CDD hosts her 7th Dr. Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem Memorial celebration.

By Yetunde verrisimo, The Nigerian voice,, Abuja
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The center for democracy and development hosts her 7th memorial celebration for Dr. Tajudeen Abdul- Rheem, with the theme: Addressing the Challenges of Rural Banditry in Nigeria, on the 24 th of may.

The chairman of CDD Kole Shettima welcomed guests and gave reasons for the memorial's topic stating that the dream of Dr. Tajudeen was for one continent. He said that the theme was brought about as a result of communal clashes going within the country.

He stated that everyone has a duty to play a role both at the federal and state levels to stop rural banditry.

The minister of solid minerals, Dr. Kayode Fayemi who was the former chairman of CDD, gave a talk on the life of Dr Tajudeen. He said that " Tajudeen was a man who was relevant in his community and also felt at home with the presidents and heads of states"

"Leadership for Tajudeen was not a title but a commitment to see things through"

He referred to him as a man of impact, principles and commitment. A man who was had ideals to move the continent forward.

The minister charged all that they were not here to mourn but to celebrate the life of a man who had a vision for the continent.

Mr Odia, author of "No country is enough", also spoke on the life of Dr. Tajudeen. The author compiled a book of poems on the man Tajudeen,which he composed

Representatives from Agutu and Nimbo communities were present to give accounts of their experiences on rural banditry. Mr. Mathias Everett, a representative from Nimbo community town union, Enugu state, spoke on the community's experience with the herdsmen - from their peaceful coexistence in the early 1990's, later the hostile change in the herdsmen and finally the last incident that occurred earlier this year, which they believe the perpetrators were from neighboring states.

Both representatives asked the military to investigate the use of high caliber riffles by the herdsmen.

Barrister Muhammed Bello, National legal adviser Minette Allah cattle breeders Association of Nigeria, illustrated critical issues that are causing rural banditry. Unoccupied land spaces being one of the problems.

The executive director pastoralist resolve, Saleh Momale, spoke about the problems of the nomads. He said that the herdsmen were attacked by heavily armed men and have their herds taken away. He also pleaded with the media to decimate true stories rather than fabrications.