The National President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello-Bodejo, has called on Fulani youths to redirect their energies towards productive ventures that will improve their lives and contribute to national development.
Bello-Bodejo made the appeal on Monday during a Musical Concert of Peace and Unity for the Fulanis organised by the Concerned Fulani Youths in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
Represented by Engr. Ibrahim Adamu, the association’s North-East Zonal Vice Chairman, Bello-Bodejo lamented that the Fulani ethnic group has often been negatively profiled and stigmatised due to its perceived association with banditry and violent crimes.
He expressed concern that many perpetrators of violent acts are youths, stressing the need for a shift towards education, agriculture, and skill acquisition as pathways to meaningful engagement and positive societal impact.
“We must promote the rich cultural heritage of the Fulani people rather than allowing negative stereotypes to define us,” Bello-Bodejo said. He also urged educated Fulani youths to sensitise their peers on the importance of portraying a positive image of their ethnic group.
Bello-Bodejo cautioned Nigerians against ethnic profiling, emphasising that criminal elements exist across all tribes.
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“It is unfair to associate an entire ethnic group with criminality because of the actions of a few. Every tribe has good and bad individuals,” he noted.
Also speaking, the Nasarawa State Chairman of Miyetti Allah, Bala Dabo, urged Fulani youths to emulate the life and teachings of the late Sultan of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello.
He stressed the importance of balancing traditional cattle rearing with education and other modern skills to enable the Fulani people to integrate better into contemporary society and foster peaceful coexistence with other ethnic groups.
The event drew Fulani artistes and guests from across Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and other neighbouring countries, in a colourful celebration of culture and unity.