LAMEEN ALIYU EMERGES ‘GARKUWAN MATASAN AREWA’ PLEDGES GREATER SERVICE TO NORTHERN YOUTHS By Biodun Idris, Abuja
The Deputy Director General (DDG) of the APC Support Groups Council – North Central, Alhaji Lameen Aliyu, has been honoured with the prestigious Sir Ahmadu Bello Platinum Award and conferred with the distinguished title of “Garkuwan Matasan Arewa” (Shield of Northern Youths), Icon and Cynosure of Societal Transformation by the Northern Youth Consultative Council of Nigeria (NYCCN) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to youth development, humanitarian service and national unity.
The colourful ceremony attracted youth leaders, political stakeholders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and supporters from across Northern Nigeria, all united in celebrating a leader widely acknowledged for his grassroots mobilisation, philanthropy and unwavering commitment to empowering young people and strengthening democratic participation.
Delivering his acceptance speech, Alhaji Lameen Aliyu expressed profound gratitude to Almighty Allah and thanked the leadership of the NYCCN, particularly its President, Hon. Abdullahi Bilal Waziri, for finding him worthy of such a prestigious recognition. He described the honour as a call to greater service and dedicated the award to his family, colleagues, members of the APC Support Groups Council – North Central and countless young Nigerians who continue to believe in integrity, hard work and selfless leadership.
He noted that receiving an award named after the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, carries enormous responsibility, saying the legendary Northern leader remains a timeless symbol of visionary leadership, educational advancement, agricultural development, unity and regional progress. According to him, true leadership is defined not by titles but by service, sacrifice and positive impact on society.
Lameen reaffirmed his commitment to promoting grassroots mobilisation, youth inclusion, stakeholder engagement and peaceful democratic participation through the APC Support Groups Council – North Central. He stressed that sustainable democracy can only flourish when young people and women are empowered and citizens actively participate in governance.
He called for greater investments in quality education, agriculture, entrepreneurship, vocational training and digital innovation, urging Northern youths to reject violence, drug abuse, religious intolerance and other social vices while embracing patriotism, discipline, innovation and peaceful coexistence as the foundation for regional and national development.
The award recipient also reiterated his unwavering support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, stating that the Renewed Hope Agenda provides a viable framework for strengthening governance, expanding economic opportunities and improving the welfare of Nigerians. He pledged continued grassroots mobilisation in support of the APC and policies that promote national development.
Earlier, President of the Northern Youth Consultative Council of Nigeria, Hon. Abdullahi Bilal Waziri, said Alhaji Lameen Aliyu was carefully selected after years of observing his dedication to humanity, youth empowerment and the unity of Northern Nigeria. He said the awardee possesses many of the leadership qualities that made Sir Ahmadu Bello one of Nigeria’s greatest statesmen.
According to Waziri, Lameen has consistently advocated the unity of Northern Nigeria irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation, promoting peaceful coexistence and collective responsibility as essential ingredients for sustainable development. He described the awardee as a bridge-builder whose leadership continues to inspire confidence across the region.
The NYCCN President further commended Lameen Aliyu’s mobilisation efforts in support of the All Progressives Congress and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, describing him as a dependable grassroots strategist committed to sustaining the APC government and strengthening democratic governance through constructive citizen engagement.
Waziri also praised the awardee’s numerous humanitarian interventions, particularly his support for youth and women empowerment programmes, educational assistance for indigent students and other initiatives aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable members of society. He noted that service to humanity remains the defining hallmark of Lameen Aliyu’s public life.
Highlighting the significance of the award, the NYCCN President extolled the enduring virtues of Sir Ahmadu Bello, whose legacy of visionary leadership, education, agriculture, justice and inclusive governance continues to inspire generations. He explained that the Council remains committed to nurturing responsible leadership, promoting peace and empowering young Nigerians to become agents of positive change.
In his remarks on behalf of the Aliyu Bawan Allah family, Alhaji Sirajo Aliyu expressed family’s appreciation to NYCCN for honouring one of their own saying that the Award does not come to them as a surprise having known his antecedents and his contributions to humanity.
The conferment of the title “Garkuwan Matasan Arewa” on Alhaji Lameen Aliyu was widely celebrated as a recognition of a leader whose influence extends beyond politics into humanitarian service, youth development and nation-building. For many at the event, the honour symbolised not only a celebration of past achievements but also a renewed commitment to the ideals of Sir Ahmadu Bello—unity, selfless service and transformational leadership.
