Alhaji Dalhatu Bafarawa, a former governor of Sokoto State, has made a powerful statement about the manipulation of religion in northern Nigeria, claiming it was used to divide the people and prevent the region from reaching its full potential.
In an exclusive interview with BBC Hausa, Bafarawa expressed deep concerns about how religion has been exploited to create divisions within the North, hindering the region’s growth economically and socially. He explained, “If religion were not used, the North would never be divided forever. We understand this and that is why we are now worried, so we can stand up and correct this disaster we have found ourselves in.”
For years, northern Nigeria has been grappling with various forms of insecurity. The North East has been devastated by the Boko Haram insurgency for over a decade. The North Central has struggled with the ongoing farmers-herders conflict, while the North West faces widespread banditry and terrorism.
These challenges have placed immense strain on the region’s agricultural industry. Farmers, particularly in conflict-ridden areas, can barely tend to their crops, leading to grave concerns about food security. Agriculture, which is the backbone of the northern economy, has been severely disrupted.
Bafarawa’s comments underline a long-standing issue that many believe is at the root of the region’s difficulties: the strategic use of religion to divide the people. He pointed out that this division has not only led to conflicts but has also prevented the North from achieving its full economic and socio-cultural potential.
In response to these challenges, Bafarawa has called for a shift in leadership, particularly the empowerment of northern youths. He believes that giving youths leadership roles is essential to tackling the insecurity, poverty, and economic underdevelopment that the region faces.
“We must lead our youths on the right path,” Bafarawa said, stressing the importance of involving young people in decision-making. “If we want peace, we must lead them towards it.”
To address this need, Bafarawa, alongside other prominent northern political figures, has launched the Northern Star Empowerment Initiative. This initiative aims to mobilize youths in the region, encouraging them to take on leadership roles and help address the region’s deep-rooted issues of underdevelopment.
However, Bafarawa was quick to clarify that the group is not a political party and will not be involved in partisan politics. “By God, I don’t want to be elected into any position for the rest of my life,” he stated firmly. “I want youths to be given their rightful place so that we can have peace and progress in the North.”
This initiative has already garnered significant support from both Muslim and Christian religious leaders in the region. Bafarawa’s call for unity between religious groups is central to his vision of healing the divisions that have plagued the North for years.
“The North is facing many challenges that require new approaches,” he said, emphasizing the need for a united front between the leaders and the youth in order to achieve meaningful progress.
Bafarawa’s initiative is part of a broader push to revitalize the North. He believes that empowering young people with the tools to lead and create positive change in their communities is key to overcoming the challenges that have long hindered the region’s growth.
Despite the political and social turbulence that northern Nigeria has faced, Bafarawa remains hopeful. He believes that with the right leadership and the active involvement of young people, the region can overcome its divisions and move towards peace and prosperity.
“I have faith that northern Nigeria can rise again, but it requires unity and a commitment to change,” Bafarawa concluded.
