By Moses Kolo
The Convener of the Arewa Political Awareness Movement (APAM), Mr Jabir Usman, has urged Nigerians, especially youths in the North, to embrace civic responsibility and informed political participation as vital tools for strengthening democracy and promoting national unity.
Usman made the call on Wednesday in Kaduna at a Public Sensitisation Programme on Key Government Policies and Reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
According to him, the programme was designed to promote factual information, constructive dialogue and greater citizen engagement in governance.
“Your presence here today reflects a shared commitment to civic responsibility, national unity and the future of our dear country, Nigeria,” he said.
Usman described APAM as a grassroots mobilisation platform focused on political education, noting that democracy thrives when citizens are informed, conscious and actively involved in governance rather than driven by misinformation and division.
Assessing the performance of the Tinubu administration, Usman said leadership should be judged by outcomes, stressing that leadership must be measured by impact, not propaganda, and by results, not rhetoric.
He highlighted key reforms in the education sector, including the establishment of the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which he described as a transformative initiative designed to ensure that poverty no longer becomes a barrier to accessing education.
He also cited improved welfare for retired professors and the establishment of new federal universities as notable achievements.
The convener further pointed to progress in youth empowerment, healthcare and agriculture across the country.
He noted that initiatives such as the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, the reintroduction of the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), as well as coordinated security operations, were already yielding positive outcomes nationwide.
Usman urged Nigerians to hold leaders accountable at all levels of government, emphasising that citizens must not only demand accountability from the President but also from state governors in translating available resources into tangible development.
He reaffirmed APAM’s commitment to sustained public enlightenment and civic education across the region.
The programme featured paper presentations by representatives of security agencies, academia, women groups, youth organisations, civil society organisations and government officials. (NAN)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
