Alhaji Dalhatu Attahiru Bafarawa, former Governor of Sokoto State, has announced the launch of a new movement dedicated to saving northern Nigeria and empowering its youth to take on leadership roles.
The initiative, named the Northern Star Empowerment Initiative, was recently introduced with Bafarawa at the helm.
Its main goal is to unite the region and provide young people with the necessary tools and opportunities to assume leadership positions.
In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Bafarawa explained that the organization was formed in response to the ongoing issues facing the North, including insecurity, widespread unemployment, poverty, food scarcity, and the growing number of out-of-school children.
He emphasized that the initiative is not a political movement. “It is an independent organization focused solely on advocating for the rights of the North. We are not involved in politics or affiliated with any political party,” Bafarawa clarified.
The former governor also made it clear that he has no intention of seeking any political office or government position.
“I have no desire to be elected to any office or hold any government role for the rest of my life. My goal is to ensure the rights of the youth are upheld, which will lead to peace and progress,” he said.
Bafarawa expressed deep concern over the marginalization of young people in northern Nigeria, despite the fact that they make up a large portion of the region’s population.
“This organization is dedicated to empowering the youth and guiding them into leadership roles, as it is their rights we are advocating for,” he added.
He also stressed that ensuring the youth are given the opportunity to lead is essential for achieving peace in the region.
He assured that the initiative would support anyone seeking to take on a leadership role, regardless of their background.
The movement has already gained support from both Muslim and Christian leaders within the region.
Bafarawa also addressed the divisions within the North, often caused by ethnic and religious differences.
He argued that if religion were not a factor, the region would remain united.
“If we remove religion from the equation, the North will never be divided,” he asserted, urging the region to find new ways to overcome its challenges and work together for progress.
