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Chief Of Takum: Dear Tarabans, The Right Time Is Now! By Oluwatosin Alex
*Chief Of Takum: Dear Tarabans, The Right Time Is Now! By Oluwatosin Alex
Since 1996, after the demise of the last Ukwe Takum Ali Kufang, there have been several crises regarding the appointment of a first class chief in Takum. There has been absolutely no government or administration that was able to resolve the crisis and successfully appoint a replacement. In other words, the stool of the paramount ruler of Takum has been vacant for 28 years.
The immediate past government of Darius Ishaku attempted to create a solution to the more than two decades chieftaincy crisis but it was met by great opposition among the ethnic groups in Takum local government. Just like every other administration, the crisis was unable to be resolved till the expiration of the former governor’s tenure.
Meanwhile, the absence of a paramount ruler in Takum has prevented meaningful development from happening in the region. The people of Takum have needs to be met, the region ought to have become a major development trailblazer in Taraba state but the unavailability of an authority in the grassroot has continued to rob the people off what they truly deserve.
Traditional rulers are an integral part of any government, they are not the stooges of governors; rather, they serve as intermediaries between the government and the grassroot people. They can be described as the bridge that connects the government and the people. Apart from their functions as a bridge, they are also responsible for the maintenance of peace and order, they settle disputes and ensure there is harmony in their communities. Therefore, the absence of any traditional ruler, regardless of the class, would definitely have an adverse effect on the people in the grassroot. A community void of a traditional ruler cannot be immune against ethnicity crisis, insecurity, under-development, mismanagement of resources, to mention but a few.
In recognition of the need for a traditional ruler especially in Takum since the demise of the last Ukwe Takum, governors that have emerged in Taraba state have tried to make sure another paramount ruler is installed for the major purpose of development and progress in the region. Of course, some of these governors didn’t handle the process well during their tenures but the current governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas has done more than anyone would do to peacefully resolve the chieftaincy crisis in Takum.
Over the years, the major tribes in Takum namely Jukun, Chamba and Kuteb have always been the ones opposing the installation of a new Ukwe Takum and in a way to appease them, Governor Agbu Kefas through the state assembly approved the creation of three third-class chiefdoms and one first-class rotational stool between the tribes of Chamba, Jukun, and the Kuteb.
To make the process of selection transparent, Governor Agbu Kefas through the office of the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs called for a meeting to select who occupies the newly created chiefdoms which the Kuteb-speaking tribe declined to attend.
The Commissioner for Information and Reorientation Zainab Usman revealed that the Takum traditional kingmakers have graciously accepted two persons to occupy the two stools of Chamba and Jukun Takum which necessitated government approval.
”The appointments of the following third class chiefs have been approved by the Governor, they are HRH Uhwe Bala Ephraim as 3rd class chief (Tsohon Jukun Takum) HRH Barr Sopiya Ahmadu Gboshi III as third class chief ( Gar Chamba Takum),” he said.
The kuteb appears to be the only tribe that isn’t satisfied with the arrangement of a rotational first class traditional ruler among the major tribes and third class chiefs. According to Chief Emmanuel Ukwen, Chairman of The Kutep Yatso of Nigeria (KYN), a social cultural group for the Kuteb people of Taraba State, the seat of Ukwe was ancestral inheritance and so could not be shared with non-Kuteb people as being contemplated by the state government.
While it is understandable that the stool of Ukwe Takum has never been shared with non-kuteb people, there is also the need to know that there is no sacrifice too big or much for peace. The Kuteb leadership is focused on the status quo too much, forgetting that everyone, every tribe needs to be carried along for a peaceful co-existence when it comes to leadership.
For decades, Takum has greatly suffered due to the kind of opposition being fielded by the leadership of Kuteb and for how long will the region remain under-developed because of one tribe? The government is making efforts to restore normalcy in Takum and it won’t speak well if one tribe out of three is sabotaging the government’s efforts.
Takum has been given several opportunities to return to its glory days but they were not utilized. Governor Agbu Kefas has gone the extra mile to create another chance for the people, Tarabas should not allow the Kuteb tribe to sabotage this opportunity again. It is time to support the governor to put an end to this long-decade chieftaincy crisis.
“The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.”
NAWOJ: SEKINAT, CHARITY GETS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists,(NAWOJ), Ogun State Chapter Executives has unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Chairman NAWOJ SEKINAT Salam and the Financial Secretary, Charity James, saying that, their leadership reflect the ideal and objectives of NAWOJ.
