Waja Progressive Association Inaugurates New Interim Leadership In Adamawa

Waja Progressive Association Inaugurates New Interim Leadership In Adamawa

By Muh’d Shafi’u Saleh

In commemoration of 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, Numan, drawing together Waja (Ner-Wuya) sons and daughters from across the state.

The meeting, convened by Alhaji Salisu Bakari Buba, a retired Permanent Secretary and Interim Chairman of WAPA, brought together delegates from Guyuk, Shelleng, Demsa, Numan, Lamurde, Mayo-Belwa, Ganye, Toungo, Jada, Yola South, and Yola North Local Government Areas.

A major highlight of the event was the unanimous election and inauguration of an Interim Steering Committee to pilot the affairs of the association for a one-year period. 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 Executive Committee includes; Alhaji Salisu Bakari Buba Chairman, Shuaibu Abubakar Secretary, Dr. Dennis Jinkai Ahmadu Assistant Secretary, Mrs. Lina Bashama Luka Treasurer, Mr. Philip J. Kalla Financial Secretary, Mr. Samuel G. JatauOrganizing Secretary.

Others are Yusuf Sani PRO, Aisha Adamu Women Coordinator, Mr Samaila Youth Coordinator, Barr. Musa E. Goro Legal Adviser, Auditors Elfrida Gayus and Abubakar Ibrahim, ASP Kure Baranda (Rtd.), and Pastor John Mamman, and others.

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—organize the Waja Cultural Festival slated for April 2026, and conduct elections for a substantive executive within one year.

In his remarks, 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, noting that their support had enabled the Waja to thrive within the Numan Federation and contribute to Adamawa’s development.

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

He also urged members to take advantage of the ongoing voters’ registration exercise to ensure they are duly registered and can participate actively in the democratic process. In addition, he encouraged youths to engage in meaningful ventures such as dry-season farming and other productive activities to avoid the dangers of idleness and its attendant consequences.

On behalf of the association, Alh. Buba expressed gratitude to the traditional rulers of the Numan Federation for their enduring support and for providing a peaceful environment for all ethnic groups to coexist harmoniously.

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

In his goodwill message, Mr. Solomon Ahmed Goro, Patron of the Southern Zone, urged Waja youths to embrace entrepreneurship and lifelong learning, encouraging them to explore free online training platforms and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to acquire new skills and enhance their productivity.

Mr. Goro, who is also a Head of Department at Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yola, admonished young people seeking admission into the institution to approach him for guidance and mentorship, assuring them of his readiness to assist committed students in achieving their educational aspirations.

The event ended on a high note, with participants expressing renewed commitment to the unity, progress, and cultural preservation of the Waja (Ner-Wuya) people in Adamawa State.