Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has praised the Northern Elders Forum for what he described as its consistent commitment to the progress and unity of the northern region.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Lawal gave the commendation on Thursday during a stakeholders’ meeting in Kaduna, where leaders from across the region gathered to discuss security, development, and governance. He said the forum has played an important role in guiding northern leaders through difficult challenges.

“The Northern Elders Forum has remained steadfast in its mission to protect the interests of our people,” Lawal said. “Their advice and interventions over the years have helped our region remain focused, even in times of crisis.”

The governor noted that northern Nigeria continues to face problems such as insecurity, poverty, and unemployment. He said these issues cannot be solved by government alone, stressing the importance of traditional leaders, community elders, and civil society groups.

According to Lawal, the region must embrace dialogue, peacebuilding, and economic reforms if it hopes to overcome its current challenges. He urged political leaders to work closely with the NEF to develop policies that will create jobs and restore security.

“Without peace and development in the North, Nigeria as a whole cannot enjoy stability,” Lawal said. “This is why the role of elders and respected voices like the Northern Elders Forum is critical.”

The Northern Elders Forum, founded in 2010, has become a strong voice on political and social issues in the country. The group regularly comments on national policy, insecurity, and the state of governance. Its leadership includes academics, retired civil servants, and respected traditional leaders.

In recent years, the forum has called on the federal government to do more to address violence in rural communities. It has also urged northern governors to invest more in education and agriculture as a way of reducing poverty.

Prof. Ango Abdullahi, convener of the NEF, said at the meeting that the forum would continue to speak for the people of the North. He explained that the group’s goal is not political power but ensuring justice, fairness, and equal opportunities for all Nigerians.

“We are not against the government. We only want a government that works for the people,” Abdullahi said. “The North has suffered a lot from insecurity and economic hardship, and we cannot keep quiet while our people struggle.”

Analysts say the partnership between state governments and respected groups like the NEF could help bridge the gap between leaders and ordinary citizens. They note that the elders’ influence, especially in rural communities, gives them the ability to promote peace and dialogue in ways that politicians sometimes cannot.

Civil society activist Hauwa Musa welcomed Governor Lawal’s comments, saying they show respect for elders’ contributions. She urged other governors to follow his example.

“Many times, leaders ignore the advice of experienced elders,” Musa said. “What Governor Lawal has done is to acknowledge that wisdom is needed in solving problems, not just political power.”

The North remains the most populated region in Nigeria but also the poorest, according to government data. Reports show that millions of children in the region are out of school, while farmers face attacks that limit food production.

Security experts warn that unless solutions are found, the problems could worsen instability in other parts of the country.

Governor Lawal said his administration will continue to consult with the NEF and other community leaders in Zamfara. He promised to make education, agriculture, and security top priorities for his government.

“Our elders give us direction, and we will continue to respect their wisdom,” Lawal said. “With unity and hard work, the North will rise again.”

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