Borno Townhall Meeting Calls for Change of Attitude for Peace and Security
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The Borno State Government has organised the maiden Zonal Townhall meeting for Social Reorientation, Peace, Security and Development, held at the Conference Hall of Musa Usman Secretariat, Maiduguri on Monday 4th December, 2023.
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The event brought together critical stakeholders from the Borno Central Senatorial District to discuss ways and means of fast-tracking the Borno Restoration Project. The Townhall provided a platform for constructive dialogue, collaboration, and engagement among key stakeholders in Borno State, with the aim of promoting attitudinal change that will renew the pride in Borno’s values and restore the age-old honour, dignity, and prosperity of the State.
Participants drawn from critical segments of society provided ideas on change of attitude, restoration of core values and way of life.
The meeting featured a keynote paper, lead paper, a panel session, and interactive discussions that engaged the diverse audience on how to restore the prestige of Borno through attitudinal change within the citizenry.
The Executive Governor of Borno State Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Information & Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, thanked participants for keeping faith with the Borno State Government. The Governor reiterated the Borno State Government’s commitment towards working with all relevant stakeholders to revive the values, morals and dignity of the state, by reclaiming our position as a regional hub for development in the North East region.
In his welcome address, Prof Tar provided a background on the social reorientation pillar of the Borno State 25 Year Development Framework and 10 Year Strategic Transformation Initiative. In a keynote paper, the Chief Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Mairo Mandara, reflected on the Borno changing dynamics of societal perception of itself in turbulent times, and how a new culture of peace and prosperity should emerge from the rubbles of extreme violence. She notes that the Borno Restoration Project is aimed at building a vibrant and enterprising people who are committed to “Building Borno Back Better.” Dr Mandara noted that the building of peace, security and development in Borno requires a collective responsibility from all stakeholders.
In his lead paper, Dr Hassan Zanna Boguma (the Zannah Boguma of Borno), reflected on the importance of conscious cultural identity as the worth and values of individuals, underscoring the need for communities, especially the Youths, People Living with Disabilities, marginal and vulnerable segments of society to be carried along in governance, to take ownership of development programmes and embrace a collective culture of belonging, imbibe livelihood strategies, and contribute to economic development of Borno State.
The Panel Session themed “Rewriting the narratives through social reorientation” featured panelists cutting across religious and traditional institutions, youth and women representatives provided an open platform for discussion with the audience around issues of social reorientation in the state. A rich discussion unearthed a lot of ideas and recommendations for the social reorientation program in Borno State.
The Townhall communique issued at the end of the event and adopted by all participants, called for change of attitude amongst Borno people, and a spirited return to our age-hallowed virtues of discipline, respect, dignity, tolerance, industry, creativity and self-sustainance. The Communique called on the Borno State Government to put in place the resources for not only infrastructural development, but also development of a social fabric that will reinforce the State Government’s drive toward building an agricultural and industrial base, and a self-sufficient and export-oriented economy in Borno State.
In attendance were dignitaries from the government, security agencies, the academia, media organisations CSOs, CBOs, traditional institutions, religious bodies, and community leaders. In particular, the active participation of Honourable Commissioners and members of the Borno State Executive Council; the Commissioner of Police; Director of State Security Services, the State Controller of Correctional Services, the Commandant NDLEA, Comptroller of Immigration; the Chief Imam of Borno, Muslim and Christian preachers; the Vice Chancellors of Al-Ansar University and Borno State University; Permanent Secretaries and civil servants added value to the Townhall.
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