded on principles of moderation and nation-building, ideals he said remain as vital today as they were 25 years ago.

“Unity, peace and harmony are not mere slogans,” he said on Friday. “They are the oxygen for development and the foundation of our collective dignity.”
He warned that extremists continued to exploit division, adding: “Without unity we fracture. Without peace we stagnate.”

ACF Board of Trustees chairman, Bashir Dalhatu, traced the forum’s establishment in 2000 to the region’s need for moral leadership amid rising security and social concerns. He lamented that the situation had deteriorated, citing attacks, abductions and the recent killing of a senior military officer as reminders that many communities remain under siege.

“The government must find a way to end the violence rapidly. The consequences of failure, God forbid, are too frightening to contemplate,” he warned.

Dalhatu said the closure of hundreds of boarding schools due to insecurity underlined the depth of the crisis.

Calling for tighter coordination between traditional leaders, governors and security agencies, he commended security personnel but stressed that “much more must be done.”

The event also witnessed the unveiling of an ACF endowment fund, with billionaire businessman Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu announced as chief launcher. Dalhatu described the initiative as a long-term investment in the region’s future.

Delegations from Afenifere, Ohanaeze, PANDEF and BRAC graced the anniversary, which Dalhatu said reflected “the consolidation of friendship and goodwill across regions.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, business magnate Aliko Dangote and other national leaders were also in attendance, a turnout Dalhatu said demonstrated a renewed commitment to finding solutions.

Speakers revived the ACF’s historic agenda of strengthening education, agriculture and industrial growth. Traditional rulers, including the Sultan of Sokoto, underscored the urgency of grassroots peacebuilding and sustained interfaith dialogue.

The jubilee closed with a shared pledge to deepen collaboration across political, traditional and socio-cultural platforms.

Organisers affirmed that the ACF would continue to champion policies that protect lives, restore livelihoods and advance inclusive development across the North.

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