By Auwal Gombe
In reflecting on the annals of our nation’s history, it becomes apparent that the Northern region has wielded significant political influence at the centre for over six decades.
Yet, amidst this dominance lies a stark reality the North remains largely underreported, and volatile, and its voices are often muted in the corridors of power.
Despite boasting of some of the wealthiest individuals such as Aliko Dangote and Abdulsamad Isyaka Rabiu, the Northern landscape is rife with disparities in wealth distribution. While a select few amass fortunes, the broader populace languishes in economic disparity.
This incongruity is particularly glaring in the realm of media and technology, where Northern elites exhibit a lackadaisical attitude toward harnessing the power of these platforms for societal advancement.
In an age where the digital realm reigns supreme, the importance of media cannot be overstated.
Across the globe, nations leverage their media apparatus to disseminate information rapidly and shape narratives in alignment with their interests.
However, the Northern elites’ apathy towards investing in media, banking and finance, both technology, financial and agricultural technology, health, education, and media infrastructure perpetuates a cycle of neglect, hindering the region’s ability to amplify its voice and enterprise on the national stage.
Consider the disparity between the Northern region and other parts of Nigeria in terms of media representation. While incidents of significance elsewhere garner extensive coverage, the plight of Northern communities often goes unnoticed.
Recent tragedies, such as the loss of over 40 lives to banditry in a single state, are relegated to mere footnotes in the national discourse due to the lack of robust media coverage and advocacy.
Contrast this with the mobilisation efforts witnessed in other regions, where leaders rally behind their own in times of crisis. From the clamor for justice in the case of Sunday Igboho to the calls for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, Southern and Eastern leaders demonstrate a unity of purpose that is conspicuously absent in Northern circles.
The failure of Northern elites to prioritize the welfare of their constituents is a disheartening reality.
While they cling to positions of power, their actions—or lack thereof—speak volumes about their commitment to the region’s development. It is evident that their allegiance lies not with the populace they purportedly represent, but rather with self-serving agendas that prioritize personal gain over collective progress of Their people
To break free from this cycle of neglect, Northern Nigeria must undergo a paradigm shift—one that places a premium on media and technological advancement. Investment in media houses, digital infrastructure, and educational initiatives is paramount if the region is to reclaim its voice and catalyze meaningful change.
Moreover, by bolstering technological innovation and financial institutions, Northern Nigeria can chart a path toward economic prosperity and social cohesion. Through the establishment of TV and radio stations, dissemination of accurate information, and advocacy for societal issues, the region can foster a culture of accountability and transparency.
The onus rests not solely on the shoulders of the elite but on every Northern youth, elder, and stakeholder with a vested interest in the region’s future. Regardless of socio-economic status, ethnicity, or religious affiliation, the call to action is universal: invest in the tools and platforms that will empower Northern Nigeria to thrive in the digital age.
The time for complacency is over Northern Nigeria stands at a crossroads, where the choices made today will reverberate for generations to come.
Let us heed the call to action, seize the opportunities that lie before us, and forge a path toward a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
