Biu Forum: A collective responsibility

The ‘Biu Forum’ which started as an age group association has metamorphosed into a strong indefatigable union accommodating people from all ages, sex, religion, parties, tribe and professions with the goal of contributing to the development of Biu and its people. During the Forum’s yearly celebration day in Biu on 3rd April 2010, Alhaji Mai-Mustapha […]

The ‘Biu Forum’ which started as an age group association has metamorphosed into a strong indefatigable union accommodating people from all ages, sex, religion, parties, tribe and professions with the goal of contributing to the development of Biu and its people.

During the Forum’s yearly celebration day in Biu on 3rd April 2010, Alhaji Mai-Mustapha Muhammad Kogi, national chairman of the forum, said “with the collective support, contributions and sacrifices from sons and daughters of Biu, the forum procured and donated mattresses, beddings, toilets and toiletries to the Biu general hospital”.

He explained that the forum also secured employment and admissions into tertiary institutions to youths as well as providing assistance to widows and others in need.

Little wonder why the forum’s celebration recorded unprecedented attendance by sons and daughters of Biu at home and in diaspora. The young and old, rich and poor, men and women, radical, progressives and conservatives all graced the occasion to identify with the good works of the forum.

One extra-ordinary feat targeted by the forum was its determination to pursue the completion of the Biu dam project which was abandoned 30 years ago. The forum has already retrieved pipes meant for the project which were initially diverted and brought back to Biu. The dream and joy of everyone in Biu is to see the completion of the dam which will spur economic growth, social development, employment opportunities as well as stemming restiveness among youths.

The forum has thrown a challenge to its rich to establish small and medium scale industries to open up more employment opportunities to the people while others should sponsor the training of youths to acquire skills.

It was in realization of this laudable objectives that important dignitaries including Borno State deputy governor, Alhaji Adamu Shettima Dibal, the SSG Ambassador Baba Ahmed Jidda, former Minister of Women Affairs and PDP national women leader, Hajiya Inna Adamu Ciroma, the emir of Biu Alhaji Mai-Umar Mustapha Aliyu, former chief executive of Teachers Registration Council, Mr Anjikwi Ciwar, international businessmen and women just to mention but a few found it expediently necessary to personally grace the occasion.

Mr Anjikwi Ciwar described ‘Biu Forum’ as a selfless service that Biu had lacked for a long time. “I am happy that, at least, the younger generation has initiated this beautiful project. It is service to mankind which must be encouraged and emulated by all. No amount of contribution will be too much to see our people especially the upcoming youths freed from the shackles of poverty”.

For Hajiya Inna Ciroma, the Forum has provided the general platform needed to contribute to the development of the area. “It is such a social cohesion that gives us the opportunity to bury our socio-political differences and work for the transformation of Biu”.

She maintained with assurance that the project will be supported to secure skills for employment and economic empowerment of the youths.

“We should also use this opportunity to improve on the girl child education in Biu. Parents should be encouraged by the elites who serve as role models to sponsor their daughters to pursue advance education,” she said.

Engineer Ibrahim Usman [IBUS], former vice presidential candidate of the ADC party, said the Forum’s commitment to arrest youth restiveness was a challenge to the political class to provide decent employment opportunities rather than political banditry.

“The forum has given us the challenge to see Biu as our political party, our manifesto, agenda and philosophy. As politicians we should join parties that will bring development to Biu and, as supporters, we should support a party that will give us development,” Ibus said.

The task poised by Biu Forum has definitely awakened the people from a deep slumber to look inwards and develop itself rather than waiting for government to do everything for them.

It is expected that the people of Biu will support the forum to record more achievements and improve the lives of their people. It is indeed a worthy initiative that must be sustained, supported and encouraged for a faster and larger development of Biu and its people.

Maimadu Mamman Biu, Borno State