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Shettima Yerima: The Strong and Influential Voice of Northern Nigeria
By Suleiman Abbah
Shettima Yerima, the President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), has been at the forefront of promoting and protecting the general interests of Northern Nigeria. With his strong and influential voice, Yerima has been able to make a mark in the region’s political landscape.
Yerima’s political career began when he was elected as the National President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) in 2007. As the head of one of the most prominent youth organizations in Northern Nigeria, Yerima has been able to champion the cause of the region’s youth.
Under Yerima’s leadership, the AYCF has focused on promoting peace, unity, and development in Northern Nigeria. Yerima has been instrumental in organizing several conferences and workshops that bring together Northern Nigerian youths to discuss critical issues affecting the region. Yerima is also known for his advocacy for the protection of the rights of Northern Nigerian women and children. He has been a vocal critic of child marriage, which he views as a violation of the rights of girls. Through his platform at the AYCF, Yerima has been able to raise awareness about the dangers of this practice and advocate for its eradication.
In addition to his work with the AYCF, Yerima has also been active in the Northern Nigerian political scene. He has contested for political office on several occasions, including a bid for a seat in the Nigerian Senate in 2011. Although he was not successful in these attempts, Yerima has continued to use his influence to promote good governance and accountability in the region. Shettima Yerima’s efforts to promote the interests of Northern Nigeria have not gone unnoticed. He has been recognized by several organizations and has received numerous awards for his contributions. Yerima’s strong and influential voice continues to shape the Northern Nigerian political landscape and inspire many youths to take an active role in the development of their region.
Yerima’s impact on Northern Nigeria extends beyond his work with the AYCF and political aspirations. He has also been a strong advocate for education in the region, recognizing it as a critical tool for development. Yerima has been involved in several initiatives aimed at improving access to education for Northern Nigerian children, particularly girls. Furthermore, Yerima has been vocal about the need for increased economic opportunities in Northern Nigeria. He believes that creating jobs and promoting entrepreneurship is key to reducing poverty and improving the standard of living in the region. Yerima has worked closely with business leaders and government officials to promote policies that encourage investment and economic growth.
Shettima Yerima is a detribalized activist who has been instrumental in the creation of the Association of Nigerian Ethnic Nationalities. This organization aims to foster greater unity among the diverse ethnicities in Nigeria. Yerima’s work has been crucial in bringing people from different backgrounds together and promoting a shared sense of identity. He understands that Nigeria is a country with diverse culture and traditions, but the common goal of unity and progress can only be achieved through collaboration and mutual understanding.
Yerima has also been a strong advocate for human rights and social justice. He believes that everyone deserves equal access to opportunities and resources, regardless of their background. He has actively fought against discrimination and marginalization of minorities and has been a vocal supporter of policies aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion. Overall, Yerima’s commitment to unity and social justice has made him a respected figure in Nigeria and beyond. His work has inspired many to follow in his footsteps and has paved the way for a more inclusive and equitable society.
Yerima’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, as he has received numerous accolades for his work in promoting unity and social justice. He has been recognized by various organizations, including the African Leadership Network and the Nigerian Youth Merit Award. In addition to his advocacy work, Yerima is also a successful philanthropist. He has used his wealth and influence to support various charitable causes, including education and healthcare initiatives. Despite facing criticism and opposition from some quarters, Yerima remains committed to his mission of promoting unity and social justice. He continues to work tirelessly towards this goal, inspiring others with his passion and dedication.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with issues of ethnic tension and inequality, Yerima’s message of collaboration and mutual understanding remains more relevant than ever. His legacy serves as a reminder that true progress can only be achieved through collective action and a commitment to shared values. Yerima, a Hausa Muslim, was born on May 28th, 1974, in the city of Zaria in Kaduna State, Nigeria. He was born into a Hausa family and was raised in the Islamic faith. Yerima began his education career at the Islamiya Primary School in Otukpo, Benue State, where he received his early education in Arabic and Islamic studies. After completing his primary education, he attended the NICO Commercial Secondary School in Cross River State, where he obtained his secondary school leaving certificate.
