Arewa Newsletter - 10.11.2001
Strength in unity & Progress
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Leader Column
I dislike elections. They are absolute nightmare for every association especially where everyone wants to be a leader.
As questions begin to emerge: will he? Won’t he? If so, when? It may be very exciting if you are contesting for a political office, but if you need to talk to everyone, forget it!
A leader takes all blames, a leader must listen as well as act and so I have acted.
Less than 4 years ago, soon after I became the Executive Chairman of Arewa Association (UK), I knew things were not going to be easy, but just like any leader, I received help and encouragement from my fellow Executive Committee Members and I hope, I will continue to receive such support in the remaining weeks leading to the AGM.
The long delay for calling an AGM was purely technical and logistical, which is deeply regretted.
Constitutional provisions have been broken and there is no excuse. As a leader, I have taken full responsibility and I humbly ask for your forgiveness.
When someone calls attention to our faults when there are not any, we recognise the important to prove our strength, sense of duty and self-respect to people we care about.
People should always remember that there’s a thin line between simply stating the faults and bragging.
A lot of self-promotion takes too much hot air to inflate your balloon. Criticism can be a good opportunity for reflection and change.
With justifiable pride and despite our shortcomings, when the history books are re-written, our names shall go down on golden plate: “Here lived ‘Yan Arewa’ whose job it is well done”!
My vision for Arewa is of an association that listen, open and outward and fair.
Whose resources is based on creativity and
whose community is based on responsibility and
whose leadership is defined by our common shared values and alliances that we build around them, I think Arewa Association (UK) has a marvellous and promising future.
It is imperative that we use our strength to shape the future and recognise that our success is to be dynamic, creative, resourceful and responsible as an association.
I have in my small way done my noble duty to my association; it is in deed up to the next leadership to build on the gains we have thus far achieved.
Thank you and God bless you.
Forward Together - It is time to talk
Our sense of timing is slightly off, but it isn’t enough to ruin the day.
You can help the fact the Association is constantly evolving body and everything else falls into place eventually, better late than never – two years on; two years late, but always one better!
As an association, it exists to exist, no precise function, slowly but surely, our members will come to grapple. This is the very best leadership to emerge!
The truth about this association is that over the years it has been over-led and under-managed. So, we set ourselves to improve the imbalance!
The formation of Arewa Association (UK) in 1993/4 and later revised Constitution adopted in 1997 helped to prolong that gap (2-year term).
I call in your collective wisdom to consider in the future the need to reduce it to 1-year term as much as it is efficiently expedient, but administratively compelling.
As you are well aware, it was formed as a grouping following the annulled election of 1992 and the aftermath.
Its aims were to contribute to the well being of its members from the Northern Nigeria (‘Yan Arewa) by promoting unity, culture, social and welfare matters and facilitating co-operation while at the same time preserving the duo-interest of North within the context of Federal Republic of Nigeria.
With justifiable pride, it has done meaningful service in this regard.
I firmly believe very deeply that what hold us together are values and aspirations, common challenges and that you can be Alhaji; Mallam or Mr, Christian; Muslim and ‘Dan Arewa at the same time.
If the overall task of providing welfare and social aspects are to be achieved, a genuine forum in, which the maintenance and development of the Association can only be achieved with the active engagement and full participation of all members is greatly preferable as an all inclusive regional association – Arewa Association.
Civilian-cum-Military crisis since 1992 struck everyone including some members of our Exco, who walked away and some of whom we only heard their voices in a matter of few weeks prior to today. But in spite of their conspicuous absent, we still carry on the task of community building to which we are all dedicated.
Like other associations, Arewa is no exception, if left to the devices Arewa tends to slump into a state of BUREAUCRATIC LASSITUDE in which process becomes as vital as outcome. Association needs to be prodded and challenged, their agendas must be constantly refreshed and they require imaginative thinking.
This is only possible with wider impetus from collective co-operation of Exco under the authority of Chairman. So it is important everyone understands what we have in Arewa Association.
Answer the critique – we were not dormant. We do have a purpose; for cooling off and it is equally the same aim we began with; that the Arewa continues to be viable, relevant and support the development of its members while at the same time ensuring prudence in its spending in a congenial, peaceful and healthy atmosphere.
But, nevertheless, that is NOT Arewa’s task alone!
However, Arewa makes the whole task a great deal easier!
So, ask not what the association can do for you, ask what you can do for the association!
