We’ll Save The North, Put The Youth In Leadership – Bafarawa

Former Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Dalhatu Attahiru Bafarawa, has announced the launch of a movement aimed at saving northern Nigeria and inspiring the region’s youth to aspire to leadership positions.

Leaders from the North recently launched the Northern Star Empowerment Initiative under Bafarawa’s leadership. The initiative aims to unite local communities and empower the youth to take on leadership roles.

In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Bafarawa explained that the organization was created to address the challenges facing northern Nigeria, including insecurity, unemployment, rising poverty, food scarcity, and the high number of out-of-school children.

Bafarawa clarified that the initiative is not a political movement. “It is an independent organization with no intention of engaging in politics or joining political parties. It seeks the rights of the North,” he said.

He emphasized that he is not seeking any political office and has no desire for government positions. “By God, I don’t want to be elected, and I don’t want any government position for the rest of my life. My wish is to ensure that young people get their rights so that there can be peace,” he added.

The former governor expressed concern about the marginalization of youth in northern Nigeria, stating that many young people are being sidelined despite the region’s large youth population.

“The purpose of this organization is to guide the youth into leadership, because it is their rights that we fight for. If we want peace, we must guide our youth,” he said.

Bafarawa also assured that anyone who joins the organization and seeks a leadership position will receive support. He noted that the initiative has already garnered backing from both Muslim and Christian religious leaders.

He highlighted the division within the North along ethnic and religious lines, stressing that if religion were not a factor, the region would remain united. “If religion is not used, the North will never break apart,” Bafarawa said. He urged the region to unite and create new ways to address its challenges in order to make progress.