…Harps on Peace, Unity, Development in the North
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Former Governor of Sokoto State and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Arewa Cohesion for Peace, Unity and Development Initiative (ACPUDI), Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, has called for unity, peace, and collective effort to address the multifaceted challenges facing Northern Nigeria.
Speaking during the official unveiling of the ACPUDI movement at the Arewa House in Kaduna on Thursday, Bafarawa described the problems confronting the region as “complex and deep-rooted,” citing communal conflicts, insecurity, youth restiveness, economic marginalization, and the erosion of shared values.
He said the launch of the movement marks a bold step toward healing divisions, fostering understanding, and laying the foundation for sustainable development in the North.
“Arewa is more than a geographical expression—it is a symbol of identity, history, and a collective destiny,” he said. “It is in this spirit that we come together, not as tribes, political groups, or religious factions, but as brothers and sisters united by a shared vision of peace, unity, and progress.”
Bafarawa emphasized that the initiative is not a political movement, nor does it intend to evolve into a political party. Instead, its mission transcends partisanship and seeks collaboration with all who share a common goal of transforming the region and Nigeria at large.
“We are not out to fight anyone, but to build bridges and foster constructive engagement. We will work with any organization that shares our vision,” he said.
He described ACPUDI as a response to the region’s challenges and a vehicle for hope, grounded in the belief that peace is more than the absence of conflict—it is the presence of justice, equity, and meaningful dialogue. “Unity does not mean uniformity, but strength drawn from diversity. True development must be people-centered, inclusive, and sustainable,” Bafarawa added.
He outlined the mission of the movement to include:
- Promoting peaceful coexistence among the North’s diverse communities;
- Creating platforms for dialogue, reconciliation, and conflict resolution;
- Engaging youth—whom he described as the region’s greatest resource—in productive and meaningful ventures;
- Collaborating with governments, traditional institutions, civil society, faith-based organizations, and international partners to build a safer and more inclusive North;
- Promoting good governance and progressive leadership recruitment across the region.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the movement, Dr. Abdullahi Idris, said ACPUDI is the product of extensive reflection, dialogue, and consultation across communities and institutions.
He noted that while the North boasts a rich cultural heritage and has contributed immensely to Nigeria’s identity, it has been deeply affected by insecurity, economic hardship, and social fragmentation in recent years.
“We’ve seen how cycles of violence, poverty, and disillusionment—especially among young people—have weakened institutions, undermined trust, and disrupted daily life in many communities. The consequences extend beyond the North and affect the entire country. The future of Nigeria is inseparable from the peace and progress of this region,” he stated.
Dr. Idris described ACPUDI as a strategic and timely initiative built on three interlinked pillars: peacebuilding, unity, and sustainable development. He said it seeks to foster dialogue, rebuild trust, and expand opportunities across the North.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, retired General John Temlong, said the initiative embodies the timeless values of the North—brotherhood, justice, and unity. He urged the leadership and members of ACPUDI to carry the hopes of millions and make the unveiling a turning point in the region’s pursuit of peace and sustainable progress.
