*New Steering Committee to Strengthen Socio-Cultural Ties, Organize Cultural Festival, and Foster Youth Empowerment By Muh'd Shafi’u S...
*New Steering Committee to Strengthen Socio-Cultural Ties, Organize Cultural Festival, and Foster Youth Empowerment
By Muh'd Shafi’u Saleh
As part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, the Waja Progressive Association (WAPA), Adamawa State Chapter, held its maiden meeting on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at the Governor’s Lodge in Numan. The event brought together sons and daughters of the Waja (Ner-Wuya) ethnic group from across the state in a historic gathering aimed at promoting unity, cultural identity, and socio-political advancement.
The meeting was convened by Alhaji Salisu Bakari Buba, a retired Permanent Secretary who also serves as the Interim Chairman of WAPA. Delegates from several local government areas—including Guyuk, Shelleng, Demsa, Numan, Lamurde, Mayo-Belwa, Ganye, Toungo, Jada, Yola South, and Yola North—were in attendance.
A key highlight of the gathering was the unanimous election and inauguration of an Interim Steering Committee to pilot the affairs of the association for a period of one year. The committee is tasked with uniting Waja indigenes across Adamawa State, fostering stronger socio-cultural bonds, and laying the groundwork for the election of a substantive executive council.
The newly inaugurated interim leadership includes Alhaji Salisu Bakari Buba as Chairman, Shuaibu Abubakar as Secretary, and Dr. Dennis Jinkai Ahmadu as Assistant Secretary. Also appointed were Mrs. Lina Bashama Luka as Treasurer, Mr. Philip J. Kalla as Financial Secretary, and Mr. Samuel G. Jatau as Organising Secretary. Other members include Yusuf Sani as Public Relations Officer, Aisha Adamu as Women Coordinator, Mr. Samaila as Youth Coordinator, Barr. Musa E. Goro as Legal Adviser, and Auditors Elfrida Gayus and Abubakar Ibrahim. Also included in the advisory role are ASP Kure Baranda (Rtd.) and Pastor John Mamman, among others.
The committee was given a clear mandate to pay courtesy visits to key stakeholders, starting with traditional rulers in Southern Adamawa and the Executive Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri. It is also expected to organize the Waja Cultural Festival slated for April 2026 and conduct elections for a substantive executive leadership within the year.
In his remarks, Dr. Dennis Jinkai Ahmadu described the Waja (Ner-Wuya) people as a proud and ancient group known for peace, strength, and industriousness. He commended the hospitality of traditional institutions such as the Hama Bachama, Hama Bata, Amna Shelleng, Kwandi Nungurabah, and Murum Mbula, noting that their support has enabled the Waja to thrive and contribute meaningfully to Adamawa’s development.
Shortly after his inauguration, Alhaji Salisu Bakari Buba expressed appreciation for the trust reposed in him and assured members of his commitment to promoting unity, transparency, and inclusion. He encouraged members to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration exercise to ensure full civic participation. He further urged youths to engage in productive activities such as dry-season farming to avoid the dangers of idleness.
On behalf of the association, Alhaji Buba thanked the traditional rulers of the Numan Federation for their continued support and peaceful leadership, which he said has allowed different communities to coexist in harmony. He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to building stronger ties of unity and mutual respect across the region.
Delivering a goodwill message, Mr. Solomon Ahmed Goro, Patron of WAPA’s Southern Zone and a Head of Department at Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yola, urged Waja youths to embrace entrepreneurship and continuous learning. He encouraged them to explore free online training platforms and Artificial Intelligence tools to gain modern skills and enhance their productivity. Mr. Goro also offered mentorship opportunities to aspiring students of Adamawa State Polytechnic, assuring them of guidance and support throughout their academic journey.
The meeting ended on an enthusiastic note, with participants expressing a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to the unity, progress, and cultural preservation of the Waja (Ner-Wuya) people in Adamawa State.
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