Former Taraba State Governor Rev. Jolly Nyame has urged the Yandang, Mumuye and other ethnic communities in Yorro Local Government Area to close ranks around shared political priorities and long-term development.
Speaking on Saturday in Jalingo, Nyame said continued divisions could cost the communities important political openings while slowing social and economic progress. The gathering was the first summit held with the Timusang Development Association, or TDA, under the theme, “The Yandang Man in the 21st Century: Challenges and Prospects.”
Quick facts
- Nyame called for cooperation among Yandang, Mumuye and other groups in Yorro Local Government Area.
- He said political unity could expand the communities’ influence and development prospects.
- A joint Mumuye-Yandang summit is planned for December.
- Professor James Hamuel Doughari proposed a seven-point development programme for the Yandang Nation.
“Unity is essential to achieving meaningful progress,” Nyame said, calling on the various communities to put aside differences and pursue common objectives.
He said closer collaboration would give the ethnic groups a stronger presence in political decision-making while opening avenues for broader economic and social gains.
Nyame also disclosed plans for a combined Mumuye-Yandang summit in December. The proposed meeting will examine political engagement, shared concerns and approaches to community advancement.
Earlier, TDA chairman Evangelist Aminu Oliver Zakariya described the event as a needed initiative bringing together Yandang people from Taraba and neighbouring Adamawa State.
Zakariya said regular dialogue was necessary to build solidarity, deepen ties among communities and establish a common future agenda for the Yandang people.
Pastor Haniel Banti Adamu Bashiru, the Wazirin Kpan Sanwi and Paramount Leader of the Yandang Nation, similarly appealed for stronger unity. He said joint action was vital to tackling the issues facing the people.
Dr Kobiba Alfred, an elder statesman, backed Nyame’s appeal and urged young people to maintain discipline, preserve traditional values and make constructive contributions to their communities’ progress.
In a separate presentation, Professor James Hamuel Doughari called for an intentional, coordinated development approach to promote the Yandang Nation’s social, political and economic interests.
Doughari set out a seven-point development plan, saying it could serve as a practical structure for confronting the community’s challenges and supporting durable growth.
