Waja Progressive Association Holds Maiden Meeting, Inaugurates Interim Executive in Adamawa

By; TINA PHINEAS, YOLA

In commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, the Waja Progressive Association (WAPA), Adamawa State Chapter, held its maiden meeting with the aim of uniting all Waja sons and daughters across the state.

In his remarks, convener of WAPA, Alhaji Salisu Bakari Buba urged members to take advantage of the ongoing voters’ registration exercise and ensure they are duly registered.

Buba, encouraged youth to engage in meaningful ventures such as dry-season farming and other productive activities to avoid the dangers of idleness and its attendant consequences.

Also speaking at the occasion, Dr. Dennis Jinkai Ahmadu, described the Waja (Ner-Wuya) as an ancient people of strength and integrity, known for their peaceful nature and industriousness.

He commended the hospitality of the Hama Bachama, Hama Bata, Amna Shelleng, Kwandi Nungurabah, and Murum Mbula.

” The support of our traditional fathers had enabled the Waja to thrive within the Numan Federation and contribute to Adamawa’s development,” he stated.

In his goodwill message, Patron of the Southern Zone, Mr. Solomon Ahmed Goro, urged Waja youths to embrace entrepreneurship and lifelong learning.

Goro encouraged them to explore free online training platforms and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to acquire new skills and enhance their productivity.

A major highlight of the event was the inauguration of an Interim Steering Committee to pilot the affairs of the association for a one-year period.

The Interim Executive Committee includes, Alh. Salisu Bakari Buba Chairman, Shuaibu Abubakar Secretary, Dr. Dennis Jinkai Ahmadu Assistant Secretary, Mrs. Lina Bashama Luka Treasurer, Mr. Philip J. Kalla, Financial Secretary and Mr. Samuel G. Jatau Organizing Secretary.

Others are, Mr. Yusuf Sani, ASP Kure Baranda (Rtd.), and Pastor John Mamman as Public Relations Officers, Mrs. Aisha Adamu Women Coordinator, Mr. Samaila, Youth Coordinator, Barr. Musa E. Goro Legal Adviser, Ms. Elfrida Gayus and Mr. Abubakar Ibrahim Auditors, Ms. Charity Joselp, Ms. Naomi Moses, and Mr. Tanglai Joseph Kabido Welfare Officers and Alh. Sani Jami emerged as Ex-Officio.

For the Regional Patrons, the association elected Alh. Babangida Dikko (North), Mr. Solomon Ahmed Goro (Central), and Mr. Japheth Gajere (South).

The committee is tasked with uniting Waja indigenes across Adamawa, strengthening socio-cultural bonds, and preparing the groundwork for the election of a substantive executive council.

The Interim Committee was mandated to pay courtesy visits to key stakeholders, beginning with traditional rulers in Southern Adamawa and the Executive Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and also organize the Waja Cultural Festival slated for April 2026.

Addressing members shortly after his inauguration, Alh. Salisu Bakari Buba, the Interim Chairman, thanked the gathering for their confidence in his leadership and promised to promote unity, accountability, and inclusion.

Buba appreciated traditional rulers of the Numan Federation for their support and for providing a peaceful environment for all ethnic groups to coexist in peace.

“Together, we remain committed to building stronger bonds of unity and understanding that will ensure lasting harmony among all communities,” he stated.

New Nigerian reports that the meeting which took place at Government Lodge in Numan, brought together delegates from Guyuk, Shelleng, Demsa, Numan, Lamurde, Mayo-Belwa, Ganye, Toungo, Jada, Yola South, and Yola North Local Government Areas.