Youths from the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory converged in Kaduna on Wednesday to assess President Bola Tinubu’s policies and reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The gathering, organized by the Arewa Political Awareness Movement, was part of a public sensitisation programme to inform citizens about government achievements across key sectors.
Speaking at the event, APAM convener Jabir Usman described the platform as a civic engagement initiative aimed at creating informed citizens.
“Our democracy thrives when citizens are informed, conscious, and actively involved in governance. Leadership must be measured by impact, not rhetoric, and by results, not propaganda,” Usman said.
He said the forum was also meant to shed light on the administration’s performance over the last two and a half years, especially in sectors that directly affect ordinary Nigerians.
“Education, healthcare, security, agriculture, infrastructure, and economic policies have all seen notable progress under President Tinubu,” Usman said.
On education, Usman highlighted the National Education Loan Fund, which provides financial support for underprivileged students to pursue tertiary education without being hindered by poverty.
“Poverty will no longer be a reason for dropping out of school. This initiative ensures every deserving child has the opportunity to achieve their dreams,” he said.
Another landmark policy, he added, is the new pension scheme for retired university professors, granting them pensions equal to their annual salaries. “This restores dignity to the teaching profession and motivates academic excellence,” he said.
Usman also mentioned the establishment of new federal universities across the North, including Kachia in Kaduna, Azare in Bauchi, Tsafe in Zamfara, and Funtua in Katsina, to produce highly skilled professionals in medicine and science.
He further highlighted the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme, designed to equip three million youths with skills in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data science, and other digital technologies by 2027.
“Thousands of young Nigerians are already benefiting, gaining skills, devices, and opportunities that position them for the global economy,” he said.
In the health sector, Usman praised the reintroduction and restructuring of the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System, which guarantees free ambulance services and medical care within the first 48 hours of emergency admission.
“The government is showing that human life is its highest priority,” he said, noting that over 1,000 primary healthcare centers have been revitalized, with 5,500 more in the pipeline, while health insurance coverage increased from 16 million to 20 million Nigerians.
On agriculture, Usman noted that the administration injected ₦130 billion into the National Agricultural Development Fund to boost food production and diversify the economy.
He also highlighted the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development, describing it as a historic move to modernise ranching, improve animal husbandry, and reduce conflicts between farmers and herders.
On security, Usman said President Tinubu had implemented a unified national security strategy under the leadership of National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu.
“Coordination among the Army, Air Force, Navy, Police, DSS, Civil Defence, and local vigilante groups has improved intelligence sharing and rapid response,” he said. “Communities terrorized by bandits in the North-West are beginning to experience stability, while strategic operations have weakened extremist groups in the North-East.”
Economic reforms, Usman added, include the Supreme Court’s restoration of local government autonomy and the Central Bank of Nigeria’s monetary policy adjustments, which have stabilized borrowing costs and the foreign exchange market.
“These reforms are bringing development closer to the people and boosting business, investment, and job creation,” he said.
He also highlighted progress in energy and infrastructure, including increased oil production, investments in off-grid electricity and compressed natural gas, and railway projects such as the Kaduna–Kano line, which enhance mobility, regional trade, and employment opportunities for youth.
Speaking at the programme, Senior Adviser on NGO Matters to Kaduna Deputy Governor, Alhaji Muktar Zubairu, urged youths to take advantage of government empowerment schemes and actively participate in governance.
“Youths must wake up to the realities of governance. Register to vote, participate in elections, and hold leaders accountable. Do not allow yourselves to be used for selfish interests,” Zubairu said.
He noted that while some empowerment programmes, such as student loans and small-scale investment schemes, are not entirely new, their continuity and expanded scope have made them more effective.
Zubairu also emphasised the importance of youth representation in government, including in cabinet and advisory roles. “Young people are being carried along in decision-making, and they must use their influence positively,” he said.
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