By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

Kaduna — The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation) has unveiled an eight-point reform agenda aimed at rebuilding Northern Nigeria’s value system and addressing poverty, insecurity, and youth unemployment across the region.

The recommendations followed a virtual mentorship lecture delivered by Maryam Uwais during the foundation’s monthly programme held on April 25, 2026.

Speaking on the theme, “The North: Our Women, Our Youth, Our Children – Rebuilding Our Value System,” Uwais identified the erosion of values, weak institutions, and inadequate investment in human capital as key factors driving insecurity and socio-economic challenges in the region.

In a statement, the foundation called on federal and state governments, development partners, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, and the media to adopt coordinated interventions to address the situation.

Central to the agenda is a renewed emphasis on education and human capital development, including efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children through improved access to basic and secondary education.

The foundation also advocated large-scale youth empowerment programmes focused on skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, digital literacy, agribusiness, and vocational training to reduce unemployment and social vulnerability.

On gender inclusion, SABMF called for expanded support for women in education, healthcare, enterprise, and leadership, describing them as key contributors to economic development and social stability.

It further proposed a broad social reorientation campaign involving families, schools, religious bodies, traditional institutions, and the media to promote values such as integrity, accountability, tolerance, and respect for human life.

The foundation emphasised the need for improved governance, urging public institutions to strengthen transparency, merit-based recruitment, and service delivery focused on citizens’ needs.

On security, it recommended enhanced collaboration among security agencies, community leaders, and youth groups to address insecurity, drug abuse, and violent extremism through intelligence sharing and dialogue.

The agenda also highlighted agricultural transformation through investments in irrigation, mechanisation, and rural infrastructure to boost food production and create economic opportunities.

It further urged the media to promote responsible reporting by highlighting positive stories on innovation, youth achievements, women’s leadership, and peacebuilding efforts.

The foundation stressed that rebuilding Northern Nigeria requires sustained collective action.

“The progress of Northern Nigeria demands unity of purpose, policy consistency, and long-term commitment from all stakeholders,” the statement said.

It expressed optimism that strategic investment in women, youth, and children would drive inclusive growth, peace, and long-term prosperity in the region.