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A Northern political pressure group, Siyasar Yanci, has called upon Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to use his influence in addressing critical infrastructure challenges in the region.

The group presented its appeal during Seyi Tinubu’s visit to Minna on Wednesday, where he joined Muslim youths of Niger State for an Iftar breakfast. The event became a platform for Siyasar Yanci to voice their concerns about key developmental issues, including the state of Baro Port, dilapidated federal roads, and the expansion of the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna).

In a statement signed by its leader, Yahaya Mohammed Usman, the group praised Seyi Tinubu’s outreach efforts, emphasizing his capacity to advocate for change despite not holding a public office.

“We thank you for the initiative to have Iftar with citizens across the fasting Muslim communities in Nigeria,” said Usman. “This effort is innovative as it is commendable. Beyond that, we appreciate that you do not hold any public office, yet no one can say you do not have influence; it is on this strong bedrock of influence that we wish to kindly request you to help intervene in the following areas affecting Northern Nigeria and especially Niger State.”

The group’s demands include the operationalization of Baro Port, which has been commissioned but remains non-functional. They also called for the expansion of FUT Minna to include medical courses, law, and social sciences, alongside the establishment of a teaching hospital and cancer center, akin to those in other federal universities like FUT Owerri and FUT Yola.

On infrastructure, Siyasar Yanci highlighted the deplorable state of federal roads in Niger State.

“Niger State has the longest Federal Road Network, but most roads are in terrible condition. Only recently did the Lambata-Lapai-Bida Road claim 12 lives. Tegina-Makera-Mokwa Road is impassable, and Minna-Kontagora Road is also in a bad state,” Usman lamented.

The group also urged Seyi Tinubu to facilitate the appointment of presidential aides from Niger State, particularly among the youth, to ensure inclusive representation in governance.

In their conclusion, the group extended their gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and wished him success in his tenure as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Seyi Tinubu’s visit to Minna marks a unique form of engagement with Northern communities, bridging connections through the holy month of Ramadan while offering a platform for stakeholders to share pressing concerns.