The Dumne Ward, headquarters of the Yungur Chiefdom in Adamawa State, came alive with colour and excitement as people from all walks of life gathered to mark the first anniversary of the Chiefdom. The celebration attracted jubilant supporters, community members, and dignitaries who converged to commemorate the historic milestone.
The event was graced by government officials, religious leaders, and traditional rulers from various Chiefdoms across the state, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to justice, peace, and unity, stressing that governance under his watch remains free from discrimination. He explained that the deliberate creation of seven additional Chiefdoms in the state was driven by sincerity, inclusiveness, and a desire to empower communities through self-identity and grassroots development.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Edgar Amos Sunday, the Governor described traditional institutions as more than symbols of authority, noting that they embody shared values, cultural identity, and social cohesion.
Governor Fintiri commended the resilience and unity of the Yungur people, urging them to remain steadfast and work collectively to advance the growth and stability of the Chiefdom.
In his address, the Gubo Yungur, His Royal Highness Johnson Diyo Matalo, pledged continued commitment to peace and harmonious coexistence among his subjects. He emphasized that the crown he wears symbolizes service rather than prestige, duty rather than display.
The monarch disclosed that upon his ascension to the throne, he undertook a comprehensive tour of the seven districts of the Chiefdom to gain first-hand insight into the challenges facing the people. According to him, the tour fostered stronger unity and reinforced the shared values that bind the Yungur kingdom.
Gubo Matalo highlighted notable achievements since the creation of the Chiefdom, including a significant reduction in recurring farmers–herders clashes and the establishment of a functional administrative and structural framework for governance.
Delivering the guest lecture, Dr. Manliura Philemon Datilo, Head of the Department of Information Management Technology at Modibo Adama University, Yola, charged the Yungur people to jealously guard and preserve their rich cultural heritage. He warned against allowing external influences and alien practices to erode the core values, traditions, and identity of the Chiefdom.
Dr. Datilo traced the historical roots of the Yungur Chiefdom to as far back as 1937, urging the people to uphold and transmit their long-established heritage to future generations.
In separate goodwill messages, Mr. Markus Joseph, Chairman of the Adamawa State Bureau of Public Procurement; the Gongola People’s Forum led by Barrister Leonard Zidon; Dr. Abdullahi Adamu Prambe, Commissioner for Rural and Urban Development; and Dr. Salisu Bakari Girei congratulated the Yungur Chiefdom. They collectively called on the people to embrace unity, promote harmony, and continue to support their traditional and political leaders.
