FUDECO was initiated by S.S. Nana in 2017, following the massacre of Fulbe pastoralists in Sardauna LGA, Taraba State. He spent several weeks in Nigeria trying to understand why it happened, and how to stop future occurrences. His aim was to work with existing pastoralist organisations to add value. However, this was not possible. Following extensive consultations he initiated a campaign to stop the killings. It was agreed at some point to create a separate association alongside the campaign.
A meeting was held in Dr. Abubakar Umar Girei’s residence in Yola about this, a constitution drafted and a WhatsApp Group was created for it, but the initiative did not progress.
Stakeholders suggested we register an NGO and put the campaign under the NGO. Usman Shehu of Deutche Welle suggested a meeting in Germany with Ahmad Shehu who was studying in Polland. SS Nana and Ahmad Shehu met at Usman’s residence in Cologne and decided that the campaign should be transformed into a registered NGO. Usman was going to be Chairman and Ahmad, Secretary. SS Nana preferred to be an adviser.
S.S. Nana went to Germany the second time and met with Usman and the two of them travelled to the Hague in Holland.
Usman created a website and logo for the campaign.
Aisha Bashir Ardo, Usman Shehu and Ahmad Shehu started the process of registering it with the CAC. However, there was a misunderstanding between the three of them.
S.S. Nana, who had taken a back seat, and wasn’t aware, was urged to take a lead – he was reluctant to do so but was persuaded by members. Trustees were identified and he suggested FUDECO after half a dozen names did not go through at the CAC. On 4th April 2019, FUDECO’s certificate of registration was issued by the CAC.
Everyone who was a member before 4th April 2019, is a founding member. A journey of 1,000 miles starts with a single step …