His passion for education and leadership led him to further his education at the Lagos State University (LASU), where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Piblic Administration. Yerima continued his postgraduate studies at the Kaduna State University (KASU), where he is working for a master’s degree Conflict Peace and Strategic Studies (MCPSS). Yerima’s journey has been one of great accomplishments and notable signatures in several organizations. In 2011, he was exempted from the National Youth Service NYSC and decided to remain self-employed, building his way up to becoming the Chairman of Shehalfat Properties and Logistics in Kaduna. With his wealth of experience, Yerima prides himself as an embodiment of striving for success through lots of hard work.
Furthermore, he has continuously demonstrated his passion for his community by being an active member of several groups/organizations including NADECO, the Campaign for Democracy and founding the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF). These organizations have not only provided him with avenues to contribute to societal growth, but have also enabled him to sharpen his leadership and communication skills. Between 2004 and 2006, Yerima joined a firebrand team of Progressives like Prof. Wole Soyinka, Anthony Enahoro and Beko Ransom Kuti in a movement known as PRONACO and was also a member of the Save Nigeria Group. His involvement in these organizations gave him the opportunity to work with other progressives that were passionate about the development of the nation. Yerima’s commitment to progress and advancement is evident in his track record of making remarkable impacts wherever he goes.
Yerima has received an impressive array of honorary awards throughout his career, ranging from accolades focused on peace and conflict resolution such as the Centre for Resolution and the ICON of Peace and Conflict awards, in recognitions of his contributions to democracy and human rights such as the Hero of Democracy award and the International Youth Peace Tourism Ambassador award from the Ijaw Monitoring Group. In addition to these, Yerima has also been recognized by organizations promoting development and unity in Africa, including the Ijaw Youth Develop Association, the Global Forum for Peace Justice and Human Rights, and the Institute of Strategic Managers in Ghana. Yerima’s commitment to positive change in Nigeria and beyond is undoubtedly commendable and worthy of celebration.
Yerima’s contribution to the development of Lagos State has been recognized by the Chairman Arewa Council of Chiefs through the conferment of the title Jarman Lagos, which translates to Legend of Lagos. Yerima’s journey into politics began when he was appointed as the 1st National Vice Chairman for the North East of the Democratic Party for a Peoples Federation (DPPF), which was led by Professor Wole Soyinka. He later became the Vice Presidential Candidate of the Liberal Democratic Party of Nigeria (LDPN) during the 2011 General elections and also contested for the House of Representatives Kaduna North Candidate in 2019. Yerima further became the Presidential Candidate under YDP in 2014.
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has engaged in a high-level security meeting with a leading Chinese manufacturer of advanced anti-terrorism and high-tech defence equipment, aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s defence capabilities.
The meeting, which took place in China, underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to modernising the nation’s security apparatus to combat insurgency and other threats.
According to a statement signed by the minister’s Personal Assistant (Media), Ahmad Dan-Wudil, and made available to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, the engagement focused on formalising a strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Chinese firm and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).
The collaboration is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing Nigeria’s security sector, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s defence framework.
The MoU outlines a robust partnership, with the Chinese company committing to significant investments in Nigeria’s defence infrastructure.
According to the statement, Key components of the agreement include the transfer of cutting-edge defence technology, the establishment of local manufacturing capabilities for advanced military equipment, and capacity-building initiatives to enhance the technical skills of Nigerian personnel.
“This move is seen as a step towards building a self-reliant and globally competitive military-industrial base.
Dr. Matawalle emphasised that the partnership represents a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s defence modernisation agenda.
“This collaboration will not only strengthen our fight against terrorism but also position Nigeria as a regional leader in defence technology,” he stated.
The minister highlighted the government’s determination to leverage international partnerships to address the nation’s evolving security challenges.
Under the terms of the agreement, new production lines will be established for various ammunition types, including 7.62x51mm ball cartridges, 7.62x51mm blank cartridges, 9x19mm pistol cartridges, and machine gun ammunition.
