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 deep disappointment over what it describes as a lack of inclusion in the current administration.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kano, the group’s National Coordinator, Abba Muhammad, announced plans for a regional awareness tour across the 19 Northern states.
According to him, the tour is aimed at sensitizing communities about the current state of youth representation and advocating for the inclusion of Northern youths in national development and governance.
“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,” Abba stated.
He added that the group is concerned about the President’s apparent unwillingness to engage with youth leaders who were instrumental in delivering votes across the North.
The Matasan Arewa Youth Development Initiative is calling on President Tinubu and key stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) to honor the promises made to the youth during the campaign period and to prioritize competent youth representation in both appointments and policymaking.
“We are not asking for handouts. We are demanding recognition, inclusion, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to nation-building,” Abba emphasized.
The awareness tour is scheduled to begin in Kano State later this month and will include town hall meetings, media engagements, and community outreach programs aimed at reigniting political consciousness among Northern youths.