The Matasan Arewa Youth Development Initiative, a coalition of young Northern Nigerians who played a key role in mobilizing grassroots support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 general elections, has expressed disappointment over what it described as the continued neglect of Northern youths by the present administration.
Addressing journalists in Kano, the group’s National Coordinator, Abba Muhammad, announced plans to embark on a regional awareness tour across the 19 Northern states. He said the initiative aims to raise public consciousness about the state of youth participation in governance and advocate for greater inclusion in national development.
“We campaigned. We mobilized. We ensured victory. Yet, nearly two years into this administration, the young people of Arewa who stood at the forefront of this political struggle have been ignored,” Ibrahim said.
He expressed concern over what he described as the President’s unwillingness to engage youth leaders who contributed significantly to the ruling party’s success in the North.
The group urged President Tinubu and other key stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) to fulfill promises made to the youth during the campaign and ensure competent youth representation in appointments and policy formulation.
“We are not asking for handouts. We are demanding recognition, inclusion, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to nation-building,” Ibrahim emphasized.
According to the group, the awareness tour—scheduled to begin in Kano later this month—will feature town hall meetings, media engagements, and community outreach programs aimed at reigniting political consciousness and civic participation among Northern youths.