This was revealed in a communique issued at an Emergency meeting of the Executive held at the NUJ State Council, Iwe-Iroyin in Abeokuta.
The vote of confidence on the Leadership of NAWOJ was unanimously signed by all the five executive members that attended the meeting with the vice chairperson taking apology for official engagement outside the state capital.
According to the communique ” Consequently, NAWOJ Ogun State Chapter, reaffirms it’s unwavering support and confidence in the Chairperson and the Financial Secretary, Sekinat Salam and Charity James respectively, Urge them to continue in their commitment to purposeful leadership in the best interest of the association and the society at large”.
Speaking briefly with Journalists after the emergency Executive meeting, the Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Woman Journalists (NAWOJ), Com. Sekinat Salam, said the meeting was necessary as the news of her suspension was laughable and insulting because it is like a pot calling a kettle black in this case, saying that the Leadership of the State Council, Com. Wale Olanrewaju has no local standing to suspend her or any executive member, even he cannot be a judge in his own case.
According to her” The Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State led by Wale Olanrewaju has always been misusing power without recourse to the constitution of this noble Union, hence has no local standing to suspend me or any executive member “.
She said only the Central Working Committee (CWC) has the constitutional rights to sanction or suspend any members found wanting after due process has been followed.
While calling on members to stay calm, Com. Sekinat Salam assured members of positive representation of NAWOJ at both the State and National level, adding the success recorded under her administration cannot be overemphasized.
She therefore called on the National leadership of NUJ to critically look into the matter, either by setting up independent committee to investigate the issues and resolve the matter as quickly as possible.
Adron Homes Chairman Congratulates Oyo State on 50 Years of Progress
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has congratulated the Government and people of Oyo State as the state marks its 50th anniversary, describing the occasion as a celebration of resilience, cultural pride, and sustained progress.
He noted that since its creation, Oyo State has remained a strong contributor to Nigeria’s socio-economic and cultural development, emerging as a hub of commerce, education, and innovation.
According to him, the Golden Jubilee offers a moment for reflection and renewed commitment by government, private sector players, traditional institutions, and citizens toward building a more inclusive and prosperous state.
Aare Emmanuelking commended the state’s ongoing transformation through investments in infrastructure, economic expansion, and human capital development, adding that sustainable growth is deliberate and must remain purpose-driven.
He also praised the leadership of the current administration while acknowledging the contributions of past leaders whose efforts laid the foundation for today’s Oyo State.
Reaffirming Adron Homes’ commitment to national development, he described Oyo State as a land of opportunity. He wished the state continued peace and prosperity, expressing confidence that the next fifty years will bring even greater achievements for the Pace Setter State and its people.
TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION CONDOLES WITH BIU EMIRATE OVER TRAGIC ATTACK
In a profound expression of sorrow, the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation has extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the entire people of Biu Emirate, Borno State, following the recent tragic attack attributed to Boko Haram. This devastating assault, which occurred at a work site in northeastern Nigeria, claimed the lives of dozens, including brave soldiers committed to protecting the nation.
In a statement released to the press and signed by the Chairman of the foundation, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, the Grand Patron of the Foundation, His Excellency Amb. Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR (Rtd), former Chief of Army Staff, described the incident as “one too many senseless, barbaric, and ruthless displays of inhumanity.” His Excellency emphasized the heartbreaking impact of such attacks on innocent, hardworking citizens striving to make a positive difference in their communities.
The Grand Patron praised the swift and decisive response of military personnel during this critical time, underscoring their brave commitment to safeguarding the nation. He called upon them to maintain this momentum, commending their courage and sacrifice in the face of adversity. “May Almighty Allah forgive their souls and grant them Aljannah Firdouse,” he remarked, encouraging the nation to honor their spirit of sacrifice as they rally together to rebuild and restore hope across the region.
In his statement, Gen. Buratai highlighted the importance of collective action in overcoming the challenges posed by insecurity, urging concerned citizens to increase their efforts in fostering a virile community that future generations can cherish. “Together, we can surmount these troubles,” he asserted, calling on all patriotic leaders and citizens to unite in the fight against violence and insecurity.
The TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote peace, security, unity, and prosperity. As the foundation extends its condolences to the bereaved, it also calls upon all segments of society to collaborate in creating a better and safer future. May Allah guide and protect the nation and lead it toward enduring peace. Amen.
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