PENE DA BWATIYE DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION ELECTS NEW NATIONAL EXCO 2024

By: Caleb Zadok Adiga

calebzadok50@gmail.com

On July 6th, 2024, the Pene Da Bwatiye Development Association convened at the Pwanobato Event Center in Numan, Adamawa State, to elect their national executive committee who will lead the organization for the next three years. The much-anticipated gathering was attended by prominent members of the Bwatiye community, including the representative of the Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, Prof. Kaletapwa George Farauta, as well as the two paramount rulers – HRM Homun Daniel Ismaila Shaga PhD. CON Kpawo nomweh – Gilongo Diya the Hama Bachama and HRM Homun Alhamdu Gladstone Teneke JP MFR Tikulo Batta, Kpa Ngashe – Diyo shifoto The Hama Batta. Top government officials, other community leaders, and a delegation from the Cameroon Republic were also present, underscoring the cross-border significance of the event.

The program commenced with a warm welcome from the Acting President, Chief James Dickson Iliya, who set the tone for the day’s proceedings. This was followed by a comprehensive performance report presented by the outgoing Secretary-General, detailing the association’s activities and achievements over the previous term. The report highlighted the organization’s efforts in fostering unity, driving development, and advocating for the interests of the Bwatiye nation.

The report:…..

REPORT OF THE GENERAL SECRETARY TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENE DA BWATIYE DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION WORLDWIDE, ON THREE YEARS STEWARDSHIP PF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, PRESENTED ON 6^TH JULY. 2024.

PROTOCOL: Standing on the already established protocol.

INTRODUCTION: I stand before this large Congregation of Bwatiye stake holders; comprising of our Royal Majesties and Highnesses, Top government officials, representatives of Women and youth Wings, Delegates of communities and diaspora and observers from our sister country Cameroon to give report of three years stewardship of the Executive Council of Pene DA Bwatiye Development Association Worldwide.

Recall, that, on 27^th March, 2021, we all gathered to elect into various offices of the Association which heralded the coming into office of various offices of the Association, which heralded the coming into office of Prof. Daniel N. Babayi led Executive Council. The Council took off the activities of the Association with zeal and enthusiasm,

The inaugural meeting came up with seven point’s agenda as a mission to be achieved by the Executive Council, in the three years mandate given to them, which includes:

1. Strengthening the organs of BDA and CDA’s.
2. Constitution of Bwatiye Elders Forum, Standing Committees and Adhoc committees where necessary.

• Review of BDA Constitution.

1. Review the report of the Technical Committee on Herders and Farmers.
2. Review Bwatiye culture and inheritance and the need to publicize what was gazette.
3. Identify areas of conflicts and make efforts to resolve.

• Establish Bwatiye Trust Fund.

THREE YEARS UNDER REVIEW

Three years under review was a painstaking journey fill of enthusiasm and vigor, with exciting brainstorming sessions, much heartwarming expected paradoxes. Though with inherited myriad of teething problems from our predecessors, especially the poor capital base, the Council made attempts to achieve its three years mission. The following were achievements in the years under review.

1. STRENGTHENING OF BDA ORGANS AND THE CDA’S: In an effort to strengthen BDA organs, the Youth wing internal crisis was resolved and election conducted into their various offices. Women wing election was also conducted and both wings now operate under elected executives, whose tenures are about elapsing.

The Community Development Associations were also strengthened by identifying and categorizing the communities based on their developmental status and were mandated to register with the mother body. Today, the Council have on record a total of two hundred and twelve communities identified which spreads across Adamawa State. Fifty-eight of the communities have registered with the national body.

The State and Local Government Chapters (diaspora) were identified and have started registering.

Other communities yet to be identified are those in Maiha and Mubi South Local Government. Also, in Borno State.

 

1. RELATIONSHIP WITH BWATIYE IN CAMEROON:- Cameroon Chapter of Pene Da Bwatiye had continued the harmonious relationship by extending hand of fellowship through invitations extended, to attend series of their ceremonies and events. Notably among the events is the invitation extended to our Royal Majesties and the BoT Chairman to attend opening of a Mosque in Garoua. The Royal Majesties, BoT Chairman and the organs of BDA were fully represented. Today, they are seated amongst us as observers, which confirms the continuity of the relationship. Cameroon Republic has well over thou hundred communities spread across the country.

