Northern Nigeria is going through one of the most challenging periods in its contemporary history. Insecurity remains widespread, unemployment continues to rise, and political fragmentation deepens the region’s vulnerability. At a time when the North is desperately searching for direction, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko’s message at the 25th anniversary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) offered not just a reminder of what has gone wrong, but a blueprint for what must be done.
Speaking in Kaduna during the ACF celebration, Wamakko declared that “the North must now move together in unison as against what was happening hitherto.” It was a firm but necessary call. In a region troubled by internal divisions and weakened by years of disjointed leadership, the senator’s words captured a truth that many recognise but few openly voice: the North cannot solve its problems in isolation or through fragmented responses.
Wamakko went further, stating that after years of drift, “it has now been understood that the North can only solve its problems and move forward if we are all united.” His emphasis on unity was not political gloss; it was an honest diagnosis of the region’s foundational crisis. No meaningful progress can be achieved in security, development, or governance unless the region confronts its internal fractures.
Among the key challenges he highlighted were insecurity and youth unemployment—two of the most urgent threats to stability. But Wamakko expressed confidence that these problems can be addressed through joint action, saying: “These are the major issues we will start with and by the special grace of God, we will succeed in tackling them head-on.” His optimism was not detached from responsibility; it was rooted in the belief that coordinated leadership can reverse the region’s downward trajectory.
Beyond the immediate issues, Wamakko underscored the role of the ACF as “a formidable platform for the Northern region to showcase itself, address its challenges and by extension, the entire country.” It was a timely reminder that institutions matter—especially at a time when many national structures are struggling under political strain. He urged that the speeches and insights shared at the anniversary be compiled into a working document to guide the Forum’s future activities, stressing the need for continuity and strategic planning rather than ceremonial gatherings.
This institutional mindset is one of the qualities that set Wamakko apart. His appeal was not about personal ambition, nor was it framed in self-serving political language. Instead, it reflected a tone of stewardship, maturity, and collective responsibility. At a time when public trust in political leadership is eroding, such clarity is invaluable.
Northern Nigeria does not lack talented leaders. What it lacks is cohesion—someone capable of rallying diverse political, traditional, and economic actors around a shared agenda. Wamakko’s message at the ACF points toward a model of leadership that prioritises unity, strategic thinking, and realistic solutions. His calm, consultative, and inclusive approach is aligned with what the region urgently requires.
The North is at a crossroads. The choices made today will determine whether it returns to stability or sinks deeper into fragmentation. Senator Wamakko’s call for collective action and his insistence on using platforms like the ACF to drive structured, long-term solutions reflect the kind of leadership needed to pull the region back from the brink.
In this moment of uncertainty, the North needs a leader who can rise above personal politics and champion a vision that brings people together. Wamakko’s message was unmistakable: unity is not a slogan but a survival strategy. And if the region is ready to embrace that truth, his voice offers a steady hand and a clear path forward.
Aliyu is a public affairs analyst based in Minna, Niger State
