The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation has called on Northern Nigerian youth to avoid protests and seek proper channels to address their grievances.
The call was made on Wednesday at a one-day Arewa Youth Assembly in Kaduna, with a theme “Fuel Your Creativity: Choosing Entrepreneurship for Progress”.
The Managing Director of the foundation, Mr Abubakar Umar, emphasised the importance of lawfulness and entrepreneurship.
He encouraged the youth to be self-reliant and reduce over-reliance on the government for employment.
Umar said that the assembly was aimed at sensitising youth groups from the 19 Northern states about the benefits of entrepreneurship and self-sustainability, especially in the light of recent calls for protests.
He highlighted the destructive consequences of past protests, such as the EndSARS protests, which resulted in significant property damage and loss of lives.
He urged the youth to channel their grievances through legal and constructive means, emphasising dialogue with leaders as a more effective approach.
Umar said, “We must come together and fashion a Marshall Plan for the development of the North-West.
”Our plan must be people-driven and all-inclusive.”
Sanusi Maikudi, the Guest Speaker at the event, underscored the importance of entrepreneurship for reaching prosperity.
He cautioned the youth against being manipulated by political interests and stressed the need for self-reliance and peaceful coexistence.
The convener of the Arewa Think Tank, Alhaji Muhammad Yakubu, expressed gratitude to the foundation for its collaboration in the event.
He urged the youth to embrace entrepreneurship and reduce dependence on government jobs, fostering economic development and personal fulfillment.
Two religious leaders Dr Adams Almanar and Sheikh Ibrahim Disina, also addressed the assembly, warning against the repercussions of protests, urged the youth to engage in prayer and peaceful dialogue.
Almanar highlighted the destructive potential of protests even as he called for patience and understanding in addressing national issues.
Mr Saleh Momale, Executive Vice Chairman of the Kaduna Peace Commission, reiterated the importance of listening to leaders and focusing on entrepreneurship and family for community peace.
He advised the youth to avoid any calls for unrest being spread through social media.
He said, ”The foundation’s stance against protests and its advocacy for entrepreneurship and constructive engagement reflects its commitment to the progress and stability of Northern Nigeria.” (NAN)
