MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE
NIGERIA–BENIN ADVOCACY FOR
DEVELOPMENT FORUM (NBADF)
Held on Sunday, 25th January 2026
1.
Opening Prayer
The meeting commenced with an opening prayer led by Dr.
Isaac Ajibare, who thanked Almighty God for His mercies and prayed for the
success of the gathering and the deliberations of the Forum.
2.
Chairman’s Welcome and Opening Remarks
His Excellency, Ambassador Oguntuase Kayode, Chairman, welcomed members to the meeting and
specially welcomed Barrister Isa, noting that it had been a while since
he was last heard from. He stated that he had repeatedly requested the Emir of
Yashikira to assist in locating him and expressed appreciation for his presence
at the meeting.
The Chairman observed that the year 2026 had commenced in
earnest and that by the following week, the month of January would have
elapsed. He emphasized the importance of time management, noting that time
waits for no one and that it would be unacceptable for the Forum to move into
February without holding a meeting in January.
He expressed special appreciation to the Emir of Yashikira,
respectfully referring to him as “our Royal Majesty.”
3.
Observations on Attendance and Appreciation
The Chairman noted that some members were still attempting to
join the meeting. His Royal Majesty, the Emir of Yashikira prayed that
network connectivity would remain stable. He also used the opportunity to
commend the Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Essien, for his excellent
performance and prayed for God’s continued blessings upon him.
His Excellency further welcomed Ambassador Aliyu Ndaman,
noting that Mr. Akinlola had been experiencing difficulty joining. He
observed the absence of Dr. Raji Ahmed and Hajia Habeebah Saidu
at that time.
4.
Adoption of Agenda and Reading of Previous Minutes
The Chairman stated that the meeting would not spend time on
formal adoption of the agenda, as it was already acceptable. He invited the
Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Essien, to read the minutes of the previous
meeting, noting that although the document had been circulated, it should still
be formally read.
Mr. Emmanuel Essien greeted members, apologized for joining late due to being in
transit, and explained that he had just completed setting up his system. He
then proceeded to read verbatim the minutes of the meeting held on Sunday, 28th
December 2025, summarized as follows:
5.
Summary of Minutes of the Meeting Held on Sunday, 28th December 2025
5.1 Opening Prayer
Led by Hajia Habeebah Saidu, who thanked God
for His mercy and protection throughout 2025, prayed for NBADF’s leadership and
alignment with its vision and mission, wished members peace, and extended
Christmas greetings.
5.2 Personal Remark
Dr.
Raji Ahmed informed the meeting that 1st January marks his birthday.
5.3 Chairman’s Opening Remarks
His
Excellency thanked members for commitment, emphasizing collective strength. He
stated the meeting was to conclude 2025 activities and set direction for 2026.
5.4 Review of Previous Minutes
Key
highlights included:
- Concerns over
developments in Benin Republic.
- Extensive
deliberation on the Soya Beans intervention proposal.
- Contributions
from Alhaji Alaso-Adura, Emir of Yashikira, Dr. Raji Ahmed, and others.
- Constitution of
a 7-man Review Committee.
- Security update
by General Shafa.
- Financial
resolutions on ₦25,000 entry fee and ₦5,000 monthly levy.
- Adjustment of
meeting time to 8:00 PM.
- Closing prayer
by Pastor Ajibare.
Motion
for Adoption: Mr. Akinola O. Akinola
Seconded by: Dr. Raji Ahmed
Minutes were unanimously adopted.
6. Matters Arising
The Chairman identified the Federal Government
Soya Beans intervention proposal as the major outstanding matter requiring
further action.
7. Presentation of 2025 Year-End Report
The
Chairman invited the Secretary to present the Year-End Report.
Mr.
Emmanuel Essien informed the meeting 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. With permission, he read the report in full, covering:
- Institutional
consolidation
- Meetings and
resolutions
- Border advocacy
- MDA engagements
- Committee work
- Nigeria–Benin
collaboration
- Agricultural
advocacy
- Financial
sustainability
- Governance
challenges
- Strategic
outlook for 2026
8. Discussion on the Year-End Report
- The Chairman
commended the Secretary for the comprehensive work.
- Dr. Raji Ahmed
proposed forming a Steering Committee.
- General Shafa
described the report as excellent.