• CONSTITUTION OF ELDERS FORUM AND STANDING COMMITTEES: In an attempt to have representation across board and delegate responsibilities, the Council identified, constituted and inaugurated the following: Bwatiye Elders Forum, expanded Board of Trustees from three to nine, Board of Bwaraune Development Foundation, Standing and Adhoc Committees.

 The Standing Committees inaugurated were; Legal Committee, Education Committee, Agriculture Committee, Entrepreneurial/Vocational Committee, Welfare Committee, Health Committee, Farmers/Herders Committee and Security Committee. The ; Steering Committee on Adhoc Committees are; Steering Committee on Bwatiye Cultural Day, 2024 and Launching of Bwaraune Development Foundation, and the Electoral Committee.

1. MOBILIZATION OF BWATIYE ACROSS BOARD: The Council made deliberate efforts to mobilize Bwatiye across board on the need to understand better the motto of the Association: “Pene nor Purche a Humwa”, by visiting communities in Bassapwa and Basavoti, culminating with Town Hall meetings in Bagale for Bassapwa and in Numan for Bassanjiyan and Basavoti. At the Town Hall Meetings, there were incisive paper presentations on Bwatiye norms, Entrepreneurial Knowledge and the need to embrace education as a panacea for development. The census mobilization was the peak that heralded the unity of Bwatiye. Our Royal Majesties, District Heads, Village/Ward Heads mobilized their subjects and there was huge success by the large turn up of delegates. This culminated in huge donations by Bwatiye sons and daughters for the worthy cause.
2. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND INTERVENTION IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION: The Council in collaboration with Bwatiye stake holders always charts ways in resolving conflict and crises as they arise between Bwatiye or with other ethnic groups. For the sake of record, the Council with our Elders, have intervened in LCCN crisis, though still ongoing also, the Council Intervened in the following:

• Internal conflicts in Benghun, Nassarawo, Dason, Magdari/Koffa, Gidan Dadi Communities, all Bassapwa zone. Others are: Lamurde Community, Dong Community, Numan concern group, also in Bassanjiyan.
• The Council replied to a defamatory online publication by the President of AVID (Americal Igbo in Diaspora), Chief Sylvester Onya, Lumping Bachama amongst terrorists groups in Nigeria.
• The council issued a press release on the attitude of the Adamawa State Commissioner of Police and copied to the Governor and the Inspector General of Police on the Waja/Lunguda Communal clashes, where he made the District Head of Lafiya, to sit on the floor before summoning him to the DPO, Numan Division. He was redeployed.

1. GOVERNMENT AND BWATIYE CONCERNS: The Association, being a non-profit and non – political organization made attempts to streamline and pass down messages of the government to the grassroots, especially where it concerns Bwatiye Communities. To this effect, the Council were involved in;

• Presenting and forwarding of a Memo to the House of Representative Committee during the public hearing on State and Local Government creation, and requested for the creation of Gongola State and change the name of Lamurde Local Government Area, to Bachama Local Government Area.
• Visited Executives Governor of Adamaw2a State in three different occasions. Amongst the issues forwarded to the Governor is a memo presented on the need to revisit the Technical Report on Farmers and Herders clashes.
• Forwarded Congratulatory letters to the Governor on four different occasions on his successes at the polls, tribunal and Supreme Court cases.
• REVIEW OF BDA CONSTITUTION: The Constitution has been reviewed and amended and will be presented for adoption by the General Assembly.
• NATIONAL OFFICE: The Council acquired an office space that houses the Secretariat and the affiliate organs of Women and Youth Wings.

1. BWARAUNE DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION: Bwaraune Development Foundation is part of the mission agenda of the Council. The essence is to develop a sustainable source of income and fund drive for intervention in Bwatiye cause. The Board of Trustees were carefully and meticulously selected and inaugurated. The incoming Executive Council will be left with the tasks of continuing from where the outgoing executive have stopped.