But there is more, behind Arewa stands a silent, strategic sentinel. Arewa was designed with an eye to strategic as well as welfare purposes by bringing together in harmonising our activity with Zumunta Association USA, Inc., Arewa Consultative Forum of Nigeria (ACF), National lottery Commission UK and Book Aid International UK. They play a part in shaping the triangular social and welfare aspects that will determine Arewa’s future.
Do what you can, but try not to feel frustrated if you can’t
accomplish every one of the items on your to-do list.
SHORT STATEMENT FROM THE INCUMBENT FINANCIAL SECRETARY
First of all, there is the need for all of us now to offer our unflinching thanks to the almighty God for sparing our precious lives from the present regime’s day one until today that we all met, because, sadly, there are some of our members who would never be able to be with us again (except in spirit) due to their demise. May their souls rest in perfect peace. Amen.
During our term of office, we received bombarded criticisms from some of our ‘concerned’ members - alleging us of over-staying our usefulness in accordance with the constitution. Some of their arguments based on our lack of calling for regular, and organising Annual General Meetings, and other social activities, others based theirs on our lack of enthusiasm in giving financial support to the course of some political and social upheavals that have occurred in the northern part of Nigeria, especially the most recent mayhem between the muslims and the christians in Jos. Whilst others argued for financial support based on individual personal problems.
We are happy that people spoke their minds on issues that affected their states and their communities, but only that they failed to recognise that all the incumbent Executive Officers are either gainfully employed or running their businesses in this country. This has contributed to the problems of delay in arranging for the AGM, and for the Association’s business to be run on ‘full time’ basis was found to be impossible for us. In addition, none of us is an Arewa Association’s salaried staff but volunteer. In other word, the Association’s business comes second in our mind due to our busy schedules.
Some of these member-complainants have forgotten our regime’s pledge when we sworn-in that we will:
(a) Rectify the recklessness of spending “your monies” to be prudential with a view to always keeping a healthier bank account, and to be accountable to all of you
(b) Not be dabbling into any political arena whatsoever (both in the UK and overseas)
In addition, we pledged to give support to our “members-in need” and our communities as much as we can in accordance with the association’s constitution. We pledged to do all these and others in order to be different from the past regimes, and these were exactly what we did so far, for which we are very proud of.
Some members have forgotten that Arewa Association was not registered as a Charity Organisation - to be dishing out funds to meet the needs of individuals all of the time. Part of our aims was therefore to look after the welfare of our members here ‘at the time of hardship’ but not at any time that the need of an individual arises. This, of course, was our number one priority.
On behalf of all my colleagues (Executives) I apologise for our inability to request for members’ annual dues on time, especially from 1998 through to 2001 totaling the sum of £40.00 per member. As we all aware, no organization can survive without the necessary financial backing from its members.
Therefore, I am seizing this moment opportunity to appeal to all of you to kindly pay up your dues of £40.00 only, to enable the in-coming regime to function effectively with sufficient fund.
Wishing you all a happy deliberation.
Yours sincerely
Mohammed Jamiuh Abdullahi AYINLA
Financial Secretary
COMMUNITY NEWS
Website – Our new website is beginning to take new shape and we are daily updating new features.
If you have not already visited it do so now – http://www.gamji.com/arewa.htm
This gives a snapshot of the procedures, activities and membership within the association.
The main idea and concept is to reduce the phenomenon of “BUREAUCRATIC CREEP”
a term use to describe the imposition of official control etc.
The website offers solutions to address the impediments facing Arewa Association (UK) while at the same time providing practical solutions.
Arewa site has made considerable progress in achieving objectives; brings Exco within one roof; reduces delay in decision-making process via e-mail where face-to-face meeting is impractical and reaching out to wider audience at a global level – imparting new ideas, policies, activities most recently it depended the decision by the State University of Chicago USA to honour 3 former heads of state of Northern origin.
Links have been established with Gamji, the website co-host and Zumunta Association USA Inc.
It must be stressed that website is only as good as it get its members to participate, initiate ideas and that information provided may be published and the relevant members contacted, the information given will not be attributable to the association.
Contributors would be contacted and informed of the action being taken.
Kindly send us the following A.S.A.P:
Any forthcoming activities
Arewa News in your area
Pictures relating to functions – taken on preferably on digital camera
Y/our 2001/ 2 diary or calendar of events
Diskettes – New revised Constitution 1997 to replace the old one currently on the website.
