News Rendezvous

Numan, Adamawa State

In a historic gathering held to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, the Waja Progressive Association (WAPA), Adamawa State Chapter, convened its maiden meeting on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at the Governor’s Lodge, Numan, bringing together sons and daughters of the Waja (Ner-Wuya) ethnic group from across the state.

The meeting, convened by Alhaji Salisu Bakari Buba, a retired Permanent Secretary, witnessed the inauguration of an Interim Executive Committee to pilot the affairs of the association for one year. Delegates from Guyuk, Shelleng, Demsa, Numan, Lamurde, Mayo-Belwa, Ganye, Toungo, Jada, Yola South, and Yola North local government areas were in attendance.

The newly inaugurated committee is tasked with uniting Waja indigenes across Adamawa, strengthening socio-cultural ties, and laying the foundation for the election of a substantive executive council.

The Interim Executive is composed of: Chairman – Alh. Salisu Bakari Buba; Secretary – Shuaibu Abubakar; Assistant Secretary – Dr. Dennis Jinkai Ahmadu; Treasurer – Mrs. Lina Bashama Luka; Financial Secretary – Mr. Philip J. Kalla; Organizing Secretary – Mr. Samuel G. Jatau; Public Relations Officers – Mr. Yusuf Sani, ASP Kure Baranda (Rtd.), and Pastor John Mamman; Women Coordinator – Mrs. Aisha Adamu; Youth Coordinator – Mr. Samaila; Legal Adviser – Barr. Musa E. Goro; Auditors – Ms. Elfrida Gayus and Mr. Abubakar Ibrahim; Welfare Officers – Ms. Charity Joselp, Ms. Naomi Moses, and Mr. Tanglai Joseph Kabido; Ex-Officio – Alh. Sani Jami.Regional patrons were also appointed: Alh. Babangida Dikko (North), Mr. Solomon Ahmed Goro (Central), and Mr. Japheth Gajere (South).

The committee’s immediate mandate includes paying courtesy visits to key traditional and political stakeholders—starting with monarchs in Southern Adamawa and Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, organizing a Waja Cultural Festival in April 2026, and conducting elections for a substantive executive within one year.

In his goodwill address, Dr. Dennis Jinkai Ahmadu described the Waja people as “an ancient people of strength and integrity, known for their peaceful nature and industriousness.”

He lauded the hospitality of the Hama Bachama, Hama Bata, Amna Shelleng, Kwandi Nungurabah, and Murum Mbula, whose support, he said, had allowed the Waja community to thrive within the Numan Federation.

Speaking shortly after his inauguration, Alhaji Buba expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to promote unity, accountability, and inclusivity in steering the association.

He urged members to take advantage of the ongoing voters’ registration exercise to strengthen their participation in the democratic process, while also calling on youths to engage in productive ventures such as dry-season farming to curb idleness and promote economic self-reliance.

“Together, we remain committed to building stronger bonds of unity and understanding that will ensure lasting harmony among all communities,” he affirmed.Delivering a goodwill message, Mr. Solomon Ahmed Goro, Patron of the Southern Zone and Head of Department at Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yola, urged Waja youths to embrace entrepreneurship and lifelong learning, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and free online training opportunities to acquire modern skills.

He also encouraged aspiring students to approach him for mentorship and academic guidance, promising to support dedicated candidates seeking admission into the polytechnic.

The meeting ended on a celebratory note, as members reaffirmed their commitment to the unity, cultural preservation, and progress of the Waja (Ner-Wuya) people across Adamawa State.Long live Ner-Wuya! Long live the Numan Federation! Long live Adamawa State! Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!