2027 ELECTIONS: NORTHERN YOUTHS PRAISE TINUBU’S REFORMS
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By: Fasasi Hammad
Youths from Nigeria’s 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) gathered in Kaduna on Wednesday to evaluate President Bola Tinubu’s policies and reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The event, organized by the Arewa Political Awareness Movement (APAM), formed part of a public sensitisation programme aimed at educating citizens on government achievements across key sectors.
Speaking at the forum, APAM convener Jabir Usman described the initiative as a civic engagement platform designed to cultivate informed and active citizens.
“Our democracy thrives when citizens are informed, conscious, and actively involved in governance. Leadership must be measured by impact, not rhetoric, and by results, not propaganda,” Usman said.
He explained that the gathering also served to highlight the administration’s performance over the past two and a half years, particularly in areas that directly affect ordinary Nigerians.
“Education, healthcare, security, agriculture, infrastructure, and economic policies have all seen notable progress under President Tinubu,” he added.
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On education, Usman highlighted the National Education Loan Fund, which provides financial support for underprivileged students to pursue tertiary education without being constrained by poverty.
“Poverty will no longer be a reason for dropping out of school. This initiative ensures every deserving child has the opportunity to achieve their dreams,” he said.
He also noted the introduction of a new pension scheme for retired university professors, providing pensions equal to their annual salaries. “This restores dignity to the teaching profession and motivates academic excellence,” he explained.
In addition, Usman highlighted the establishment of new federal universities in the North, including Kachia in Kaduna, Azare in Bauchi, Tsafe in Zamfara, and Funtua in Katsina, aimed at producing highly skilled professionals in medicine and science.
He further spoke on the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme, which is set to equip three million youths with skills in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data science, and other digital technologies by 2027.
“Thousands of young Nigerians are already benefiting, gaining skills, devices, and opportunities that position them for the global economy,” Usman said.
On healthcare, he praised the reintroduction and restructuring of the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System, which guarantees free ambulance services and emergency medical care within the first 48 hours.
“The government is showing that human life is its highest priority,” Usman said, noting that over 1,000 primary healthcare centers have been revitalized, with 5,500 more in the pipeline, and health insurance coverage increasing from 16 million to 20 million Nigerians.
In agriculture, he highlighted the ₦130 billion injection into the National Agricultural Development Fund to boost food production and diversify the economy. He also pointed to the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development as a historic step toward modernising ranching, improving animal husbandry, and reducing farmer-herder conflicts.
On security, Usman noted that President Tinubu had implemented a unified national security strategy under National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, improving coordination among the Army, Air Force, Navy, Police, DSS, Civil Defence, and local vigilante groups.
“Communities terrorized by bandits in the North-West are beginning to experience stability, while strategic operations have weakened extremist groups in the North-East,” he said.
Economic reforms highlighted included the Supreme Court’s restoration of local government autonomy and the Central Bank of Nigeria’s monetary policy adjustments, which have stabilized borrowing costs and the foreign exchange market.
“These reforms are bringing development closer to the people and boosting business, investment, and job creation,” he added.
Progress in energy and infrastructure was also highlighted, including increased oil production, off-grid electricity projects, compressed natural gas initiatives, and railway projects such as the Kaduna–Kano line, enhancing mobility, regional trade, and employment opportunities for youths.
Speaking at the event, Senior Adviser on NGO Matters to the Kaduna Deputy Governor, Alhaji Muktar Zubairu, urged youths to take advantage of government empowerment schemes and actively participate in governance.
“Youths must wake up to the realities of governance. Register to vote, participate in elections, and hold leaders accountable. Do not allow yourselves to be used for selfish interests,” Zubairu said.
He noted that while some empowerment programmes, such as student loans and small-scale investment schemes, are not entirely new, their continuity and expanded scope have made them more effective.
Zubairu also emphasised the importance of youth representation in government, including in cabinet and advisory roles. “Young people are being carried along in decision-making, and they must use their influence positively,” he said.
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