09/09/2024
COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 44TH ANNUAL MEETING OF SOKOTO, KEBBI, AND ZAMFARA (SOKEZA) AXIS STAKEHOLDERS FORUM, NANS ZONE 'A', HELD ON 8TH SEPTEMBER 2024, AT THE ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD ROOM, UMARU ALI SHINKAFI POLYTECHNIC, SOKOTO
The 2024 Annual Meeting of the Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara (SOKEZA) Axis Stakeholders Forum, NANS Zone 'A', began with a review of the meeting agenda. Members were invited to propose any additions or subtractions. After careful review, Comrade Muhammad Adamu Kichinga moved for the adoption of the agenda, which was seconded by Comrade Nasiru Yakubu, also known as Aluta Justice.
The meeting officially commenced at exactly 2:00 PM on Sunday, September 8th, 2024, with an opening prayer led by Lukman Lawal (Obana). The session was convened by the Chairman of the Stakeholders Forum, and former National Treasurer of NANS, Comrade Isah Jabbi Usman (Aluta Jesus). In attendance were key stakeholders, including the Special Adviser to the Sokoto State Governor on Youth and Student Matters, Comrade Abubakar Salame, SSA to Senator Wamakko Suleiman Mahmud T., the Secretary of Zone 'A' Stakeholders Forum, Comrade Nasiru D. Musa, senior stakeholders, zonal aspirants, SUG Presidents, and JCC Chairmen from the three states that make up the axis.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman warmly welcomed everyone and expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah and all members of the SOKEZA Axis for their continued dedication to the unity and progress of the region. He further acknowledged the efforts of attendees in making it to the meeting despite the economic challenges and thanked them for their commitment.
A major highlight of the meeting was the formal reunification of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zamfara State with Sokoto and Kebbi States, forming the SOKEZA Axis. This bold move by Zamfara NANS stakeholders, SUG Presidents, and JCC marks a significant milestone in the student movement, both within the Axis and beyond. NANS Zamfara State stakeholders, along with the SUG Presidents, emphasized that while no one is perfect, it is important to embrace differences and work together towards shared goals. They reaffirmed their loyalty to the SOKEZA leadership and their commitment to unity at all times.
In his address, the Special Adviser to the Sokoto State Governor on Youth and Student Matters, Comrade Abubakar Salame, commended the Axis for its historic unity and offered financial support to further strengthen the collaboration. He also pledged to host the NAPS Zonal Convention in Sokoto State. Regarding the upcoming Zone ‘A’ NANS Convention, it was agreed that candidates for zonal offices would be selected by stakeholders and SUG Presidents from each of the three states within the Axis.
The forum expressed deep appreciation to His Excellency, Dr. Nasiru Idris FCNA, Ƙauran Gwandu, for appointing two members of the forum as Special Advisers and for ensuring the safety and welfare of Nigerian students and citizens of Kebbi State. The Governor's leadership, which has transformed Kebbi into one of the most peaceful and progressive states in just one year, was commended. His contributions to providing dividends of democracy, promoting quality and free education, empowering youth and women, and fostering peaceful coexistence among all ethnic groups were recognized. The forum extended congratulations to the newly appointed Special Advisers, Comrade Vanessa Enoch Kwaire and Muhammad Muhammad Majo, who were appointed Special Advisers on Student Matters to the Governor. The forum wished them Allah’s guidance and wisdom throughout their tenure.
Additionally, the forum thanked Hon. Bashar Aliyu Buhari for his generous donation of two Peugeot cars to Comrade Muhammad Adamu Kichinga and Comrade Usman Umar Aliyu, as well as for his continuous support for Nigerian students during these trying times.
The forum observed that students from universities within the Axis were among the least beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s student loan program. Members called on the Federal Government to reconsider the fuel price hike and provide more palliative measures to support Nigerian students, especially in the current economic climate. They also urged the government to address the security challenges affecting the region promptly.
All matters raised during the meeting were discussed thoroughly, and resolutions were reached amicably. The meeting concluded at approximately 4:23 PM with a closing prayer led by Comrade Dansadau, the SUG President of Audu Gusau Polytechnic, Talatar Mafara.
Signed:
Comrade Isah Jabbi (Aluta Jesus), Chairman, 08035337550
Comrade Bashar Umar Binji, Secretary, 08066037168
