(DDM) – Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote addressed northern political and community leaders on Friday, issuing urgent warnings about the region’s development trajectory.
DDM gathered that both leaders emphasized that the northern region risks worsening insecurity, economic stagnation, and social collapse if it fails to rebuild unity and reprioritize development.
The event, attended by key governors, traditional rulers, and policymakers, provided a platform for discussion on the challenges confronting northern Nigeria, including insurgency, banditry, youth unemployment, and poverty.
Atiku Abubakar highlighted that decades of political fragmentation and governance neglect have hindered economic progress in the region.
He urged northern leaders to embrace collaborative approaches, focus on education, infrastructure, and industrialization, and develop actionable strategies to empower youths and reduce crime.
Dangote, echoing Atiku’s message, stressed that the region’s economic potential remains vast but untapped due to lack of unity and coordination among political, traditional, and business leaders.
He warned that without immediate action, northern Nigeria could continue to lag behind other regions in economic development, social welfare, and investment attraction.
The two leaders also underscored the importance of investing in agriculture, technology, and energy as pathways to sustainable growth.
Community leaders in attendance reportedly expressed agreement, acknowledging that leadership disputes and regional rivalries have slowed progress and contributed to insecurity.
Atiku called for a renewed commitment to transparent governance, improved public service delivery, and policies that prioritize citizens’ welfare over political interests.
Dangote offered to support public-private partnerships that could accelerate development initiatives, particularly in education, health, and small-scale industries.
Observers noted that the joint intervention by Atiku and Dangote marks a rare convergence of political and business influence advocating for northern unity.
Experts argue that the region’s recovery depends not only on federal support but also on coordinated efforts among state governments, civil society, and community stakeholders.
Both leaders concluded by urging northern elites to take decisive action, warning that failure to do so could worsen existing security crises and economic decline.
The call for unity comes at a critical time, as northern Nigeria faces recurring insurgent attacks, rising poverty, and youth restiveness that threaten social stability.
Analysts suggest that the messages from Atiku and Dangote may signal increased pressure on northern leaders to prioritize development over political rivalry ahead of upcoming elections.