Additionally, manufacturing workshops and facilities will be set up in Kaduna and Kachia, Kaduna State, to produce essential defence components such as brass casings and bullet jackets.
The partnership extends beyond production, encompassing the maintenance and upgrading of existing military hardware, servicing of battle tanks, and the provision of military engineering services.
These efforts are expected to enhance the operational readiness of the Nigerian Armed Forces, enabling them to respond more effectively to security threats within the country and across the region.
The minister’s visit to China follows a series of engagements with international partners, including the United States and Saudi Arabia, as part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to strengthen bilateral defence ties.
In a recent meeting with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), Dr. Matawalle called for increased support in intelligence sharing and counterterrorism efforts, underscoring the need for global cooperation to tackle insecurity.
The agreement with the Chinese firm has been hailed as a critical step towards achieving President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises security, economic development, and private-sector involvement.
The minister reiterated the government’s openness to foreign investment in critical sectors such as defence, steel, and energy to drive technological advancement and job creation.
Gamblers are staking millions of dollars to predict who will emerge as new pope as betting sites place odds on the candidates as the Catholic Church cardinals sweat to pick a new pontiff.
Polymarket, an American cryptocurrency-based betting site, has placed odds on candidates who will emerge.
Similarly, Kalshi, another American betting site, is coordinating predictions on who emerges as the new Catholic pope.
On Polymarket, over $21 million worth of bets have been staked in the conclave election, in which Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle are considered the leading candidates.
Mr Parolin leads with 27 per cent odds, while Mr Tagle comes second with 23 per cent odds. Matteo Zuppi, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and Peter Erdo came third, fourth and fifth with 11, 10 and 7 per cent odds, respectively.
On Kalshi, where over $8milliom has been staked, Mr Parolin leads with 29 per cent odds, followed by Mr Tagle’s 22 per cent odds and Mr Pizzaballa’s 10 per cent odds.
This comes as 133 cardinals from across the globe commenced a conclave to decide who would emerge as the new pope on Thursday.
Though conclave elections have been highly unpredictable for years, gamblers throw in thousands of dollars for a possible kill should their candidate emerge.
In 2013, contrary to projections on the possible emergence of Cardinal Angelo Scola, who was then regarded as the favourite, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio emerged as Pope Francis.
On Wednesday, thick black smoke billows from the Sistine Chapel chimney at the end of the first meeting of the cardinals, signalling that no pope has been elected.
The election of the 267th pope, which commenced on Wednesday. A new pope will poll a two-thirds majority to emerge during the election process.
Then, white smoke will be released from the Sistine Chapel chimney.
President Bola Tinubu has mandated the formation of a Presidential Task Force aimed at eliminating numerous checkpoints that impede free movement.
Ambassador Musa Nuhu, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, revealed this initiative during a visit to the Nigeria-Benin Republic border in Seme on Wednesday.
“We are commencing with the Seme-Badagry Corridor. A committee has been established under the auspices of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and we will soon begin addressing this matter.
“We have taken note of all the concerns raised, and I assure you that the Nigerian government will tackle the other issues mentioned subsequently.”
Numerous complaints have surfaced regarding the excessive checkpoints along the Badagry-Seme corridor, which adversely affect the seamless movement of individuals and goods between Nigeria and the Benin Republic.
Ambassador Nuhu emphasized, “This is the most trafficked border in West Africa regarding the flow of goods, people, and services. If free movement is to be effectively implemented in West Africa, it will be evident at this border.”
Motorists attending the meeting expressed their frustrations about the numerous checkpoints and the extortion practices by security personnel along the route.
In response, Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, stated that any fees paid by motorists should be accompanied by official receipts.
He expressed concern that the proliferation of checkpoints and the extortion of citizens within member states undermine ECOWAS’s goal of fostering a more integrated region.
“While we must inspect passengers and road users, we should move beyond arbitrary charges that lack receipts. If payments are necessary, they should be properly documented.
“It is one thing to request that someone open their bags for inspection, but it is entirely different to demand payment that is not receipted.”