Northern Nigeria’s Youth Cry Out for Inclusion, Unity at Kano Gathering
In a region often defined by its demographic weight and socio-economic challenges, a clarion call for youth inclusion has emerged from the heart of Kano. Nabila Yusuf Ahmad, convener of the Grand Arewa Twitter Connect, declared on Sunday that “many voices in Northern Nigeria are still unheard,” urging a renewed commitment to bringing young people into the fold of decision-making.
The gathering, which drew participants from across several northern states, was designed as a platform for networking, idea-sharing, and—most critically—amplifying the perspectives of a generation that feels increasingly sidelined. “There are so many voices that are not heard, and we need to have one strong voice for Northern Nigeria,” Nabila told attendees, her words resonating against a backdrop of persistent unemployment, insecurity, and a widening gap between youth aspirations and policy realities.
A Weakened Fabric of Connection
Nabila lamented that the once-robust networks among northern youths have frayed over time, diminishing opportunities for collaboration and mutual support. “We used to have strong connections among youths in Northern Nigeria, but that space reduced. That is why we decided to bring people together again and close the gap,” she explained. The event, she stressed, was not merely a social affair but a strategic intervention to rebuild solidarity. “Unity is one of the most important things we are targeting. If you look around, people are already connecting and building relationships,” she added, pointing to the organic interactions unfolding among participants.
Yet, the convener acknowledged that financial constraints had limited broader participation, despite widespread interest. This development occurs against a backdrop of economic hardship that often stifles civic engagement across the region.
Beyond Regional Divides: A Call for National Unity
The call for inclusion was echoed by Aliyu Muhammad, popularly known as Sarkin Mota, an entrepreneur who urged attendees to look beyond regional fault lines. “We often say North, we say South, but the truth is the North cannot win alone and the South cannot succeed alone. If Nigeria fails, we all fail together,” he said, his remarks underscoring the interconnectedness of the nation’s fortunes.
Sarkin Mota also turned a critical eye on the digital habits of young Nigerians, particularly their use of social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). “We use X to drag instead of to build. We use influence to insult instead of to empower. Clout will make you popular, but only value will make you powerful,” he cautioned. His critique reflects a broader concern among analysts who point to the corrosive effect of online toxicity on constructive dialogue and civic engagement.
Energy Without Direction
He noted that the current generation is “full of energy but needs better direction,” a sentiment that resonates with the event’s overarching theme of channeling youthful dynamism toward tangible solutions. The implications for the regional market and political landscape are twofold: first, a failure to harness this energy could exacerbate existing tensions; second, platforms like the Grand Arewa Twitter Connect offer a blueprint for re-engaging disenfranchised youth.
As the gathering concluded, the message was clear: the voices of Northern Nigeria’s youth are not merely background noise—they are a force that, if united and directed, could reshape the region’s trajectory. [[PEAI_MEDIA_X]]
Source Content: Daily Post Nigeria