A sociopolitical organisation, Arewa 100% Focus, has announced plans to train and provide start-up capital to 2,000 young people across Northern Nigeria as part of its 2026 programme of activities.
The initiative, aimed at tackling youth unemployment and fostering regional development, was unveiled during the group’s first National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the year held on Monday.
Speaking at the event, the National President of the group, Hon. Dr. Abubakar Sadiq Saadu (Fakai), said the decision was driven by growing concern over the increasing population of young people in the region without commensurate opportunities.
Saadu noted that for too long, the North has suffered from internal disunity, poor coordination and underutilisation of its youthful population, stressing that the meeting marked a turning point for the region.
“This meeting is a course correction—a moment to reset priorities, rebuild trust, and reassert Arewa’s rightful place in national leadership through unity and excellence,” he said.
He explained that the core objectives of the 2026 agenda include forging a unified Arewa leadership consensus on national direction, harmonising political, traditional, youth and technocratic leadership, and establishing a disciplined framework for collective decision-making.
The group also pledged to prioritise youth development, leadership grooming and social stability, while committing to peaceful, strategic and issue-driven political engagement.
Saadu commended the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) for promoting unity and demonstrating support for young people in the region.
According to him, the organisation will organise a series of summits and training programmes in 2026 to equip selected youths with entrepreneurial and leadership skills before providing them with take-off grants to start or expand their businesses.
“With the current challenges facing the region, including insecurity, we must harness the great potential of our young people and channel their energy into productive ventures. Idle hands must be engaged to secure peace and prosperity in the North,” he said.
He added that the group would also convene a political summit to identify and support young politicians committed to the interests of Northern Nigeria.
The organisation further called on the National Assembly to prioritise reforms that would strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process.
“Anything that will make our electoral process free and fair, we as a body will always support,” Saadu stated.
Programmes lined up for the year include the introduction of 17 selected young players and the nomination of ACF Ambassadors in February and March 2026; a Northern Political Solutions Summit for young leaders in March and April 2026; an ACF Business Development Summit in April and May 2026; and a Northern Young Political Aspirants’ Retreat for the 19 Northern states and the FCT scheduled for May and June 2026.
Saadu urged stakeholders to embrace unity and strategic planning for the future of the region.
“Let this gathering mark the moment when Arewa chose focus over fragmentation, strategy over sentiment, and legacy over convenience. The future is not awaited. It is organised,” he concluded.
