By Tom Garba, Yola
The Yungur Chiefdom in Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State has marked its first anniversary with a colourful ceremony celebrating cultural heritage, unity and grassroots governance.
The event, held at the palace of the Yungur Chiefdom, attracted traditional rulers, community elders, youth and women groups, as well as residents from adjoining communities. It featured cultural displays, prayers for peace and goodwill messages.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Salihu Bakari Girei, a senior representative of the Adamawa Emirate Council, commended Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for the creation of additional chiefdoms and kingdoms across the state, describing the policy as a historic step that has deepened inclusion, peace and unity.
Girei said the establishment of the Yungur Chiefdom was one of the greatest gifts to the people, noting that it had brought governance closer to the grassroots while restoring a sense of identity and belonging.
In an emotional remark that drew applause, he declared, “Yungur is home to me,” citing ancestral and long-standing family ties to the area.
He explained that although Girei Local Government Area remains his paternal homeland, his maternal and cultural connections span several parts of the state, including the Maiha Emirate, Kilba and Gombi communities.
According to him, these bonds have strengthened cooperation among diverse groups and enabled him to contribute meaningfully to unity and development across Adamawa.
Girei also acknowledged his former teacher, Mrs Rejoice, for instilling in him values of culture, leadership and unity, adding that his long-standing friendship with Governor Fintiri, dating back to their school days, has helped to strengthen collaboration in traditional administration.
He stressed the importance of traditional rulers as custodians of culture, noting that sustainable peace and development could only be achieved through their active involvement.
The former commissioner assured the Yungur traditional council of the state government’s continued support, urging community leaders to sustain peace, unity and cooperation. He also commended residents for their peaceful coexistence.
While the celebration focused on the chiefdom’s one-year milestone, Girei’s presence reignited discussions around his political future.
Girei, a former Commissioner for Local Government Affairs and Higher Education, former Executive Chairman of the Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board, and current Director of Research and Development at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, is widely believed to be positioning for the 2027 governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
His aspiration has received endorsements from youth groups, grassroots movements and APC stakeholders across the state’s 21 local government areas.
Supporters cite his record in education, governance and employment generation, describing him as a strong contender capable of transforming Adamawa into a secure and economically vibrant state.
The anniversary celebration ended with renewed optimism for sustained development in Yungur, amid growing political engagement ahead of the 2027 elections.
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