By Aderonke Ojo
The Seriki of Dobi Community, Alhaji Ismaila Nda, has commended the Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria (IBBN) for organising a unifying civic engagement programme in the community.
Nda made the commendation on Friday at a grassroots football match organised by IBBN in Dobi Community, Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT.
He said the initiative was timely and beneficial, noting that it had promoted peace, inclusiveness and harmony among residents.
According to him, the programme fostered unity among community members, irrespective of religious affiliation.
Nda said Dobi Community had remained peaceful, with Muslims and Christians living together harmoniously.
The community leader added that he did not discriminate on religious grounds and regularly attended both Muslim and Christian events when invited.
He said the event brought joy to the community, especially as the Christmas season approached.
Commenting on the football match, Nda attributed the peaceful conduct of the competition to his neutral stance, noting that he was not supporting any of the teams involved.
While commending IBBN for the initiative, he appealed to government authorities to address the developmental needs of the community, particularly the creation of a local council in Dobi.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dobi United defeated Paiko United 3–2 in the football match.
Speaking at the event, the FCT Coordinator of IBBN, Bishop Emmanuel Afolabi, called for inclusive governance and increased youth participation in Nigeria’s political process.
Afolabi said IBBN was established to ensure that the political class recognised the value and relevance of every citizen, including persons with disabilities.
He said the organisation promoted equal treatment and inclusion, and also supported persons with disabilities and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
According to him, the football match was part of a deliberate strategy to engage youths and stimulate their interest in governance.
Also speaking, the FCT General Secretary of IBBN, Prof. Chidii Christian, said the organisation had intensified grassroots mobilisation in the FCT through sports and community engagement.
Christian said IBBN was not a political party but worked to identify credible candidates across party lines capable of delivering good governance.
He said the organisation sought to bring together Nigerians of different religious, ethnic and social backgrounds, stressing that politics should not be driven by tribe or religion.
Christian added that leadership should be based on performance and service to the people rather than sentiment.
NAN reports that IBBN was established in 2018 with its headquarters in Jos, Plateau, and focuses on nationwide sensitisation on good governance.
He said one of the organisation’s major achievements was the increased political awareness among citizens.
Christian assured the participating footballers of IBBN’s continued support and urged them to serve as ambassadors of positive change in their communities.
The event attracted youths and community members and reinforced IBBN’s message on unity, accountability and informed political participation.
(NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
