From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse
The Federal Government of Nigeria has commended Jigawa State governor Malam Umar Namadi for his efforts to promote peaceful coexistence in Jigawa border communities.
The commendation was made by the Director general National Boundary Commission, Surveyor Adamu Adaji, while delivering his speech at the flag off ceremony for the allocation of Alternative farmlands to the Jobi Community Jigawa state.
The Director general who was represented by Director International Boundaries Hajiya Yahanasu Aliyu said, the allocation of alternative farmland to the Jobi Community is part of the settlement of the longstanding farmland dispute between the Jobi Border Community in Nigeria and the Kyalli Border Community in the Republic of Niger.
She explained that, the National Boundary Commission, in line with its mandate of promoting peaceful coexistence in border areas, actively participated in the process that led to the peaceful resolution of this dispute, following which a recommendation was made for the allocation of alternative farmlands to the people of Jobi.
“We are delighted that the Government of Jigawa State embraced this recommendation by identifying a suitable site for the settlement. This demonstrates the Government’s commitment to protecting the livelihoods of its citizens while strengthening peace and stability along the border communities.
“We commend His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Jigawa State, His Excellency Malam Umar A. Namadi Danmodi, for this laudable initiative and for demonstrating responsive leadership”, she said.
The Commission also encourages the Jobi people to embrace this opportunity in the spirit of peace, mutual respect, and good neighbourliness.
She then assured more commitments from Federal government towards supporting initiatives that strengthen border governance, enhance security, and promote socio-economic development in Nigeria’s border areas.
While delivering his speech, the Jigawa State Chairman of boundary committee and also Jigawa state deputy governor Engineer Aminu Usman explained that, the farmland dispute between Jobi Community of Maigatari LGA, Jigawa State, Nigeria and Kyalli Community of Dungass Department, Zinder Region, Republic of Niger need to be address peacefully.
“This disagreement, if left unaddressed, had the potential to undermine the peace and harmony that has long existed between our border communities.
“In response, and under your directive, the Jigawa State Boundary Committee was constituted with the mandate to investigate the matter and recommend lasting solutions. Following the visit of officials of the National Boundary Commission, the Committee engaged all stakeholders including traditional rulers, security agencies, and community leaders from both sides” he said.
According to him, after thorough deliberations, the Committee made two critical recommendations:
“First, that members of the Jobi Community should immediately desist from cultivating farmlands belonging to the Kyalli Community, to restore and sustain peace along the Nigeria–Niger international boundary.
“Second, that government should provide alternative land to the affected members of Jobi Community. Pursuant to this, the committee through the State Ministry of Lands, Housing, Urban Development and Regional Planning, sought for approval which was graciously granted by Your Excellency.
“Your Excellency, Distinguished Guests, I am pleased to announce that the Jigawa State Government has approved the conversion of a portion of the Dan-Makama Forest Reserve for agricultural purposes. Today, we are flagging-off the allocation of this land to Seventy-Four (74) beneficiaries affected by the Jobi/Kyalli dispute”, the Chairman said.
He maintained that, the decision reflects the commitment of your administration to justice, peace, and the welfare of border communities. It also…
