Ambassador Yerima Shettima Calls for Inclusive Leadership at Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation…
By AbdulHakeem Mutiu Adejumo-Ajeseku, Kaduna-Nigeria
BTvNEWS: A powerful call for youth and women’s political inclusion echoed through the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation on Saturday, November 22, 2025, as Comrade AbdulHakeem Mutiu Adejumo-Ajeseku, Spokesperson and Director of Media and Publicity of Capacity Movement Project 2027, delivered a stirring message on behalf of Distinguished Ambassador Yerima Usman Shettima, BOT Chairman of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) and Convener of Arewa Stakeholders Consultative Initiative.
Addressing dignitaries, organizers, members of the press, and fellow Nigerians, he opened his remarks by standing “on the existing protocols” and reaffirming the urgency of strengthening democratic participation across the North.
“I stand before you not just as Comrade Ajeseku, but as the representative of a visionary leader whose commitment to Nigeria’s unity and Northern progress remains unwavering.”
He conveyed Shettima’s greetings and emphasized on his steadfast dedication to empowering young people and shaping informed national discourse.
The gathering, he noted, went far beyond the format of a public lecture. “This is a defining moment,” he declared, “a call for youth and women in Northern Nigeria to rise, reposition themselves, and claim their rightful place in leadership.”
With the event themed ‘Youth and Women Inclusiveness in Governance: Shaping the Future of Nigeria’s Democracy’, Ajeseku described the summit as a platform designed to inspire fresh ideas, civic participation, and strategic engagement among Nigeria’s majority population.
“The demographic significance of youth and women—who account for over 70% of Nigeria’s population—Ajeseku insisted that their marginal representation in governance was both untenable and counterproductive.
“Inclusiveness is not a luxury, it is fundamental to national development,” he stressed. Nations progress when they tap into youthful creativity and the resilience of women. To exclude them is to hinder growth; to empower them is to secure our collective future,” he further stressed.
“They require coordinated, youth-driven and women-supported action,” he stressed, adding that the sub-theme ‘Youth-Led Initiative for Good Governance’ underscored the need for competence, character, and capacity rather than age as determinants of leadership.
“It is time for a paradigm shift,” he said, “one that positions women not as supporters on the sidelines, but as key decision-makers shaping policy and progress, he further stressed.
He also referenced the Capacity Movement Project 2027, calling it a timely initiative that urges citizens to prepare, participate, and lead responsibly.
“The era of passive observation is over. The future demands active participation. Leadership is not the duty of a few — it is the responsibility of all.”
“A democracy that silences its majority cannot thrive,” he added. “A democracy that empowers youth and women cannot fail.”
As the event drew to a close, Ajeseku commended the Coalition of Northern Youth and Women Initiative for Good Governance (CONYWIGG) for convening such an impactful platform.
He reaffirmed Ambassador Shettima’s commitment to promoting competence-based leadership and inclusive governance across Nigeria.
In a gesture of support, he announced a donation, stating, “On behalf of my indefatigable, sociable, able and amiable Principal, I hereby donate a token sum of Two Hundred Thousand Naira to the organizers of this laudable event.”
“Together, let us shape the future. Together, let us build the Nigeria we desire. Together, let us lead.”
BTvNEWS 
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