…Says Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises education, agriculture, industrialisation, security
Omobolaji Adekunle
Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) to resist attempts by mischief makers to sow division among Nigerians, stressing that unity remains vital for national progress.
Shettima gave the charge yesterday during a meeting with a delegation from the ACF, led by its Chairman, Board of Trustees, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He called on northern leaders to stand firm in support of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which, he said, is designed to rescue Nigeria from years of economic and social challenges.
“There is no better time than now for the leaders of the North to stand together as one in support of efforts by the Tinubu administration to rescue the nation from the quagmire it was hitherto trapped in,” Shettima said.
The Vice President warned the ACF against falling for divisive narratives being peddled by what he described as “a few mischief makers” seeking to fragment the unity of the country.
“We have proved, time and again, that our diversity is our strength our differences in tribe, faith, and geography are the very bricks that make this house of destiny we live in. We must resist all attempts to divide us or stir mischief among us. Our future depends on unity, and unity must remain our creed,” he stated.
Shettima explained that while some agitations in the country arise from genuine grievances for fairness and inclusion, others are driven by greed and a desire to exploit disorder for selfish interests. He said the task before the Tinubu administration is to discern between the two and respond appropriately.
“We must embrace legitimate calls for equity and inclusion while isolating forces that seek to profit from chaos,” he said.
Dispelling insinuations of ethnic or religious bias in government appointments and policies, Shettima said no group would be marginalised under the current administration.
“Every group, every community, every faith, and every voice has a place in the national conversation. Our policies are designed to create opportunities for all to lift every community through inclusion, education, and enterprise,” he assured.
The Vice President reiterated that northern leaders remain an integral part of the Tinubu led administration, noting that government is ready to partner with the ACF to advance the region’s development and national unity.
He lamented the socio-economic challenges facing the North, describing the region as one that has moved from being “defined by stability and vision” to one now scarred by insecurity, mistrust, and economic decline.
“We owe our people not only the duty of ending the cycle of killings and destruction that have crippled our communities but also ensuring justice for victims of violence and deprivation,” Shettima added.
Highlighting ongoing government initiatives aimed at reviving the North, the Vice President said President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises education, agriculture, industrialisation, and security as pillars of regional transformation.
He said through the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), millions of northern students now have access to tertiary education without financial barriers, while vocational and technical training centres are being expanded to equip youth for roles in agriculture, manufacturing, and technology.
“We are building agro-processing industries to create jobs and value chains, investing in microfinance systems to support smallholder farmers and MSMEs, and establishing industrial zones in key states such as Kano, Kaduna, and Sokoto,” Shettima stated.
He assured the ACF of the administration’s commitment to inclusiveness, peace, and sustainable development across the North and the entire country.
