Former Taraba State Governor, Rev. Jolly Nyame, has called on the Yandang, Mumuye and other ethnic groups across Yorro Local Government Area of the state to unite in pursuit of common political interests and sustainable development.
Nyame warned that persistent disunity among the communities could deprive them of valuable political opportunities and hinder their development.
He made the call on Saturday in Jalingo at a maiden summit organised in collaboration with the Timusang Development Association (TDA), with the theme, “The Yandang Man in the 21st Century: Challenges and Prospects.”
“Unity is essential to achieving meaningful progress. I, therefore, call on the various communities to set aside their differences and work together towards shared goals,” Nyame said.
He added that greater cooperation among the ethnic groups would strengthen their collective voice in political affairs and create opportunities for social and economic advancement.
Nyame also announced plans to organise a joint Mumuye-Yandang summit in December to deliberate on political participation, common interests and strategies for community development.
Earlier, the chairman of the association, Evangelist Aminu Oliver Zakariya, described the summit as a timely initiative aimed at bringing together Yandang sons and daughters from Taraba and neighbouring Adamawa State.
He said such engagements were important for fostering unity, strengthening relationships and developing a common vision for the future of the Yandang people.
Also speaking, the Wazirin Kpan Sanwi and Paramount Leader of the Yandang Nation, Pastor Haniel Banti Adamu Bashiru, called for greater unity among the people, stressing the importance of collective action in addressing their challenges.
Supporting Nyame’s position, an elder statesman, Dr Kobiba Alfred, urged youths to embrace discipline, uphold traditional values and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities.
In his presentation, Professor James Hamuel Doughari advocated a deliberate and coordinated development strategy to advance the social, political and economic interests of the Yandang Nation.
Doughari proposed a seven-point development plan, which he said could provide a framework for addressing the community’s challenges and promoting sustainable growth.
Cooperation among ethnic groups would strengthen collective voice - Nyame