Kano, Nigeria – Nabila Yusuf Ahmad, convener of the Grand Arewa Twitter Connect, called for greater inclusion of young people in policy discussions affecting their future during a youth gathering in Kano on Sunday. The event, which brought together participants from several northern states, aimed to provide a platform for young Nigerians to voice concerns and influence decisions that impact them.
Ahmad emphasized that many young voices in northern Nigeria remain unheard. “There are so many voices that are not heard, and we need to have one strong voice for Northern Nigeria,” she said. She noted that historic ties among youths in the region have weakened, limiting 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,” Ahmad added.
The gathering highlighted unity as a critical lever for addressing persistent challenges such as high youth unemployment and insecurity. “Unity is one of the most important things we are targeting. If you look around, people are already connecting and building relationships,” she remarked. However, organizers acknowledged that financial constraints limited participation for some interested individuals.
Entrepreneur Aliyu Muhammad, popularly known as Sarkin Mota, also addressed the audience, stressing national cohesion. “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. He criticized the misuse of social media by some youths, noting that platforms are frequently employed for negative purposes. “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 warned.
Sarkin Mota urged young Nigerians to focus on constructive collaboration and mutual support, asserting that the generation possesses abundant energy but requires clearer direction. “The generation is full of energy but needs better direction,” he observed.
The Grand Arewa Twitter Connect, initiated in 2022, seeks to harness digital tools to foster dialogue among northern youth and bridge gaps between them and policymakers. By convening regional participants in person, the organizers aim to strengthen networks that were eroded during periods of instability and limited connectivity.
The Kano gathering underscores ongoing efforts to integrate youth perspectives into Nigeria’s socio‑economic agenda. Stakeholders indicated that future events will aim to expand participation, address funding challenges, and build on the momentum generated at the meeting to influence policy formulation at both state and federal levels.
