The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has inaugurated an Endowment Fund Committee to promote transparency, educational development, youth empowerment and sustainable socio-economic growth across Northern Nigeria.
The development was announced in a statement issued by the Forum on Tuesday following the inauguration of the committee, which is expected to provide strategic leadership for the implementation of the ACF Endowment Fund’s objectives.
The committee is co-headed by former Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Muhammad Dahiru Abubakar, and former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Bako Lalong.
Both leaders have been tasked with overseeing the effective management and execution of the fund’s programmes and initiatives.
Speaking during the inauguration, Chairman of the ACF Board of Trustees (BoT), Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, commended members of the Forum for their commitment to the organisation’s ideals and described the Endowment Fund as a major step towards expanding educational opportunities and supporting community development across the region.
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Dalhatu said the Forum remained committed to collaborating with stakeholders, development partners and community leaders to advance peace, unity, good governance and national development.
The BoT chairman recalled that the ACF launched a N100 billion Endowment Fund during its Silver Jubilee celebration.
According to him, while N7.8 billion was pledged by individuals and organisations, only about N3.9 billion has so far been redeemed and deposited in the Forum’s account with Jaiz Bank.
He assured members that the fund was secure and urged the newly inaugurated committee to embark on meaningful social intervention programmes while encouraging donors who had made pledges to fulfil their commitments.
“The good work we do with the available funds will definitely attract more funding and support from individuals and organisations committed to the development of Northern Nigeria,” Dalhatu said.
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He expressed gratitude to individuals, corporate bodies and organisations that had contributed to the fund and appealed to other prominent sons and daughters of Northern Nigeria to support the initiative through financial contributions.
Dalhatu also called on those who had made pledges to honour their commitments, stressing that collective action and sustained support were essential to achieving the objectives of the Endowment Fund.
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He further reassured donors and stakeholders that all resources received would be judiciously utilised for projects aimed at improving education, empowering young people, supporting vulnerable communities and promoting sustainable development across the North.
According to him, the collective efforts of ACF members have continued to contribute to nation-building and the promotion of values that encourage progress, stability and prosperity.
The newly established Endowment Fund is expected to serve as a transparent and accountable platform for mobilising resources to support educational programmes, youth empowerment initiatives, leadership development and other strategic interventions designed to improve the welfare and socio-economic well-being of communities across Northern Nigeria.
