By Abdulkareem Haruna

MAIDUGURI – Comrade Bulama Abiso, the Executive Director of the Network of Civil Society Organizations in Borno State, marked the conclusion of his constitutionally allowed two-year tenure with a call for enhanced collaboration among civil society organizations (CSOs) while receiving accolades from members who hailed him as an exceptional leader.

During a well-attended congress meeting in Maiduguri, Abiso presented an end-of-year report, highlighting the network’s achievements under his leadership.

Despite challenges, Abiso noted that the network has made significant progress and emphasized the need for stronger partnerships to facilitate easier access to funding for their programs.

Under his stewardship, the network has provided support to over 1,000 individuals in more than 100 organizations through training and completed the Directory Information Management System (DIMS) of the NECSOB members. Additionally, the network has supported organizations in institutional development in partnership with UN agencies, INGOs, and government partners.

Abiso underscored the importance of collaboration, citing the network’s coordination of 150 meetings with partners for information sharing, collaboration, partnership, and consortium building.

He also highlighted the network’s participation in national and international discourse on humanitarian and developmental issues, leading to the nomination of 15 local organizations to participate in conferences, meetings, and workshops in neighboring countries.

Comrade Abiso Executive Director NECSOB

The outgoing Executive Director also emphasized the network’s interventions in critical social issues, including presenting position papers on various matters and engaging with security agencies and other government bodies.

As his tenure drew to a close, Abiso reiterated his commitment to the mission of the Network of Civil Society Organizations Borno State and called for intensified resource mobilization efforts, expanded advocacy and awareness campaigns, and long-term sustainability.

Members of the congress expressed their gratitude to Comrade Abiso for his exceptional leadership during his tenure, praising his dedication and vision for the organization. They commended his efforts in enhancing collaboration, providing humanitarian assistance, promoting civic engagement, and building organizational capacity.

Comrade Abiso had though out the meeting received widespread applause for his tenure achievement, with members expressing appreciation for his outstanding leadership and expressing optimism for the future of the organization under new leadership.

At the end of the congress meeting, the ED inaugurated a five-man electoral committee under the chairmanship of Dr Mustapha Kolo-Kyari with two female members, Anne Darman-Bukar, and Aishatu Maidala. The committee has been tasked to organise a credible election for the Network’s next leadership come January 6, 2024. 

Most of the members who attended the congress hailed the former Borno state Nigeria Labour Congress chairman for doing well and deserving of another term in office as ED NECSOB. The members were very specific in their appreciation of his transparency, accountability and sense of belonging given to them.