Writing By Teddy Daniel; Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
Arewa Political Awareness Movement (APAM) has called on Nigerians to remain informed and actively engaged in governance, describing civic awareness as a key pillar for national unity and development.
The call was made in a speech by the Convener of the movement, Mallam Jabir T. Usman, at a Public Sensitisation Programme on key government policies and reforms held at Asaa Pyramid Hotel, Kaduna.
Mallam Jabir Usman said APAM is a grassroots platform committed to educating young people and communities on politics, governance, and public policy through dialogue and civic engagement.
He noted that democracy thrives when citizens are well informed and actively involved, stressing that the programme was designed to replace rumours with facts and division with constructive dialogue.
Mallam Usman explained that the forum also provided an opportunity to assess the performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration after two and a half years in office, noting that leadership should be judged by impact and results rather than propaganda.
According to him, the Tinubu administration has recorded notable achievements in key sectors including education, healthcare, agriculture, security, the economy, and infrastructure, with reforms aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
In the education sector, the convener highlighted the establishment of the National Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, which has expanded access to tertiary education for children from less privileged backgrounds.
He also cited the approval of a pension scheme granting retired university professors earnings equivalent to their annual salaries, describing it as a move to restore dignity to the teaching profession.
Mallam Usman further noted the establishment of new federal universities, particularly universities of health and sciences in states such as Kaduna, Bauchi, Zamfara, and Katsina, as well as the launch of the 3 Million Technical Talent Programme aimed at equipping Nigerian youths with digital skills for the global economy.
On healthcare, he commended the reintroduction and restructuring of the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System, NEMSAS, which provides free emergency ambulance services and care within the first forty eight hours.
He added that the expansion of cancer treatment centres and the revitalisation of primary healthcare facilities across the country have also improved access to medical services.
Speaking on agriculture, the APAM convener said the injection of one hundred and thirty billion naira into the National Agricultural Development Fund has boosted food production and strengthened food security.
He also described the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development as a historic step towards addressing long standing pastoral challenges and farmer herder conflicts.
On security, Mallam Usman said improved coordination among security agencies under a unified national security strategy has led to successes against banditry and insurgency, particularly in the North West and North East regions.
Mallam Usman who assured of continuous public awareness engagement on government activities urged Nigerians to hold leaders at all levels accountable, stressing that development must be felt at the grassroots.
Also speaking , the Senior Adviser on NGO Matters to the Deputy Governor, Honourable Mukhtar Zubairu, urged youths to wake up to the realities of governance and take advantage of the numerous empowerment programmes available to them.
He said government at various levels has continued to roll out interventions in youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and social inclusion, stressing that young people must position themselves to benefit from these opportunities for national development.
According to him, the presence of young people in governance, including in the cabinet and key advisory positions, shows that the current administration is carrying youths along in decision making.
Honourable Zubairu warned against allowing youths to be used as tools for selfish interests, urging them instead to use their numbers and energy positively to drive meaningful development in society.
