Balogun yoruba community in Borno state charges new exco to put the interest of the people first

By: Bodunrin Kayode

The Balogun of the Yoruba community in Borno state, Chief Kassim Adeyemo has called on members to put the interest of their committee first in all their dealings.

He made the call recently while delivering a speech as chairman electoral committee during the swearing in ceremony of the new executive of the Northern states, yoruba community council, Borno State chapter.

Quoting Koran surah Al-Hujarat verse 6 “O ye who believe! If a wicked person comes to you with any news, ascertain the truth, least ye harm people unwittingly and afterward become full of repentance for what ye have done” Adeyemo charged them to be diligent in all their actions to the people.

He called on the members to free themselves from all forms of blackmails even as they devote their time to something much more rewarding.

The Balogun however regretted that in spite of the myriad of challenges inherited which nearly crippled their activities while conducting the election, four positions were not contested for in the line up of the Executive.

The chairman said he was fulfilled as chair that the Yoruba community in Borno State, north east Nigeria now have elected new leaders to run its affairs for the next four years.

Among the new officials he paraded who were later sworn in were Alhaji Saka Abiodun who became the President and Suleiman Sanusi who emerged as deputy.

Mohammed Adeboyega was elected the General secretary with Mojeed Opashola assisting him while Moses Ezekiel became the financial secretary.

Other members in the new executive include: Dejo Afolabi in charge of welfare, Albert Apata Social secretary, Ajibola Education secretary, Waidi Adetunji Auditor, Alaba Mukaila PRO One, Ganiyu Raji PRO two, Ademola Ismaila Whip two with Sulaiman Issa as whip one.

Ex-officio members to assist in running the affairs of the team include Muniru Bello, Isiaka Adebare and Wole Adeleye.

The new President Saka Abiodun during an exclusive interview with this reporter agreed that there was need to settle squabbles among members proactively instead of waiting until it was too late.

To him even if sworn enemies have been chosen into the team, he is not perturbed because what they intend to do now is to be involved in peace making since it’s only peace makers that can make progress.

“We understands where we are coming from and we are surely going to sit down to see how these challenges would be sorted out so that there would be peace among the community.

” I expect peace to reign and we will do all our best to help the community achieve that peace that has eluded us for some time.”

On the economy and well being of the community, he said that most of the businesses that non indigenous people were monopolizing were now sadly taken over by the indigenous people.

” But we are doing our best to ensure that we train our young people in little skills to move them from where they are now to the next level.”

He advised the yorubas in Borno to reach out to the leaders whenever they get into trouble adding that “it is not good for bread Winners of families to be jobless and being unable to reach out to us.”

Our community faces numerous challenges but together we can overcome them. I believe in the strength of unity, our shared values and our determination to build a better future for all. It’s not about me. It’s about us as a community.

“Our first assignment is to begin the process of retraining our people whose livelihood has been overtaken by technology and advancement in innovation through the National Directorate of employment (NDE) or enrollment at vocational centre’s scattered all over the state.

Guest lecturer during the occasion Professor Aboaba advised that the new exco carry every segment of the yoruba community along.

He further advised that the community should avoid spreading disunity in the association as a whole.

He later prayed that God will be their guide in the journey ahead as they tarry in a strange land.

He called on the elders to ensure that the younger ones are well cultured in the traditions of the yoruba especially as it concerns peace and diplomacy when it comes to crisis management.

Oba yoruba Alhaji Hassan Yusuf called in the new executive to mobilize for a new beginning even as they imbibe the spirit of forgiveness.

He urged them to equally learn from the dangerous lessons of disunity to assist them to unite for the future ahead.

Balogun yoruba community in Borno state charges new exco to put the interest of the people first