AS part of activities marking its 25th anniversary, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has engaged leading Northern social media influencers, urging them to use their platforms to amplify the forum’s vision of unity, peace, and development in Northern Nigeria.
News Point Nigeria reports that speaking at the interactive meeting held in Kaduna, ACF leadership acknowledged the growing influence of digital platforms in shaping public opinion, particularly among the youth, and emphasized the need for strategic partnerships between traditional institutions and the online community.
In his opening remarks, the ACF representative, former Minister of information, Lai Muhammad welcomed the influencers, noting that their presence symbolized the forum’s determination to carry young Northerners along in its journey.
“You represent the bridge between ACF’s legacy and the aspirations of today’s youth. Social media is now the most powerful tool of communication, and your voices are essential in humanizing institutions like ours,” the forum told participants.
Founded in 2000, the Arewa Consultative Forum has for a quarter of a century served as a platform for advancing the political, cultural, social, and economic interests of Northern Nigeria.
Over the years, it has played a prominent role in peacebuilding, security dialogue, and promoting policies that safeguard Northern interests while strengthening national unity.
As the ACF celebrates its Silver Jubilee, the leadership emphasized that the milestone is not just a celebration of past achievements but also “a conversation with the future.”
The ACF noted that with over 70% of Nigeria’s youth consuming information online, social media influencers have become indispensable partners in shaping perceptions and narratives.
Among the objectives outlined were:
Amplifying ACF’s Legacy in peacebuilding and Northern development.
Showcasing Silver Jubilee activities, including conferences, cultural showcases, and community projects.
Positioning ACF’s relevance as a forward-looking institution, not just a historical body.
Engaging young Northerners in governance and development conversations.
The forum charged influencers to push key messages of unity, youth inclusion, hope, and development, stressing that the Silver Jubilee celebration is “not just about ACF, but about Northern resilience, culture, and aspirations.”
The meeting also outlined practical ways influencers could contribute, including: Creating short videos, graphics, and stories to highlight ACF’s role., launching catchy hashtag campaigns such as #ACFAt25, #SilverJubileeNorth, and #VoiceOfTheNorth, providing live coverage of events before, during, and after the Jubilee, hosting interactive online sessions to engage young Northerners on the role of institutions in development and promoting positive narratives to counter misinformation about the region.
In closing, the ACF assured the influencers that their creativity would be valued and their voices given space in shaping the future of the forum.
“We do not see you merely as amplifiers, but as partners in progress. Together, we can project the true story of Northern Nigeria and inspire a new era of hope and development,” the leadership emphasized.
The Silver Jubilee, tagged #ACFAt25, is expected to feature high-level dialogues, cultural displays, and community-oriented initiatives, with social media set to play a central role in bringing the events closer to millions of Nigerians, especially the youth.