E-mail to: Sadicom@aol.com
We would seize this opportunity to ask members to take the time and consider your views, experiences and identify anything, which in your opinion you feel missed out or need to be included and forward in your comments to: Sadicom@aol.com
CUTTING THE RED TAPE IN DECISION PROCESS
In order to make the Association working for you, we need to know if you have not already done so the following:
Location of Member
Status of Member – e.g. full Member or Associate
Description of problem you encounter
What negative effect do you experience
Details of any consultation process to enhance the work of the association
Suggested solutions for removal of the obstacle
Please send your recommendations to: Sadicom@aol.com
Or visit our site: http://www.gamji.com/arewa.htm
CONTACTS
The Treasury Solicitor (BV) – One most important achievement ever undertaken by the Association was the recovery of the Association’s funds after it was vested in the Crown as ‘Bona Vacantia’ in accordance with the Companies Act 1985 following the decision made by our predecessor “Care Taker Committee” to register the Association as “Arewa Association (UK) Ltd” – details of this implication would be given to you by the Treasurer in his Financial Report as well as other related matters such as missing/ unauthorised cheques during the short period of the Care Taker Committee and amongst other things letters were sent including by recoded delivery dated 28 December 1997 and 16 March 1998 respectively to the chairman of that committee in pursuant to the General Assembly recommendation following an Extra Ordinary Meeting held (at this venue) on 13 December 1997.
We received various enquiries from individuals as well as organisations both at home and abroad for example, Book Aid International UK, National Lottery Commission UK, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) Nigeria and Zumunta Association USA Inc.
In July 1997 we wrote a letter to Professor Abubakar Sambo, then Vice Chancellor of A T B University Bauchi as well as member of Education Board set up to Review/ Revive standard of education with the view to explore areas of co-operation.
We issued press releases on 18/02/2001 and 29/11/2000 respectively in support of 3 former heads of state General Muhammadu Buhari, General Ibrahim Babangida, General Abdulsalam Abubakar and Honourable Speaker Ghali Umar Na’Abba at a time when they were subjected to abuse, insult and ridicule by some sections of the press simply because of their origin – North, while at the same time understanding their shortcomings just like other leaders from different regions of the Federation.
Furthermore, we wrote to the press on 08/03/2001 in respect of Gamji Cyber Appeal Funds to help the victims of Gindiri Fire Disaster.
Book Launch – “The Turning point” was launched on 06/07/1997 at Africa Centre by Mr Chukwudum Ikeazor in which a paper titled: “Peace and Reconciliation” was delivered by the Chairman. The book centred on Pre-Independent period, civil war and post Independent Nigeria.
VISITS
The Executive Committee made courtesy and condolence calls to Alhaji Aminu Dantata following the death of his brother Alhaji Sanusi, Late Abidina Commassie Proprietor of Today and Abuja Mirror News Papers, Ambassador Maitama Sule and Former President Shehu Shagari. Emirs of Bauchi, Katsina and Daura were also visited during their brief hospital treatment.
Family Outing – A family day out was conducted on 22/08/1998 to the famous sea-sight of Margate. Almost 40 people attended the trip. It was truly Arewa day blossomed in the traditional Arewa Costumes and according to the Secretary, “It was a trip of a life time”
Millennium Party was to take place in January 2000 to mark the end of Christmas and Eid Festival as well as New Year, but unfortunately due to circumstances it wasn’t to be.
MISSING PERSONS
Other major achievements the Association performed under our leadership since our inception were as follows:
1)Ladidi Funtua – is a divorcee with young children who was promised everything in the world when she came to London, but only to end up rejected, abused, psychologically and mentally distorted, in fact she was abandoned in the street during winter, somewhere in London. Her misery did not end there, some people tried to benefit from her condition. Twice she attempted to commit suicide, but was later taken to hospital. Thanks to the Exco prompt intervention and with the help of. Our good Lady-Angel Welfare Officer, Jamima Danjuma for her generosity in bringing her under her roof (feeding, socialising etc) as well as treating her as additional member of the “Arewa Family.” Our stepping in did not save Ladidi from further attempt from her abusers to remove her from hospital where she was receiving treatment so we had to seek the assistance of the authority in due course. We finally concluded that the best thing for her was to send her home so she can be re-untied with her family. We bought her cloth, provisions to help her adjust when she finally reached home so she could look after her young children. Our officers facilitated through the Emirate of her town in Funtua to receive her at the airport. Finally we escorted her on the early morning of 22/11/1998 to the airport having handed her over to two most respected people to ride a plane to Nigeria. The cost to the Association was a mere £250, air ticket at the cost of £337.50, which was paid for by Alhaji Dikko Ladan. Furthermore, special thanks go to Anti Shatu Garba of Startrek Travel not only for concessionary ticket, but monetary help as well. May we extend our gratitude to Alhaji Yusuf Kankiya for facilitating contacts from both sides as well as making local funds available for her immediate use upon arrival and finally we shall not live it a point, but it would be realistic to thank all officials who for their personal contributions in different ways some of which it is almost difficult if not impossible to quantify. We are pleased to inform you that Ladidi is now home and re-united with her family.