- Hajia Habeebah
Saidu suggested highlighting committees and challenges.
- The Chairman
added omitted challenges, including funding constraints and Badagry
Chamber crisis.
- Registration
with CAC in 2025 was emphasized as a major achievement.
- Suggestions
were made to expand the report into a roadmap with financial analysis.
- Members
commended the Secretary for producing the report singlehandedly.
9.
Constitution of Steering Committee for 2025 Review
A
Steering Committee was constituted as follows:
- Major General
Bamidele Shafa (Rtd.) – Chairman
- Dr. Raji Ahmed
- Alhaji
Alaso-Adura
- Hajia Habeebah
Saidu
- Madam Malaika
Moumne
- Alhaji Umar
Barka
- Dr. Abubakar
- Alhaji Adetona
- Mr. Emmanuel
Essien – Secretary
10. Update on Soya Beans Intervention Proposal
Dr.
Raji reported that the Review Committee’s work was concluded but awaited formal
submission due to the absence of the committee secretary. Resolution was to
circulate and discuss in 2026.
11. Financial Report
Barrister Bisiriyu Fanu Lasisi reported that ₦95,000 had been received
from ten members for November and December. Issues of backlog, transparency,
and 2026 financial planning were discussed.
12. Any Other Business
- Membership
engagement and recruitment strategies were discussed.
- Madam Malaika
updated members on Benin Republic Chapter readiness.
- Chairman
proposed joint engagements in 2026.
- Higher-level
national engagements were emphasized.
13.
Adoption of Previous Minutes
- Motion moved by Ambassador
Aliyu Ndaman
- Supported by Dr. Ajibare
and Dr. Mrs. Bisi Adeyemi
14.
Presentation of Review Committee Report
General
Shafa presented the comprehensive Review Committee report covering:
- Institutional progress
- Border advocacy
- Trade corridors
- Stakeholder engagement
- Detailed review and endorsement
of the Soya Beans intervention proposal
- Challenges
- Strategic priorities and phased
programme for 2026
The Chairman
commended the Committee for producing a bankable and well-structured report.
15. Adoption
of Review Committee Report
- Motion moved by Dr. Mrs. Bisi
Adeyemi
- Supported by Dr. Isaac
Ajibare
The report was unanimously endorsed.
16. Follow-Up Committee on Soya Beans
Intervention
A three-man follow-up committee was proposed, headed by Alhaji
Alaso-Adura, with Dr. Raji Ahmed, His Excellency Ambassador
Oguntuase Kayode, and Barrister Isa included.
17.
Membership and Benin Republic Engagement Issues
The Chairman proposed reconstituting the Membership Committee
and emphasized the need to strengthen the Benin Republic counterpart.
18.
Recognition of Secretariat Commitment
The Chairman highlighted the tireless service of Mr.
Emmanuel Essien and emphasized the need to consider appropriate motivation
and recognition.
19.
Condolence Resolution
It was
resolved that a formal letter of condolence be sent to the family of the late Akran
of Badagry.
20.
Adjournment
- Motion moved by Dr. Mrs. Bisi
Adeyemi
- Seconded by Ambassador Aliyu
Ndaman
21.
Closing Remarks and Prayer
The Chairman thanked members for patience and participation,
acknowledged those affected by connectivity issues, and extended appreciation
to Ambassador Akadiri.
The closing
prayer was said by Ambassador Akadiri.
Attendance:
His
Excellency, Ambassador Oguntuase Kayode -
Chairman
Alhaji
Salami Alasoadura - Vice Chairman
His Royal
Majesty, the Emir of Yashikira -
BOT
Major
General Bamidele Shafa -
Member
Barrister
Issa -
Member
Mr.
Akinola-Ola Akinola -
Member
Dr. Mrs.
Bisi Adeyemi -
Member
Ambassador
Aliyu Ndaman -
Member
Barrister
Bisiriyu Fanu Lasisi -
Member
Ambassador
Amin Akadiri. -
Member
Hon Jibirl
Abdusalam -
Member
Dr. Olumide
Isaac Ajibare -
Member
Mr. Emmanuel
Essien -
Secretary
Apologies:
Madam Malika
Moumne
Hajia
Habibah Seidu
Prepared
by:
Mr. Emmanuel Essien
Secretary, NBADF
