The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Bala Wunti Support Organisation (BWSO), Prof. Abubakar Umar Kari, has said the organisation was established to promote good governance, responsible citizenship and leadership development, rather than serve as a vehicle for the political ambition of its founder.
Kari stated this on Tuesday in Bauchi during a working visit to the headquarters of the organisation, stressing that BWSO would continue to serve the people of the state irrespective of the political fortunes or aspirations of its founder, Dr. Bala Maijama’a Wunti.
According to him, although BWSO emerged from the vision and commitment of Dr. Wunti, the organisation has evolved into a broad-based institution with a mandate covering civic engagement, leadership recruitment, mentorship, philanthropy and socio-economic development.
He said the long-term relevance of BWSO would be measured by its ability to respond to citizens’ needs and contribute meaningfully to the development of Bauchi State, rather than by the political success of any individual.
Kari explained that the organisation was conceived after consultations among concerned citizens on how to build effective coalitions, transform citizens’ grievances into constructive participation, promote data-driven decision-making and convert the energy generated during political campaigns into sustainable development institutions.
He expressed confidence that BWSO had grown beyond its founder and was developing into a movement capable of contributing to improved governance and greater citizen participation in the state.
The Board Chairman also said Dr. Wunti’s commitment to philanthropy remained strong, noting that BWSO would continue to serve as a major platform for coordinating and extending his philanthropic activities to communities within and beyond Bauchi State.
Kari commended the Chief Executive Officer, Arc. Muktar Jarmajo, and his management team for the progress recorded within a relatively short period.
He urged the management to transform innovative ideas into practical programmes capable of improving the living conditions and opportunities of underprivileged citizens.
Responding, Jarmajo said BWSO had evolved into a broad platform for development, civic engagement, community intervention, leadership recruitment and mentorship.
He said the organisation had reached thousands of people across the state through programmes designed to address community needs and empower citizens.
Jarmajo attributed the progress to collective efforts, guidance and strategic support from the Board, stressing that management was building BWSO with systems and structures capable of surviving changes in leadership.
He said the ultimate goal was to establish an institution that would outlive its present Board and management while continuing to promote good governance, responsible citizenship and inclusive development.
