The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation has unveiled an eight-point agenda to rebuild Northern Nigeria’s value system and accelerate socio-economic development across the region.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by SABMF director-general, Abubakar Umar.

The plan, the foundation said, aims to address key socio-economic, educational, and security challenges by fostering collaboration between state governments, the federal government, and stakeholders.

The unveiling followed a virtual mentorship lecture delivered by Maryam Uwais, a former special adviser to the president on social investment, during the foundation’s monthly programme.

In her presentation titled ‘The North: Our Women, Our Youth, Our Children , Rebuilding Our Value System’, Ms Uwais identified erosion of societal values, weak institutions, and inadequate investment in human capital as the region’s underlying challenges, despite persistent issues of insecurity, poverty, and unemployment.

Reacting to the lecture, SABMF called on governments at all levels, policymakers, development partners, and other stakeholders to urgently adopt measures focused on education, youth empowerment, women’s development, governance, and social reorientation.

At the top of the list is prioritising education through expanded access to quality schooling, reducing out-of-school children, improving infrastructure, and stronger support for girls’ education.

The foundation also restated the need for large-scale youth empowerment initiatives, including skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, digital literacy, and access to startup financing, describing young people as the region’s greatest asset.

On women’s development, SABMF urged increased access to education, healthcare, financial inclusion, and leadership opportunities, noting their critical role in family stability and economic growth.

The agenda further highlighted the importance of restoring core values such as integrity, accountability, and tolerance through coordinated efforts involving families, schools, religious bodies, and the media.

In addition, SABMF called for improved governance through transparency, merit-based appointments, and citizen-focused service delivery, alongside enhanced collaboration among security agencies and community stakeholders to address insecurity and social vices.

The foundation also advocated increased investment in agriculture and rural infrastructure to unlock economic opportunities, boost food security, and drive inclusive growth.

It underscored the media’s role in promoting balanced narratives by highlighting innovation, youth achievements, women’s leadership, and peacebuilding efforts.

SABMF stressed that the transformation of Northern Nigeria requires collective action and sustained commitment from all stakeholders.

“The progress of Northern Nigeria requires unity of purpose, consistency of policy, and long-term commitment from governments, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society, the private sector, development partners, and citizens,” the foundation said.

It added that, with a renewed focus on human capital development, ethical leadership, and strong institutions, the region has the capacity to achieve lasting peace and prosperity.

“The time for coordinated action is now,” the foundation said.

(NAN)