From Ardo Abdul, Bauchi
The National President of the Kautal Pulaaku Fulbe Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Muhammadu Hussaini Buzaye, has called on Fulani youths across the country to reject criminality and embrace peace, unity and development.
He made the appeal during the official launch of the association, and the inauguration of its state and North East zonal executives at Zaranda Hotel, Bauchi
Buzaye said the association was established to advocate for the welfare, wellbeing and unity of the Fulani people across Nigeria.
He advised Fulani youths to serve as responsible citizens, act as agents of peace and support national growth.
“This association was formed to promote understanding, cooperation and the welfare of our people. We are officially launching this body to unite Fulani youths across the nation, discourage criminality and promote peace, development and responsible citizenship,” he said.
He appealed to government agencies, non-governmental organisations and the public not to stigmatise Fulani communities for the actions of a few individuals, stressing the need for collective efforts in advancing peace and economic progress.
Buzaye also warned that the association would not shield any member found involved in criminal activities.
“We will never condone wrongdoing among us. Anyone found guilty will face justice. However, innocent individuals and communities must not be punished for the crimes of a few,” he stated.
Buzaye expressed deep concern over the continued stigmatisation and stereotyping of Fulani people across the country, describing the trend as dangerous and unjust.
The President, lamented that the criminalisation of the Fulani ethnic group has led to hate, isolation, and indiscriminate attacks resulting in the loss of innocent lives and destruction of properties worth millions of naira.
He said, the Fulani communities across Nigeria are grappling with multiple challenges, including environmental degradation, desertification, climate change, community clashes, cattle rustling, unfair treatment by law enforcement agencies, animal diseases, and limited access to grazing reserves, water points, and cattle routes.
He called for youth and women empowerment, access to education and healthcare, public awareness campaigns against criminality and the establishment of legal and human rights structures to protect members of the Fulani community.
While commending the Federal Government for creating the Ministry of Livestock Development, Buzaye expressed optimism that it would address the challenges faced by pastoralists.
He also thanked supporters, traditional leaders and political figures for their guidance and contributions to the association.
Buzaye urged newly inaugurated leaders to discharge their duties with humility, transparency, and accountability, describing their positions as a trust to serve the people, not a platform for self-enrichment.
The president also unveiled the association’s plans to strengthen leadership capacity at state and local government levels, launch public awareness campaigns against unlawful behavior, empower youths and women, and improve access to education and healthcare for Fulani communities.
He announced plans to establish a legal aid and human rights desk to defend members facing injustice or false accusations, especially those languishing in prisons without trial.
The Chairman appreciated Senator Shehu Buba, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Security, for his relentless support and cooperation, and extended gratitude to former Bauchi State Governor, Malam Isah Yuguda, the association’s national patron, for his ‘fatherly guidance and mentorship.’
Bauchi State Governor Senator Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad has pledged state government readiness to support the association.
Represented by his Deputy Awwal Muhammad Jatau , Senator Bala pledged to improve the wellbeing of Fulani and other citizens of the State.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Security and Intelligence and Senator representing Bauchi South, Shehu Buba, congratulated the newly inaugurated state leaders of the association.
He said the association was expected to champion peace and development within Fulani communities.
Buba highlighted the association’s focus should focus on areas such as, empowering Fulani youths and women through access to quality education from nursery to tertiary level, promoting sustainable development through partnerships with government and NGOs.
He advocated for sustainable herding practices, environmental protection and development of grazing reserves and water points
During the event, the association presented awards of excellence to distinguished Nigerians, including Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, former Governor Malam Isah Yuguda, Amb. (Rtd.) Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Senator Shehu Buba Umar, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to peace, security, and community development.
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