ACF inaugurates endowment fund, sets bold agenda

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has inaugurated an Endowment Fund Committee aimed at promoting transparency, educational development, and socio-economic empowerment across Northern Nigeria.

It is headed by a former Inspector-General of Police, IGP Muhammad Dahiru Abubakar, and Senator Simon Bako Lalong.

The Committee has been entrusted with the responsibility of providing strategic leadership and ensuring the successful implementation of the objectives of the Endowment Fund.

Speaking during the inauguration, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the ACF and Wazirin Dutse, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, expressed appreciation to members of the Forum for their continued dedication, support, and commitment to the ideals of the organisation. 

Dalhatu emphasised that the endowment fund represents a significant step towards strengthening educational opportunities, supporting community development initiatives, and fostering sustainable growth throughout Northern Nigeria.

According to him, the forum remains committed to working with stakeholders, development partners, and community leaders to advance peace, unity, good governance, and national development.

The BoT Chairman recalled that ACF launched a N100 billion Endowment Fund during its Silver Jubilee Celebration. 

He disclosed that while N7.8 billion was pledged by well-meaning individuals and organisations, only about N3.9 billion has so far been redeemed and is currently domiciled in ACF’s account with Jaiz Bank.

Dalhatu assured members that the Endowment Fund remains safe and secure and urged the Committee to not only embark on meaningful social intervention programmes across Northern Nigeria but also encourage those who made pledges to redeem their commitments.

In his words: “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 also used the occasion to express ACF’s profound gratitude to all individuals, corporate bodies, and organisations that have contributed to the Endowment Fund. 

He appealed to other distinguished sons and daughters of Northern Nigeria to support this noble initiative by making financial contributions towards building a more prosperous and progressive region.

He further called on all those who have made pledges to honour their commitments in the interest of the people of Northern Nigeria, stressing that collective action and sustained support are critical to achieving the objectives of the Fund.

The BoT Chairman reassured donors and stakeholders that all monies received would be judiciously utilised for meaningful and impactful projects aimed at improving education, empowering youths, supporting vulnerable communities, and promoting sustainable development across the North.

Dalhatu further noted that the collective efforts of ACF members have continued to contribute positively to nation-building and the restoration of values that promote progress, stability, and prosperity for all Nigerians.

The newly established Endowment Fund is expected to serve as a transparent and accountable platform for mobilising resources to support educational programmes, youth empowerment, leadership development, and other strategic initiatives designed to improve the welfare and socio-economic well-being of communities across Northern Nigeria.