MINUTES OF THE MEETING
HELD ON SUNDAY, 28TH DECEMBER 2025
1. Opening Prayer
The meeting commenced with an opening prayer led by Hajia
Habeebah Saidu. She thanked Almighty God for His mercy, protection, and
blessings upon members and their families throughout the year. She expressed
gratitude that members started the year 2025 together and were able to conclude
it together in good health. She prayed for divine guidance for the Forum, its
leadership, and deliberations, that all discussions would align with the vision
and mission of NBADF. She also prayed for peace in members’ homes and wished
all members a Merry Christmas.
2. Personal Remark
Dr. Raji Ahmed briefly informed the meeting that 1st January marks his
birthday.
3. Chairman’s Opening Remarks
His Excellency, Ambassador Oguntuase Kayode, Chairman,
thanked all members for their consistent presence and commitment. He remarked
that “a tree does not make a forest,” emphasizing that collective effort gives
strength and relevance to the Forum. He appreciated members’ contributions and
sacrifices over the year and noted that this was the last meeting of 2025.
He stated that the purpose of the meeting was to:
- Conclude
the year’s deliberations,
- Review
activities carried out in 2025, and
- Set a
clear agenda and direction for 2026.
He asked members to reflect on what the Forum was carrying forward
into the new year and formally invited the Secretary to read the minutes of the
previous meeting.
4. Reading and Adoption of Minutes of the Previous Meeting
Mr. Emmanuel Essien, Secretary, read the minutes of the meeting held on Sunday,
7th December 2025, highlighting the following:
Key Highlights of the Previous Minutes:
- Opening
prayer by Alhaji Abdulsalam.
- Chairman’s welcome address expressing
concern over developments in the Benin Republic and emphasizing that coups
are not acceptable constitutional means of governance.
- Extensive deliberation on the proposal
to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security seeking
special intervention funds for the direct purchase of Soy Beans to prevent
post-harvest losses.
- Presentation and justification of the
proposal by Alhaji Alaso-Adura, including consultations with the
Emir of Yashikira, Kabiyesi of Shaki, and farmers across Niger, Oyo, Ogun,
and other states.
- Contributions by the Emir of Yashikira,
emphasizing the agricultural importance of Yashikira, Chikanda, and
Baruten and the poverty implications of unsold produce.
- Contributions by Dr. Raji Ahmed,
recommending the constitution of a review committee to holistically assess
the proposal.
- Constitution of a 7-man Review
Committee with defined Terms of Reference and a one-week timeline.
- Security update by General Shafa
on the situation in Benin Republic.
- Financial report and resolution on
₦25,000 entry contribution and ₦5,000 monthly operational levy.
- Adjustment of meeting time to 8:00 PM.
- Adjournment and closing prayer by Pastor
Ajibare.
- Attendance list duly recorded.
After the reading, His Excellency invited observations,
corrections, or additions. The minutes were unanimously described as
comprehensive.
- Motion for Adoption: Mr.
Akinola O. Akinola
- Seconded by: Dr.
Raji Ahmed
The minutes were duly adopted.
5. Matters Arising
The Chairman noted that the major matter arising was the Federal
Government intervention proposal on Soy Beans, which remained a critical
agenda item requiring further action.
6. Summary of 2025 Activities – Year-End Report
The Chairman introduced Item 6, noting the importance of reviewing
all activities undertaken in 2025 to guide planning for 2026. He invited the
Secretary to present the Year-End Report.
