President Bola Tinubu has pledged that his administration will not neglect any part of Nigeria in its fight against banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism, stressing that the North’s stability is essential to the peace and progress of the entire federation.

Speaking at the 25th Anniversary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) in Kaduna on Saturday, Tinubu—represented by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas—acknowledged that the North is facing one of the gravest challenges in its history.

He cited a corrosion of security, collapse of communal ethics, and distortion of the moral compass that once held communities together.

Tinubu admitted that the layers and sophistication of the security crisis inherited by his administration were daunting, but assured that his resolve to end insecurity in the region remains firm and urgent.

He also promised to reverse the long‑running economic decline of the North, noting with optimism that the region is on the verge of a major turnaround with the anticipated rollout of crude oil from the Kolmani fields and other emerging oil prospects.

“Nigeria cannot prosper when a key part of its national body is paralysed,” Tinubu said, adding that his administration is accelerating road, rail, and river transport projects. Among them is the Abuja‑Kaduna‑Zaria‑Kano Superhighway, which he noted would be completed and commissioned in Kano in the coming months.

Leaders Urged to Embrace Responsibility

Tinubu told the gathering that he attended the ACF anniversary as “a son of the Nigerian federation” and is bound by duty and conscience to every part of the country. He urged leaders to embrace selflessness and moral responsibility, warning that privilege comes with accountability.

“The North has not failed but could fail if leaders retreat from their obligation to be their brothers’ keepers. Failure begins the day leaders sleep comfortably while millions sleep hungry or travel in fear across short distances,” he said.

On his part, former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, represented by former Vice President Namadi Sambo, described unity, peace, and harmony as the “oxygen required for development and collective dignity of the country.”

He reminded the audience that the ACF was founded to champion moderation and national cohesion, stressing that those guiding principles must be restored as daily realities, not rhetorical slogans.

The host Governor, Senator Uba Sani, represented by his Deputy Hadiza Balarabe, reaffirmed Kaduna’s commitment to sustaining peace, inclusion, and rural transformation as non‑negotiable pillars of development.

He said his administration had embraced a leadership model rooted in transparency, reconciliation, and citizen participation—an approach he argued was rebuilding trust across long‑fractured communities.

Describing Kaduna as the “historic centre of Northern identity,” Governor Sani noted that hosting the ACF headquarters in the state is not just an honour but a solemn responsibility to shape the region’s future.