The National President of Niniji Nupe Development Association (NNDA), Barr. Abdulaleem Haruna, has declared that the priorities of his new executive include reuniting the Nupe people who used to be called Bassa Nge, and pursuing reformation of the revered association of the people.
Barr Haruna gave insights into the priorities of his tenure when he delivered his inaugural speech after taking oath of office as the incumbent President of the association following an election conducted on 25th November 2023.
The inauguration of the new National Executive Committee took place on Tuesday, 26th December 2023 at the Assembly Hall of Bassa Nge Anglican Grammar School, Gboloko. The event, which was attended by members from many branches of the association, featured speeches, presentation of certificates of return to elected officials, oath-taking and others.
NNDA was formerly known as Bassa Nge Development Union (BNDU).
In his speech, the outgoing President listed the laudable achievements of his tenure including assisting population mapping by National Population Commission, brokering peace between communities, advising the Etsu on issues such as chieftaincy titles and awards, donation of school materials, supporting repossession of Lokoja kingship, ensuring reversal of name from Bassa Nge to Nupe, and much more. He stated that his tenure experienced many challenges but expressed gratitude to God and to the support of the people for a successful ending.
Immediately after the motion for dissolution of the outgoing executive committee was moved and seconded, the outgoing President made the pronouncement which set the pace for the presentation of the new executives by the Electoral Committee chairman, Mr Syrenius Atanze, followed by the administration of oath led by Elder Peter Agasokoa.
The Board of Trustees, representatives of branches, elders and members present gave pieces of advice to the new executives and encourage them for the tasks ahead. The prominent among them are that the task ahead is a big one and should be taken with all seriousness, and that the new executives must know that their service is to the people and the land without fear or favour.
The New President delivered a detailed acceptance speech where he listed the priorities and the direction of the new executives. He said the top priority is to reunite Nupe-nge people at home, around Nigeria and in the diaspora. He said the plan to achieve this include reconciliation processes, engagement with all stakeholders, increasing awareness and enlightenment, and national tour.
He also said that the executive will embark on wholistic reformation across the association. He listed areas such as branches and affiliations, finance, meetings, standing committees, cultural activities and executive offices as areas that will experience the reforms.
The President also shared his dreams for development in the Nupe lands and people. He added that even though some may look gargantuan, with the cooperation and support of the people they can become reality. He declared that the success of the tenure is a collective responsibility of both executive and members. He appreciated the confidence and trust reposed in the new executive and promised that the executive is committed to their mandate and selfless service to the Nupe-nge land and people.
Some prominent stakeholders at the inauguration are BoT member and former National Secretary of BNDU, Mr Agbange; Elder Statemen, Elder Peter Agasokoa, Prof Menegbe; Education Secretary of Bassa LGA, principals of secondary schools in Bassa Nge district, former National Executive Committee members, Presidents of BNOC and BNSA.
The new National Executive Committee is to serve a four years’ tenure.