Presentation of the Year-End Report
Mr. Emmanuel Essien informed members that an eight-page document titled:
“Nigeria–Benin Advocacy for Development Forum: Year-End Report of
Meetings, Resolutions and Activities (January–December 2025)”
had been circulated on the platform. With the Chairman’s
permission, he read the full report, covering:
- Introduction and consolidation phase of
NBADF in 2025
- Overview of meetings held
- Key thematic focus areas
- Detailed resolutions and implementation
status across:
- Border assessment and reform advocacy
- Engagement with MDAs
- State development committees
- Think Tank formation
- Nigeria–Benin bilateral collaboration
- Food security and agricultural advocacy
- Financial sustainability
- Internal governance
- Achievements recorded
- Challenges encountered
- Outlook and strategic focus for 2026
- Conclusion emphasizing NBADF’s evolution
into a structured advocacy and development platform
7. General Discussion on the Year-End Report
- His Excellency
commended the Secretary for producing a comprehensive and focused report
and opened the floor for discussion.
- Dr. Raji Ahmed praised
the Secretariat and suggested forming a Steering Committee to
distill actionable items.
- General Shafa stated
the report was excellent and should be adopted for action.
- Hajia Habeebah
described the report as accurate and suggested highlighting all committees
formed and challenges encountered.
- His Excellency added
omitted challenges, including:
- The Badagry Chamber of Commerce crisis
and its spillover effect on NBADF.
- Persistent funding constraints.
- He emphasized that registration with CAC
in 2025 was a major breakthrough and should be highlighted.
- Dr. Raji Ahmed
recommended stretching the report into a roadmap and bankable strategy.
- Hajia Habeebah
suggested including income and expenditure analysis.
- Members commended the Secretary for
producing the report singlehandedly.
8. Constitution of Steering Committee for 2025 Review
After extensive deliberations, a Steering Committee was
constituted to refine the 2025 report and develop strategies for 2026.
Members:
- General Shafa – Chairman
- Dr. Raji Ahmed
- Alhaji Alaso-Adura
- Hajia Habeebah Saidu
- Madam Malaika Moumne
- Alhaji Umar Barka
- Dr. Abubakar
- Alhaji Adetona
- Mr. Emmanuel Essien – Secretary
The committee was tasked with highlighting achievements,
challenges, strategies, and prospects for 2026.
9. Update on Federal Ministry of Agriculture Proposal
Dr. Raji Ahmed reported that the Review Committee had concluded its work, but
the written report was yet to be presented as the committee Secretary
(Barrister Issa) was absent. It was resolved that the report would be
circulated and discussed collectively in 2026.
10. Financial Report
Alhaji Bisiriyu Fanu Lasisi presented the financial report on
₦25,000 entry contributions and ₦5,000 monthly levies. Ten members had
contributed for November and December, totaling ₦95,000.
Observations and resolutions were made regarding transparency,
backlog reconciliation, and inclusion of financial planning in 2026 strategies.
11. Any Other Business (AOB)
- Members discussed inactive membership,
recruitment criteria, and engagement strategies.
- Updates on the Benin Republic Chapter
were provided by Madam Malaika, indicating readiness for
collaboration in 2026.
- Chairman proposed regular joint
engagements and a possible early 2026 visit.
- Members emphasized pushing for
higher-level national engagements.
12. Adjournment
- Motion to Adjourn: Alhaji
Umar Barka
- Seconded by: Dr.
Abubakar Adebayo
13. Closing Prayer
The closing prayer was led by Mr. Emmanuel Essien, thanking
God for preservation throughout 2025 and praying for the fulfillment of all
resolutions in 2026. Members were wished a Happy New Year in advance.
Meeting adjourned.
Attendance
1. Ambassador Oguntuase Kayode – Chairman
2. Alhaji Salami Alaso-Adura – Vice Chairman
3. Dr. Raji Ahmed – Treasurer BOT
4. Madam Malika Moumne
5. Hajia Habiba Saidu
6. Dr. Ajibare Isaac
7. Alhaji Umar Barka
8. Dr. Mrs. Bisi Adeniyi
9. Dr. Funsho Adebayo Abubakar
10. Barrister Lasisi Bisiriyu Fanu
11. Major General Bamidele Shafa
12. Mr. Akinola O Akinola
13. Ambassador Aliyu Ndaman
14. Mr. Emmanuel Essien – Secretary
