The Northern region of Nigeria is currently facing a multitude of challenges that have led to widespread misery among its population. The economy is struggling to keep up with the rapid growth of the population, resulting in a high number of dependents and a lack of resources to support them. Additionally, the region is plagued by mounting insecurity, which can be attributed to the levity and condescension of the Northern states governors and other so-called leaders. The levity and condescension of the Northern states governors and other leaders have contributed to the mounting insecurity and economic struggles.
While these governors and members of the ruling elite may claim to be concerned about the plight of the Northern population, it has become evident that they either cannot or will not do enough to bring an end to these issues. It is clear that only the North itself can solve its problems, but not all Northern leaders are committed enough to work towards solving the region’s socio-cultural problems, regressing economy, and precarious future.
Many of the leaders in the region today seem to prefer leaving the majority of Northerners in poverty and conflict, as it allows them to manipulate them during elections. This selfish approach to governance is detrimental to the progress and development of the region. However, with the right political will and quality of leadership, the North has the potential to address and resolve its challenges.
The conflicts between ethnic groups such as the Tiv and Jukun, as well as the perennial violence in Plateau State, can be brought to an end with the right interventions and commitment from Northern leaders. Similarly, solutions can be found to the issues surrounding the Fulani herdsmen and their cattle, which have caused significant tensions and insecurity in the region.
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One of the most pressing problems in the North is the lack of access to quality education for millions of children. This not only perpetuates the cycle of poverty but also wastes the region’s greatest asset, which is its human capital. It is imperative that Northern leaders prioritize education and invest in the future of their youth.
Unfortunately, the current crop of leaders in the North is ill-equipped and poorly-prepared to lead, except for their personal ambitions for power and wealth. This has left the Northern population vulnerable to armed crime, unforgivable poverty, and derision from other parts of Nigeria that once held the region in high regard.
The cultured people of the North must rise against these leaders and demand real commitment to reducing youth unemployment, insecurity, and poverty. It is crucial to replace leaders who view power as an end in itself and only mobilize the people during elections, sowing seeds of division and leaving everyone worse off.
The Northern youth must actively engage in politics to make a difference. They have the power to educate the children of the poor, bring peace to communities, fight corruption, and end insecurity. By pushing Northern governors to act and protect the farming population and the Fulani people and their livestock, the youth can play a significant role in finding solutions to conflicts that can be resolved.
Abdul-Azeez Suleiman wrote from Kaduna
