ACF Endowment Fund Sets Agenda for Transparency, Education and Empowerment in Northern Nigeria
By Bashir Yahuza Malumfashi
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The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has inaugurated an Endowment Fund Committee to drive transparency, educational advancement and socio-economic empowerment across Northern Nigeria, in a move aimed at strengthening sustainable development efforts in the region.
The Committee is jointly headed by former Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Muhammad Dahiru Abubakar (Rtd.), CFR and former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Bako Lalong. It is tasked with providing strategic leadership and ensuring the successful implementation of the objectives of the ACF Endowment Fund.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, Wazirin Dutse, commended members of the Forum for their unwavering commitment to the ideals and vision of the organization. He described the Endowment Fund as a major initiative designed to expand educational opportunities, support community development projects and promote sustainable growth throughout Northern Nigeria.
Dalhatu reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders, development partners and community leaders in advancing peace, unity, good governance and national development. According to him, the Endowment Fund will serve as a critical instrument for addressing key developmental challenges facing the region.
The BoT Chairman recalled that the ACF launched a N100 billion Endowment Fund during its Silver Jubilee celebration. He disclosed that although N7.8 billion was pledged by individuals and organizations, only about N3.9 billion has so far been redeemed and deposited in the Forum’s account with Jaiz Bank.
He assured members and stakeholders that the funds currently available are safe and secure, while urging the newly inaugurated committee to initiate impactful social intervention programmes across Northern Nigeria. He also appealed to donors who had made pledges to fulfill their commitments in order to enable the Fund to achieve its intended objectives.
“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 stated.
The ACF leader expressed profound appreciation to all individuals, corporate organizations and institutions that have contributed to the Endowment Fund. He called on other distinguished sons and daughters of Northern Nigeria to support the initiative through financial contributions aimed at building a more prosperous and progressive region.
He emphasized that collective action and sustained support would be essential to achieving the goals of the Fund, particularly in the areas of education, youth empowerment, leadership development, and community welfare.
Dalhatu further assured donors and stakeholders that all resources received would be prudently managed and directed towards projects capable of delivering measurable impact. He noted that the Fund would focus on improving educational outcomes, empowering young people, supporting vulnerable communities and promoting long-term socio-economic development across the North.
According to him, the continued efforts of ACF members have played an important role in nation-building and in restoring values that encourage progress, stability, and prosperity for all Nigerians.
The newly established Endowment Fund is expected to operate as a transparent and accountable platform for mobilising resources to support strategic programmes and initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and socio-economic well-being of communities throughout Northern Nigeria.
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