2)Beila Lugo (VA USA – November 2000)- whose mother was a missionary who left Nigeria in 1972 with baby Beila, she has not heard from her father since 1992. She is trying to find if he’s still alive. We were contacted by one gentleman from Ohio USA named Mr Iheme through our website. He gave all the necessary information that might be required. We enlisted a good friend Dr Louis whom through the good office of HE Jolly Nyame Governor of Taraba State, the state that Beila’s father came from. After several months of correspondence, we are pleased to inform you that Beila is now re-united with her father. Our thanks particularly to Dr Louis and HE Governor Nyame especially for employing Mr Lugo back into the State’s Ministry of Education. The costs of telephone calls and visits to Nigeria are estimated to be well over £1,000, but proud to say that there is not a single penny billed to the Association. Today, we have the pleasure to hear that Beila is well in touch with her father and even thinking of visiting Nigeria in the near future and that she is very grateful to the Association.
OBITUARY
It is with deepest regret that we must announce the passing away of some of our acquaintance and members.
In 1997 the Chairman as well as Publicity Secretary attended a prayer meeting in honour of Mr Nnoja (Paul) from Benue State at Golders’ Green Community Hall. The Chairman read a prepared speech at the occasion. Also in attended were Publicity Secretary Alache Ode, Welfare Officer Jamima Danjuma, Social Officer Ladi Diga and Husband Former Chairman Care Taker Committee, Former Secretary General Charles Adzo and a host of other members.
In 1999 Friends of Nigeria organised a prayer meeting at Tooting Bec Community Hall in honour of Late General Sani Abacha, the meeting was attended by the Chairman in which a prayer as well as speech were delivered.
On 23/08/2001 at West Hendon Mosque this time was a prayer for the remains of wife of former President Shehu Shagari who passed away after long time illness at a hospital. The Chairman who had to cut short his holiday represented the Association.
We are at pain to announce the death of the following members and their individual memories would stay with us for a long time. These are:
Dr Haruna Sule Hanakuka – Bauchi State on 14/03/2001, a founding member of both Arewa Association as well as Bauchi State Union, a distinguished medical doctor, at the time of writing, his widow also lost a brother following a road accident.
Mallam Ahmed Mohammed – Member, Former Financial Secretary lost his father-in-law in December 2000 and furthermore, prior to the death, his father sustained injury from a car accident in June 2000, but luckily survived.
Mallam Nuhu Haruna, a founding member, President of Kaduna State lost his Mother in August 2001. Our heart felt condolence to him and his family.
Honourable Michael Kenneth – Nasarawa State on 07/10/2001, our Legal Advisor elect and a lawyer by profession, he left behind children as well as grand children all in Nigeria, his remain is expected to be taken home on 27/10/2001 for burial.
Mr Daniel K Inuwa, a banker, friend of Arewa, a devoted husband and a true patriot passed away after a brief illness on 09/10/2001. A memorial service to commemorate his life was conducted on 15/10/2001 at Immanuel Baptist Fellowship, Willesden Green. He left a wife, 1 son and 3 daughters all in school age. Distinguished members like Mr Paul Yusuf, Nuhu Haruna, Dr I K Salu, Silas Bodam, Gladys and Mrs Tockan, all members, as well as friends and relatives were at the ceremony. Also at the gathering were the Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary. If there was anything, this was a moving fare well to a remarkable gentleman. May their souls rest in peace.
ILLNESS
Alache Ode – Publicity Secretary was reported ill for sometime and she’s recovering well on speaking to her recently.
Mrs Ladi Diga – Social Secretary - We also received the news that she sustained a fracture to her hand.
We at Arewa wish them all speedy recovery.
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