The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has announced a series of far-reaching decisions to address development challenges in Northern Nigeria.

The decisions were taken after its 38th board of trustees meeting in Abuja.

The meeting, chaired by Bashir Dalhatu, Wazirin Dutse, brought together prominent northern leaders and stakeholders, including former top government officials, diplomats and security chiefs.

In a communiqué issued in Kaduna on Sunday and signed by the chairman of the board of trustees, Mr Dalhatu, the ACF said it had approved the operational framework for its endowment fund, describing it as a major intervention vehicle to address longstanding socioeconomic challenges in the region. 

The board resolved to constitute two committees, advisory and management, to oversee the implementation of the fund.

It said the committees would operate under approved guidelines and terms of reference, with membership drawn from a broad spectrum of experienced public figures and technocrats.

According to the communiqué, the endowment fund, which has already attracted significant contributions from eminent northerners and development partners, is expected to play a pivotal role in supporting strategic initiatives across the region.

The advisory committee will be chaired by Ambassador Hassan Adamu, while the management committee will be headed by former inspector general of police, M.D. Abubakar, with Senator Simon Lalong serving as vice chairman.

The forum also announced the constitution of a separate committee to review its governing constitution, as part of efforts to strengthen its institutional capacity and relevance.

The constitution review committee, chaired by Awwalu Yadudu, was given eight weeks to complete its assignment.

Its mandate includes reviewing the forum’s objectives, organisational structure, funding mechanisms, membership framework, and leadership selection processes.

The committee is also expected to propose measures to enhance collaboration with key stakeholders, including northern state governments and traditional institutions.

The ACF said the review is necessary to eliminate overlaps, improve efficiency, and better position the organisation to deliver on its mandate.

The communiqué reaffirmed the forum’s commitment to promoting unity, peace, and sustainable development in northern Nigeria.

It added that the decisions taken at the meeting reflect a renewed determination by northern leaders to confront the region’s challenges through structured, collective action.

(NAN)