.png "GG NEWS")
The Adamawa State
Coordinator of the Fulbe Development and Cultural Organization (FUDECO), Hajiya
Jamila Hassan, has stressed the need for the Fulbe Community in Nigeria to
embrace both Western and Islamic education, strengthen internal cooperation,
and conduct their affairs strictly in line with the laws of the land.
Addressing officials
of the organization from Girei in Yola, Jamila Hassan emphasized that education
remains the most effective tool for empowerment and long-term development, explaining
that acquiring Western education alongside Islamic knowledge would enable Fulbe
youths to thrive in a rapidly changing world without losing their religious
values, cultural identity and moral discipline.
According to her, the
misconception that Western education contradicts Islamic teachings has over the
years hindered educational advancement in some Fulbe communities, noting that Islam
places strong emphasis on knowledge and learning, adding that modern education
complements religious instruction by providing skills needed to function
effectively in governance, commerce, technology and other sectors of the society.
FUDECO
Communication Consultant, Dr. Adamu Muhammad Dodo, revealed that the organization
maintained its stand that illiteracy and lack of education continue to expose
many Fulbe youths to poverty, unemployment, social vices and manipulation,
stressing that investment in education is key to breaking the cycle of marginalization,
misunderstanding and stereotype faced by Fulbe communities in various parts of
the country.
Dr. Dodo also used
the platform to call for unity, cooperation and mutual respect among FUDECO members,
observing that internal division may weaken collective progress and reduces the
organization’s ability to advocate effectively on issues affecting the Fulbe
people.
He urged members
to shun unnecessary disputes, rumours and actions capable of creating disunity,
and instead embrace dialogue, tolerance and collective responsibility, adding
that a united Fulbe community would be better positioned to engage
constructively with government institutions, traditional authorities and
development partners.
Speaking on the
issue of security and peaceful coexistence, FUDECO Chairman of Girei, Ardo
Kaurami, advised members to distance themselves from all forms of criminality
and activities capable of tarnishing the image of the Fulbe people, reiterating
that the actions of few individuals should not be allowed to define an entire Fulbe
community world over.
Ardo Kaurami further
reminded members of the importance of respecting constituted authority and
obeying all laws of the land, noting that being law-abiding citizens is not
only a civic duty but also a religious and moral obligation.
The Organization assured
members of its commitment to sustained engagement, advocacy and enlightenment
campaigns, revealing plans to intensify awareness programmes at the grassroots
level, focusing on education, peacebuilding and socio-economic empowerment.
Participants at
the meeting commended FUDECO for the initiative, describing it as timely and
necessary in view of the current socioeconomic realities, realizing that the meeting
would help reshape attitudes, especially among young people, and promote a more
positive image of the Fulbe community.
The meeting which was
part of FUDECO’s ongoing efforts to promote education, peaceful coexistence and
socio-cultural development among Fulbe communities in Adamawa State, concluded
with a renewed pledge by members to uphold the values of education, unity,
lawful conduct and peaceful coexistence, while working collectively for the
progress and dignity of the Fulbe people.
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