By: Babagana Bukar Wakil, Maiduguri
MAIDUGURI — The Network of Civil Society Organizations in Borno State (NECSOB) has formally ushered in a new era of leadership following the inauguration of its newly elected executive members, with Comrade Bulama Abiso officially handing over the reins to the incoming Executive Director, Abubakar Abdullahi Suleiman.
In a goodwill statement issued shortly after the ceremony, the immediate past Executive Director expressed profound gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting him the strength, wisdom, and good health to complete his tenure at the helm of the umbrella body of civil society organisations in the state.
“Yesterday marked another significant milestone in our journey,” Abiso said. “We held the inauguration ceremony for the newly elected executive members, and I formally handed over leadership to my successor and his team. Serving NECSOB has been a remarkable experience defined by learning, collaboration, advocacy, and collective impact.”
Reflecting on his time in office, Abiso noted that his administration worked consistently to amplify the voice of civil society in Borno State. Key priorities, he said, included the promotion of localisation, humanitarian coordination, peacebuilding, capacity strengthening, and constructive engagement with government, development partners, international non-governmental organisations (INGOs), United Nations agencies, as well as traditional and religious institutions.
He further disclosed that, under his leadership, NECSOB extended technical support to numerous civil society organisations through targeted training programmes, networking platforms, policy engagements, and representation at both national and international forums.
The outgoing Executive Director acknowledged that the milestones recorded during his tenure were the product of collective effort. “These achievements would not have been possible without the unwavering support, dedication, and sacrifices of our members, partners, friends, and stakeholders,” he stated. “I sincerely appreciate every organisation and individual who stood with us throughout this journey.”
Abiso paid special tribute to the dignitaries who graced the inauguration, singling out the Guest Speaker, Dr. Hussaini Abdu, Country Director of CARE International, who travelled from Abuja to deliver what he described as a thought-provoking and inspiring keynote address that enriched the occasion.
He also extended appreciation to Dr. Mairo Mandara, who served as the Special Guest of Honour; the Right Honourable Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, represented by the Clerk of the House; and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), represented by Alhaji Abba Musa.
“Your presence and goodwill demonstrated a clear commitment to strengthening civil society and advancing development efforts in our state,” he remarked.
Extending his message of appreciation more broadly, Abiso thanked the network’s members, elders, colleagues, volunteers, partners, government institutions, humanitarian actors, media organisations, and supporters for the trust, cooperation, and encouragement extended to him throughout his tenure.
As he formally bowed out, the immediate past Executive Director said he remained proud of the strides made under his watch and expressed confidence that NECSOB would continue to grow from strength to strength. He wished the incoming leadership, under Abubakar Abdullahi Suleiman, a peaceful, productive, and successful tenure.
“May Allah guide the new executives and grant them the wisdom to steer the network to greater heights,” he prayed. “I thank everyone once again, and may Allah continue to bless NECSOB, Borno State, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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