By Ibrahim H. Tinja
Arewa Ears Community Development Forum, in an effort to lend support to other Northerners who are in dire need of upliftment of their lives, has expressed interest in establishing a partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), a government establishment to assist Nigerians.
We are greatly impressed by the work SMEDAN has been doing under the leadership of Dr. Charles Odii since his appointment as Director General in October 2023. Arewa Ears is currently recognized as one of the most outstanding organizations in Nigeria, particularly in the Northern region, for its unwavering commitment to providing hope and a sense of belonging to the common citizens across the 19 Northern states.
Some of what we have achieved include offering entrepreneurship skills training and providing support to individuals to kickstart small businesses, enabling them to meet their basic needs and enhance their livelihood. We firmly believe that addressing the root causes of issues such as hunger, poverty, and unemployment is crucial in promoting peace and stability in any society.
Arewa Ears understands that hunger can lead to anger, and unchecked anger can escalate to violence. We recognize that beneath the surface of anger lie deep-seated emotions such as hurt, fear, frustration, sadness, and vulnerability. By addressing these underlying emotions and providing sustainable solutions, we aim to foster a peaceful and prosperous environment in the Northern region of Nigeria.
It is disheartening to witness the transformation of the once peaceful and welcoming Northern region into an area plagued by ignorance, banditry, poverty, child trafficking, unemployment, and various forms of criminal activities. However, we are optimistic that through collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships, we can effect positive change and uplift the lives of the people in the region.
We equally believe that collaborating with SMEDAN, we can leverage our respective strengths and resources to create greater impact and reach more needy individuals. Together, we can work towards building a more resilient and thriving community in the Northern states of Nigeria.
We would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss potential areas of collaboration and explore how our organizations can complement each other’s efforts towards achieving our shared goals. Your support and partnership would be invaluable in advancing our collective mission of promoting entrepreneurship, reducing poverty, and fostering sustainable development in the Northern region.
We identify SMEDAN as a crucial entity in addressing pressing issues, particularly concerning poverty and unemployment, within the 19 Northern states. During the meeting, the Chief Executive Officer of Arewa Ears Community Development Forum, Ambassador Mohammed Muazu, who was accompanied by his fellow members, Ambassador Sadiq Ibrahim Adamu, Ambassador Nura Garba Ahmad, Ambassador Sudais Suleiman Sokoto, Ambassador Lawan Munkailla, Ambassador Hadiza Mohammed Borno, and Ambassador Ibrahim Hussain Tinja, recently had a meeting with the Director General of SMEDAN, Dr. Charles Odii, along with Ms. Bridget Ohikhokai – Deputy Director F&A, and Alh. Moshood Lawal – Head Corporate Affairs (SMEDAN).
During the meeting, Ambassador Mohammed Muazu briefed the Director General, Dr. Odii, on what Arewa Ears Community Development Forum is all about and its mission and vision to promote and develop the good people of Northern Nigeria, irrespective of religion, tribe, and ethnicity. Ambassador Muazu highlighted the urgency of intervention in certain states that are mostly affected by unemployment. He informed plans to launch sensitization programs targeting youth in these states and invited SMEDAN to actively participate in these initiatives.
He disclosed that Arewa Ears Community Development Forum is an organization dedicated to addressing the pressing issues that are affecting the people of Northern Nigeria, particularly high levels of poverty and unemployment. Ambassador Muazu expressed his concerns about these issues and emphasized the need for collaboration with SMEDAN to support their cause. He also highlighted the fact that poverty and unemployment are major root causes of insurgency in the region, which has destabilized the entire Northern region.
Responding, Dr. Charles Odii promised to collaborate with Arewa Ears Community Development Forum and support their efforts to address these issues. He pledged to travel to all 19 Northern states of Nigeria together with Arewa Ears to raise awareness and find solutions to the challenges facing the region. He also committed to supporting 3000 active members of Arewa Ears with sensitization programs and professional entrepreneurship skills training through the application of INITIAL CREATE START SKILLS (ICSS) and Empowerment programs.
The meeting between Arewa Ears Community Development Forum and SMEDAN marks a significant step towards addressing the socio-economic challenges facing Northern Nigeria. By working together, these organizations can make a real difference in the lives of the people in the region and help create a more prosperous and stable future for all.
Arewa Ears Community Development Forum sees Dr. Charles Odii as
Middle-Belt Times 