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE: Income for the years under review; March 2021 to 4^th July 2024.

Total income = N 9,767947.82

Total Expenditure = N 8,978,365.20

Balance = N 789.582.65

This is the financial stand as of 4^th July, 2024.

CONCLUSION: Pene Da Bwatiye Worldwide is an age long Association whose vision and mission must jealously be guarded by us all. May the Lord Almighty give us the strength and enablement to carry on the tasks down to our generations yet unborn.

Thank you and God bless.

 

Mr. Emmanuel Pwakavi Bapatu

General Secretary.

 

Goodwill messages from various dignitaries further reinforced the importance of the Pene Da Bwatiye Development Association and its role in the region. The two paramount rulers, HRM Homun Daniel Ismaila Shaga and HRM Homun Alhamdu Gladstone Teneke Tikulo Batta, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the need for unity and collective action to address the community’s challenges.

One of the key highlights of the event was the presentation and launching of the association’s amended constitution, others are songs rendition, cultural dances and speeches. The new constitution, developed through a consultative process, aims to strengthen the organization’s structure, improve governance, and better align its objectives with the evolving needs of the Bwatiye people. The delegates enthusiastically received the updated charter, recognizing it as a crucial step towards enhancing the association’s effectiveness and responsiveness.

The election of the new national executive committee was the climactic moment of the program. After a rigorous and democratic exercise, 19 members were elected to the prestigious positions, who will serve as the guiding force for the association over the next three years.

The newly elected executive committee is as follows:

1. Chief James Dickson Iliya – Voti – National President –
2. Chief Felix Wono – VP1
3. Abdullahi Saidu Tara – VP II
4. Rollison Holger – VP III
5. Pwakavi Emmanuel Bapatu – General Secretary
6. Asabe Kade – Treasurer
7. Blessing Dogara – Financial Secretary
8. Barr. Umar Mohammed Furo – Legal Adviser
9. Dr. Asondolo Bedason – Assistant Secretary
10. Comr. Ishaka D. Dedan – PRO I
11. Comr. Mapwavon Saul – PRO III
12. Nagapiya Alokoti Foredan – PRO II
13. Bakari Hammadu ATIKU – Cultural Research Officer I
14. Nyitti panga Samuel – Cultural Research Officer II
15. Aloysius Simon – Cultural Research Officer III
16. Pwadahungon Bala Mawadi – Provost Marshal
17. Joyce J. Bafyau – Welfare Officer
18. Pwadeh Rogers Teneke – VP Diaspora
19. Cletus Musa Elisha – PRO IV

The new executive committee has pledged to work tirelessly to address the developmental needs of the Bwatiye nation, both within Nigeria and across the border in Cameroon. Their ambitious agenda includes a range of strategic initiatives aimed at uplifting the lives of the Bwatiye people.

One of the key priorities outlined by the new leadership is improving infrastructure and access to basic amenities in Bwatiye communities especially building of the Secretariat. This includes establishment of the Bwatiye Trust Fund and so much more! The association recognizes that addressing these fundamental needs is crucial for the overall wellbeing and progress of the Bwatiye population.

Promoting educational opportunities and scholarships for Bwatiye youth is another central focus hence the constitution of Education Committee. The goal is to empower the younger generation and equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to the development of their communities.

Fostering cultural preservation and celebration of Bwatiye heritage is also high on the agenda. The new leadership recognizes the importance of maintaining and showcasing the rich cultural traditions of the Bwatiye people.

The Pene Da Bwatiye Development Association aims to foster stronger partnerships and economic cooperation with their counterparts in Cameroon.

As the Bwatiye community celebrates the successful election of their new national leadership, they look forward to a future filled with renewed energy, unity, and a shared sense of purpose. The Pene Da Bwatiye Development Association’s commitment to addressing the community’s needs, preserving its rich culture, and fostering cross-border collaboration will undoubtedly pave the way for a more prosperous and inclusive future for the entire Bwatiye nation.