History was made in Dumne, a Yungur community in Song Local Government Area Adamawa state Saturday, when the National Yungur Area Development Association (YADA), laid the foundation for its National Secretariat and bestowed prestigious awards on 20 Sons of the land who have distinguished themselves in their various callings.
The Ground Breaking of the Yungur Cultural Centre and Award ceremony held in Dumne, the headquarters of Yungur land was adjudged to be first if its kind to be organised by the association since its establishment in 1884.
It equally marked the commencement of the construction work for building of a befitting Secretariat with conference hall, offices, library, museum, security outpost and most importantly a centre where Yungur nation will gather from time to time and deliberate on issues that will bring about the development of Yungur land, Song LGA and Adamawa state.
The historic event saw cream of Yungur sons and daughters within and beyond being recognised for their outstanding contributions towards the political and socio economic development of Yungur land, Song LGA and Adamawa state in general.
Likewise, the 4 hour programme witnessed the presence of personalities including Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Member of National Assembly, the Speaker and other Honourable members of the state House of Assembly, Head of Service, Executive Chairman Song LGC, and other top government functionaries, stakeholders of the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP), supporters, family members and well wishers among others.
Among the prominent sons of Yungur land crowned with the meritorious awards of excellence include; Hon. Simon Isa, member representing Song Constituency at the State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Prambe, Commissioner Ministry of Infrastructure and Community Development, Hon. Etabweden Amos Sunday, former Member House of Representatives, Lagos, Hon. Justice Adamu Hobon, former Federal High Court Judge, Prof Ibrahim Saidu, ex -Deputy Vice Chancellor State University Mubi, Prof Adamu Zata, MAUTEC, Yola, Late Hon. Ethan Danthibiya, former Member who represented Yungur constituency in the defunct Gongola State House of Assembly, Chief, Hon. Benson Atanga, former Commissioner Ministry of Education, Late Hon. Krim Kwantangra, former Chairman Song LGC, Late Hon. David Anakansa, erstwhile Chairman Song LGC, Mr. Elson Awano, former Chairman PDP Mai Jama'a Adamawa State, Late Bishop(Emeritus), Rt. Rev. Phanuel Agontara and James Saute, former Administrator Dumne State Development among others.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, congratulated YADA for laying foundation for its secretariat and the awardees for the honour done to them as a result of their contributions to the development of not only Yungur land but the state in general.
Governor Fintiri reiterated his government's commitment towards the development of rural communities, saying that the decision of YADA to construct its Secretariat is in perfect agreement with the Fresh Air agenda and that his government is in full support.
The Governor who was represented at the event by the Commissioner Ministry of Infrastructure and Community Development, Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Prambe urged other well-meaning citizens to emulate the track record of the members of the association.
Also speaking, the Chief Ground Breaker and member representing Fufore Song at the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Dr. Mustapha Saidu commended the organisers of the event, saying awarding those contributed to the progress of the land will encourage the upcoming generation to emulate them so as to be recognised.
Hon. Dr. Saidu particularly appealed to the youth to strive for the progress of their land, explaining that if the Secretariat is constructed will enormously help the association and bring about its development.
In his remarks, the Deputy Ground Breaker and member representing Song Constituency at the State House of Assembly, Hon. Simon Isa appreciated the initiative and promised to support the construction to its completion.
Hon. Simon Isa used the forum and told the gathering that he was receiving the honour with heavy heart for reasons that his community which is one of his strongest political base has never known peace occasioned by the spate of kidnapping, saying that it is worrisome to note that currently his constituents no longer sleep with their eyes closed due to security threats.
The legislator further noted with concern the inability of the successive governments to address the precarious problems of poor rural road network of primary concern is the 48 Kilometer Mararaba Dumne- Shelleng road, and near neglect it has suffered over the years, pointing out that the issue of constructing Dumne road has become a campaign slogan to win votes by the political class year in year out.
Today, according to him, the road which remains the only gate way to the agriculturally rich land is nothing but death trap, denying the people from easy transportation of their goods and services to the outside world.
Hon. Simon commended the government of the day for including the rehabilitation of Dumne cottage hospital in 2020 proposed budget estimates, adding the rehabilitation of the health facility will go along way in impacting positively in the health needs of our people.
He promised to continue to serve his constituents with all sense of responsibility by ensuring democracy dividends are attracted to their community and Song Local Government in general.
In his keynote address, the Head of Service in the state, Dr. Edgar Amos applauded the past and especially the current leadership of the association for conceiving the Secretariat project and mobilising resources for the event.
The Head of Service told the gathering that the idea of presenting awards to people who have contributed to the development of the society is commendable, saying that this will serve as an encouragement and hopefully inspire others to emulate them.
In his welcome address, the National Chairman of the association, Mr Kefas Magani thanked the gathering for honouring their invitation to witness the foundation laying ceremony of their Secretariat.
The Chairman further acknowledged the contributions of awardees to the socio-economic developments of the land and stated that they really deserved the Award because of the wonderful achievements they had made in their chosen fields of endeavour.
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