Author: The North Journals

By Aminu Adamu In the evolving landscape of Nigerian politics, few names embody the spirit of reform like Balarabe Rufai. A political mobilizer, youth advocate, and civic strategist from Kano, Rufai has dedicated his life to building bridges between policy and the people. As the Convener of the Rebuild Arewa Initiative for Peace and Development and former National Coordinator of the Coalition of Northern Groups, his journey tells a larger story , of how hope, intellect, and discipline can transform a generation’s frustrations into a blueprint for progress. Balarabe Rufai’s story is one of conviction, community, and courage. He belongs…

By Aminu Adamu The National Youth Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Comrade Balarebe Rufa’i, has urged Nigerian youths to take their rightful place in the nation’s political leadership, declaring that the ADC is “the home that empowers, not deceives.” Addressing young Nigerians across the country, Rufa’i acknowledged the frustrations of unemployment, insecurity, neglect, and political exclusion but affirmed that the youth possess the innovation and resilience needed to reshape Nigeria. “For too long, we have heard the words: ‘You are the leaders of tomorrow.’ But the truth is painfully clear—that ‘tomorrow’ has become a tool of delay,…

By Aminu Adamu Nastura Ashir Shariff has extended warm birthday greetings to the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and ex-Governor of Bauchi State, praising his leadership qualities, patriotism, and dedication to public service. In a goodwill message on the occasion of the celebrant’s birthday, Shariff described his stewardship as a blend of “doggedness, compassion, and responsible governance,” noting that his impact continues to inspire many across Northern Nigeria and beyond. “Your steadfast commitment to the welfare of your constituents, coupled with your courage in championing truth, fairness, and justice, has set a commendable standard for public service…

As Nigeria joins the global community to mark World Teachers’ Day, the National Youth Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Balarabe Rufa’i, has issued a passionate call for urgent reforms in the education sector to properly honour the contributions of teachers across the country. Rufa’i, who once taught at Government Secondary School, Warure, recalled standing before a class of over 200 students, many of whom shared a single textbook or wrote on scraps of paper. “Yet they came to school every day with dreams bigger than their circumstances,” he said in a statement released on Sunday. He described the…

On October 1, 2025, Nigeria turns 65. That is more than a date on the calendar: it is a juncture at which we must assess the promise of independence, and ask whether the dream has advanced or stalled. We celebrate sovereignty, but sovereignty without progress is hollow. At 65, Nigeria stands in contested terrain: a land of resilience, of brilliance and sorrow, of possibility and failure. In marking this milestone, we must interrogate three intertwined domains, development, democracy, and human rights, not as abstract ideals but as empirical benchmarks by which a nation is judged. The shadow of comparison To…

Event blends sports with civic awareness, highlighting youth resilience and democratic participation As Nigeria marked its 65th Independence anniversary, the youth wing of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chose a different approach to commemoration, organising a symbolic mountain climbing competition in Kagoro, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The event, which drew over 100 young people from within and outside the state, was not only about physical endurance but also about political engagement. Participants were sensitised on the importance of voter registration and the power of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) in shaping Nigeria’s democratic future. Speaking at the…

Party accuses him of divisive tactics, while urging focus on coalition unity The National Youth Wing of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticised Dr. Tanko Yunusa, who describes himself as the Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, accusing him of attempting to derail the unity of the opposition coalition. In a statement signed by ADC National Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufa’i, the party described Dr. Yunusa’s recent comments as “self-serving” and “politically irrelevant,” arguing that his outbursts were designed to create division at a time when Nigerians were searching for credible alternatives to the ruling establishment. According to the…

By Hadiza Musa Yusuf In the early 1990s, Nigeria set out an ambitious vision: to conserve its forests, protect wildlife, and ensure that communities could coexist with fragile ecosystems. The National Parks Service Act of 1991 was heralded as a landmark piece of legislation, one that finally put legal weight behind conservation. For the first time, national parks were given clear protection, rangers were empowered to arrest poachers, and activities such as hunting, farming, and logging within protected areas were criminalized. On paper, it was a powerful framework. The law spelled out penalties, including prison terms of up to five…

By Trésor Daniel Mefire A new study has reignited debate over one of the world’s most pressing environmental questions: Is water truly a renewable resource? According to researcher Trésor Daniel Mefire, the answer is both yes and no, and it depends on how humanity manages its consumption and stewardship of this vital resource. “Scientifically, water is inherently renewable by virtue of the perpetual hydrological cycle,” Mefire explained. “But in practical, ecological, and socio-economic terms, this renewability is not guaranteed”. The study points to severe crises across Africa as proof that natural replenishment alone cannot keep pace with rising human demand…

By Aminu Adamu When Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March, the decision in Abuja quickly translated into silence in Kogi Central. The sealing of her office cut her off from the normal machinery of constituency work, letters unanswered, aides unable to function, and projects left in bureaucratic limbo. In Nigeria’s political system, where senators serve not just as lawmakers but as direct patrons for their districts, this absence was immediately felt. Constituents depend on their representatives for scholarships, small grants, jobs, and oversight of federal projects. The closure of her office was therefore more than punishment for a senator,…