MACBAN Northwest zone inaugurates new zonal chairman, emphasises unity, defend Fulani identity

By Shamsudeen Abubakar

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has inaugurated Alhaji Muhammad Dan Ali (Sarkin Fulanin Bunkari, Shetiman Gesse Bayero) as its Northwest Zonal Chairman at the Gwandu Emirate Council Chamber, in the presence of leaders, elders and representatives of the Fulani communities across the local, state, and national structures of the association.

Held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Gwandu Emirate Council Chamber, Kebbi State, the event opened with prayers led by Mallam Aliyu Gulma, followed by a welcome address from Dr. Usman Shehu Umar Dakingari, Chairman APPESS.

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According to Dr. Usman, Alhaji Muhammad Dan Ali is a man of good behaviour, noble ideology, patience, truthfulness, and firmness— qualities which, he noted, earned Alhaji Dan Ali respect and trust of his people.

Shortly after, the National Secretary of MACBAN, Alhaji Bello Aliyu Gotomo, officially inaugurated Alhaji Muhammad Dan Ali as the MACBAN Northwest Zonal Chairman alongside other zonal leaders, delivering a brief biography of the newly appointed head.

In his words: “Alhaji Muhammad Dan Ali is a man of integrity,” he stated highlighting his perseverance, patience, commitment to truth, and his courage in speaking the truth regardless of the circumstances.

He also revisited the achievements recorded during Dan Ali’s tenure as Chairman of MACBAN Kebbi State— a position he relinquished voluntarily.

Addressing the broader issues confronting Fulani communities across Nigeria and Africa, Alhaji Gotomo offered solutions and expressed strong confidence in the capability of the new leadership. He urged Fulani individuals and organisations to support their new Chairman, stating that a leader is chosen by Allah for the people.

In one of the strongest statements of the day, he responded to international allegations linking Fulani communities to terrorism, particularly those from the United States.

“We have responded to America and any country or organization supporting it regarding the accusations of terrorism against the Fulani. We told them that we are not terrorists; we are Fulani. Just as others take pride in their tribes, we are proud of our heritage too.

“We do not steal. We do not kill. We do not cause unrest. We do not betray trust. We do not buy or sell weapons and we do not manufacture them, we do not even know how they are made. We do not sell or consume hard drugs.”

He further revealed that MACBAN had documented a 200-pages response refuting the allegations.

Several dignitaries were given the floor for short remarks. Among them was Hajiya Hadiza Muhammad —National Adviser on Fulbe Culture and Tradition. She described the new Chairman as someone she has worked with comfortably for years.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Dan Ali for many years, and I’ve found him to be an exceptionally trustworthy individual. He’s a straight-talker who isn’t afraid to speak his mind, evening it means ruffling some features. I believe the people of the Northwest are fortunate to have a leader of his caliber, and I wish him every success.”

Dan Ali’s First Words as Chairman

In his closing remarks, the new Northwest Zonal Chairman, Alhaji Muhammad Dan Ali, began by praising Allah and sending Peace upon his Prophet (SAW). He expressed joy not merely for the position —but for the unity of the Fulani people and Fulani organizations witnessed at the event.

“I am very happy about this day, not because I have been inaugurated as chairman, but because today marks the unity of the Fulani and Fulani organizations as a whole.”

He pledged to serve with honesty, to investigate the core problems facing Fulani communities and to present findings and recommendations to authorities responsible for action.

Dan Ali called for unity among Fulani groups urging them to put differences aside and work collectively toward progress. He appreciated the efforts of the Kebbi State Government and other Northern governments in supporting Fulani communities and tackling insecurity. He also thanked national and zone MACBAN leadership for entrusting him with his responsibility.

Towards the end of the ceremony, Alhaji Dan Ali presented Fulbe Future Forum Kebbi State (F3KB) to the National Secretary, who welcomed the youth organization warmly and encouraged their participation in the future engagements.

The meeting was attended by National Secretary of MACBAN, Alhaji Bello Aliyu Gotomo; Hajiya Hadiza Muhammad, National Adviser on Fulbe Culture and Tradition; Alhaji Abubakar Sodangi; Dr. Usman Shehu Umar Dakingari, Chairman APPESS; Alhaji Yusuf Ubandoman Bagudo; Honourable Umar Kokoshe; Malam Aliyu Gulma; Alhaji Abubakar Sadik Matankari; Alhaji Umar Dodoru; Ardo Umar Maisamari; Sarkin Fulanin Malisa; Alhaji Umar Danbere, National Adviser on Grazing Reserves; Ardon Kangiwa; and Ardon Lailaba.

Representatives of the Fulbe Future Forum Kebbi State (F3KB) also graced the event, including the Chairman, Faruk Jafar Dakingari who doubled as the Master of Ceremony, and Sadik Abubakar Jodi, Assistant Financial Secretary.