By Hussaini Ibrahim
A coalition of Northern youths under the aegis of the Matasan Arewa Youth Development Initiative has expressed disappointment over what it described as the exclusion of young people from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking at a press conference in Kano on Thursday, the group’s National Coordinator, Abba Muhammad, said the organisation—made up of youths who mobilised grassroots support for the President during the 2023 elections—has concluded plans to embark on an awareness tour across the 19 Northern states.
According to him, the tour will focus on sensitising communities on youth representation, political inclusion, and participation in national development.
“We campaigned. We mobilised. 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 lamented.
He said the group is concerned about what it perceives as the President’s lack of engagement with youth leaders who were instrumental in securing votes across the North.
The group urged President Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to honour campaign promises made to Northern youths and ensure competent youth representation in appointments and policymaking processes.
“We are not asking for handouts,” Abba added. “We are demanding recognition, inclusion, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to nation-building.”
The awareness tour, which begins later this month in Kano, will feature town hall meetings, media engagements, and community outreach programmes aimed at reigniting political consciousness among Northern youths.