The emir of Wase, Alhaji Muhammad Sambo Haruna, has expressed deep concern over the socio-educational, cultural, and religious development of the Fulani ethnic group in Plateau state.
Speaking at a one-day stakeholders’ engagement organised by the Fulbe Development and Cultural Organisation (FUDECO) in Jos, Emir Haruna, represented by the Galadiman Wase, Mustafa Umar, underscored the urgent need for a cultural reawakening among the Fulani to reclaim their historical values and dignity.
“We must reflect on our past glory and re-evaluate our cultural behavior. We also reviewed the educational pursuit of the Fulani, particularly girl-child education, which is crucial for societal progress.”
The event was held at Sharna Place Jos, with the theme: “Consolidating the Outcomes of the IDRC-SPARC GES Research Findings on the Economic Empowerment of Pastoralist Women in Plateau state.”
Chairman of FUDECO in the state, Abubakar Gambo, said the organisation conducted a study among Fulani communities in Barkin Ladi local government area. The findings revealed a significant educational gap within the settlements.
“FUDECO, as a humanitarian organisation, undertook this research to identify the problems facing the Fulani communities, with the aim of providing sustainable solutions,” Gambo stated.
He said the level of formal education is alarmingly low and only 15.7% of respondents had attained primary education, 8.6% completed secondary school, and a mere 2.6% reached tertiary education.
“We are committed to changing this narrative, especially in the area of girl-child education,” Gambo added. “We’ve set a ten-year target to bring about measurable improvements.”
He also called on the Ministry of Livestock Development and relevant government agencies to support herders’ associations to foster sustainable development.
In his remarks, the Plateau state chairman of the Gan Allah Fulani Development Association of Nigeria (GAFDAN), Abdullahi Garba, stated the need for Fulani herders to invest in the education of their children.
“God has blessed us with wealth. We should use it to educate our children rather than wait for government support. If we do this, I believe our youth will steer clear of banditry and other criminal acts. Illiteracy is the backbone of such vices,” Garba stated.