By Yinka Dare & Emma Taylor
Chairman Maiha local government, Adamawa state, northeast Nigeria, Dr. Idi Ali Amin has bagged the Best Chairman of the Year Award conferred by the National Peace Award, 2020 in partnership with the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, National Union of Nigerian Students and the Nigerian Union of Journalists, held on Thursday, November 12 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
The Best Governor of the Year Award is won by Borno state governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum; meaning that the best chairman and the best governor of peace award go to the northeast zone that is battling with the activities of Boko Haram insurgency and kidnappings.
The Maiha Council Chairman has dedicated the award to governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa state whom he described as the best Fresh Air and most peaceful governor in the country.
“Without peace and security this award ceremony would not have been possible. Therefore, peace is an uncompromising treasure and that which we tried hard to promote and maintain.
“I’m dedicating this award to my fresh air governor, the best governor for peace of the year who has been supportive of peace and security initiatives not only in Maiha local government area but in the entire Adamawa state,” Idi said.
The best chairman of the year award was based on Dr. Idi’s contributions and supports to the media, the Nigerian Union of journalists and the international peace and security meeting he initiated and hosted with a view to addressing the issue of kidnapping, cattle rustling and other forms of banditry.
The first Covid-19 index in Adamawa state was a journalist. While some people were busy passing unpleasant comments and innuendos, Dr. Idi Amin simply sent a parcel of money and words of encouragement, urging the index to be strong, praying that he would come out of it.
The chairman equally supported the NUJ Adamawa state chapter with plasma TV, facemasks, hand sanitisers and infrared thermometer with a view to flattening the curve of Covid-19.
The chairman Idi has also donated a vehicle to the state owned radio broadcasting corporation to be able to reach out to the grassroots for news gathering and events coverage.
Having studied the activities of bandits and kidnappers across borders between Nigeria and Cameroon, Dr. Idi initiated an international peace and security meeting with the five towns that share border with Cameroon.
“It was really not easy holding such international peace and security meeting but the effort was worth it as so many criminals were arrested and their activities were squarely addressed,” Idi said.
The chairman having thanked the organisers for finding him worthy said the award was invariably throwing more challenges to him to do more in restoring public confidence in governance.