On Sunday, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, Ph.D, GCON, attended the Annual Bade Development Forum (BDF) meeting in Lafiya, Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State. The forum serves as a vital platform for stakeholders to discuss strategies for fostering peace, unity, and sustainable development across communities.
The Bade Development Forum spans multiple states, including Yobe, Bauchi, Jigawa, Adamawa, Katsina, Plateau, Taraba, Niger, Kaduna, and Kano, where a significant number of Bade descendants reside.
The event was attended by high-profile dignitaries, including representatives of Yobe State Governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, CON, and Jigawa State Governor, Mallam Umar Namadi. Also present were the Deputy Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Y’au Usman Dachia (Gado da Masun Bade), as well as members of both the Yobe and Jigawa State Houses of Assembly.
Speaking at the event, Senator Lawan, who represents Yobe North Senatorial District, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peace, youth empowerment, and economic development. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts, such as those championed by the Bade Development Forum, in addressing the challenges facing the community.
The 2025 Action Plan of the forum prioritizes key areas, including:
Educational support for underprivileged children
Expansion of healthcare access
Awareness campaigns against drug abuse among youths
Climate-smart agricultural initiatives to combat climate change
Senator Lawan commended the conveners of the program and acknowledged the rapid growth of the forum’s support base. Although he was unable to attend last year’s edition in Dagona, he noted that the large turnout at this year’s meeting underscored the increasing significance of the forum. He also encouraged more people to join the initiative.
He clarified that the forum’s objective is not to promote tribalism, but rather to foster peace and unity among various communities. He further expressed appreciation to Governor Mai Mala Buni for providing opportunities to Bade sons and daughters in his administration.
Highlighting his personal contributions, Senator Lawan reiterated his commitment to the annual free vaccination of over two million cattle through the Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan Foundation. He emphasized that this initiative aims to strengthen relationships between herders and farmers, ensuring peaceful coexistence.
The senator concluded by stressing the importance of trust and unity, urging communities to work together for collective progress.
