The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) is charting a bold new course to unlock the vast economic potential of Northern Nigeria, with a renewed focus on investment, innovation, and inclusive growth.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, the Forum’s spokesperson, AbubakarJiddere, highlighted the paradox of Northern Nigeria: a region that has produced global icons like Aliko Dangote and Amina Mohammed, and one that is rich in mineral resources, arable land, and youthful energy yet still struggles to showcase its full economic potential.
To address this, Jiddere announced that the Forum is set to host the Northern Nigeria Investment and Industrialization Summit, in collaboration with the 19 states of Northern Nigeria and the New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC).
According to him, the summit represents more than an event it is “an unveiling of a fresh vision, an economic call to action, an appeal to conscience, and a strategic plan to unlock the promise of Northern Nigeria.
“The moment is right to look forward with confidence, to build bridges of investment, and to shape a future worthy of our people.
“This summit is not political. It is focused on the economy, on opportunities, and on creating prosperity. It is about highlighting the strengths of Northern Nigeria and presenting a vision of growth, innovation, and partnership. From today, we begin a new chapter,” Jiddere said.
He acknowledged the challenges that have slowed progress in the region, ranging from insecurity to underinvestment. These issues, he said, have created a paradox: “a land blessed with abundance, but a people yet to fully enjoy the rewards of that abundance.”
However, he stressed that the summit is about turning that paradox into opportunity, and ensuring that Northern Nigeria steps confidently into a new era of sustainable development.
“History presents us with a rare opportunity. We, as elders, carry the wisdom of memory and the responsibility of vision. But it is the youth the generation under 60 and the children yet unborn, who will carry the dreams of tomorrow,” he said.
Jiddere stressed that the summit is not only for Northern Nigeria, but for the entire country and continent.
“This summit is not for Northern Nigeria alone. It is for Nigeria. It is for Africa. It is for all global partners who believe in shared prosperity. When Northern Nigeria rises, Nigeria rises. When Nigeria rises, Africa rises.”.he added.
Folalumi Alaran
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