By Aderonke Ojo
In a powerful testament to the impact of local initiatives, the Seriki of Dobi Community, Alhaji Ismaila Nda, has publicly commended the Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria (IBBN) for orchestrating a unifying civic engagement programme. The event, a grassroots football match held in the Dobi Community of the Gwagwalada Area Council, serves as a microcosm of the unity possible across Nigeria’s diverse social fabric.
Nda’s commendation, delivered on Friday, emphasized the timeliness and tangible benefits of the initiative. “This programme has actively promoted peace, inclusiveness, and harmony among our residents,” he stated, noting its success in fostering unity irrespective of religious affiliation. He pointed to Dobi itself as a living example, where Muslims and Christians have a long history of harmonious coexistence.
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The community leader’s personal philosophy underscores this harmony. “I do not discriminate on religious grounds,” Nda explained. “I regularly attend both Muslim and Christian events when invited.” He attributed the peaceful conduct of the football competition—where Dobi United defeated Paiko United 3–2—to his own neutral stance as a leader, refusing to favor any one team and thus setting a tone of impartiality.
Beyond the celebration, Nda leveraged the platform to appeal to government authorities, highlighting the perennial need for local development. His specific call for the creation of a local council in Dobi underscores how national unity must be paired with tangible governance and infrastructure to meet community needs.
The event provided a strategic platform for IBBN to elaborate on its mission. Bishop Emmanuel Afolabi, the FCT Coordinator, connected the festive atmosphere to deeper civic goals, calling for inclusive governance and robust youth participation in Nigeria’s political process. “IBBN was established to ensure the political class recognises the value and relevance of every citizen, including persons with disabilities and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs),” Afolabi said. The football match, therefore, was not merely a game but a “deliberate strategy to engage youths and stimulate their interest in governance.”
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Clarifying the organisation’s non-partisan stance, Prof. Chidii Christian, FCT General Secretary of IBBN, explained, “We are not a political party. We work to identify credible candidates across party lines capable of delivering good governance.” Founded in 2018 with headquarters in Jos, Plateau State, IBBN focuses on nationwide sensitisation. Its core philosophy, as articulated by Christian, is to unite Nigerians across religious, ethnic, and social divides, insisting that “politics should not be driven by tribe or religion… leadership should be based on performance and service.”
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Prof. Christian cited increased political awareness among citizens as a key achievement and assured the participating youth of IBBN’s continued support, urging them to become “ambassadors of positive change.” The well-attended event successfully reinforced messages of unity, accountability, and informed political participation, demonstrating how sports and community engagement can serve as vital tools for grassroots mobilisation and national dialogue.
(NAN) | Edited by Tosin Kolade
Source link: https://nannews.ng/2025/12/19/community-leader-commends-group-for-unity-drive-in-fct/
