Philip Adams
The Chamba Youth Council of Nigeria (CYCN), in partnership with the Chamba Cultural Development Association (CCDA), recently honored two distinguished figures – Mohammed Sadiq Walin Ganye and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu – for their remarkable dedication to both the Chamba community and Nigeria at large. The prestigious awards were presented during the two-day National Chamba Youth Leadership and Economic Summit, held on October 25–26, 2024, in Jalingo, Taraba State. The summit attracted participants from across Nigeria and the African continent, including attendees from Ghana, Togo, and South Africa.
The awards ceremony celebrated leadership, generosity, and patriotism, with Walin Ganye and Ribadu embodying the virtues most esteemed by the Chamba people and the nation. Both men have shown steadfast commitment to the advancement of the Chamba community, contributing significantly to its development, security, and cultural preservation.
Mohammed Sadiq Walin Ganye: A Philanthropist and Champion of Chamba Development
Mohammed Sadiq Walin Ganye’s award recognized his enduring contributions to the Chamba community. Known for his commitment to social and economic progress, Walin Ganye has been a generous supporter of various developmental projects across the region. His recent financial sponsorship of the National Chamba Youth Leadership and Economic Summit is one of his many acts of generosity. Previously, he donated five million naira to support initiatives by Sama Tikamen that aim to enhance educational and developmental projects within the Chamba community.
Walin Ganye has also leveraged his connections to benefit the Chamba people, notably encouraging Nigeria’s former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (Wazirin Adamawa), to donate an 18-seater bus to the Chamba association. Such acts reflect his commitment to the welfare and unity of the Chamba people, solidifying his reputation as a respected elder and statesman. This award is a formal acknowledgment of his philanthropy and his dedicated support for peace and progress within the Chamba community.
In receiving the award on behalf of Walin Ganye, Chief Charles W. Bansi, former Sole Administrator of Gangdu Development Area in Ganye Local Government and esteemed Wambai Danaba, spoke highly of Walin Ganye’s vision and enduring impact. Chief Bansi praised him as a forward-thinking supporter of reform and improvement in public policy, describing Walin Ganye as a passionate advocate for sustainable development and a leader whose actions inspire progress within the Chamba race. Chief Bansi, himself a great youth leader of the Chamba, noted how Walin Ganye’s dedication encourages a strong sense of unity and shared purpose among the community’s younger generation.
Nuhu Ribadu: A Guardian of National Security and Ally of the Chamba People
Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, was also honored for his exceptional efforts in safeguarding Nigeria and his enduring ties to the Chamba community. Ribadu’s service in national security has garnered deep respect, with his instrumental role in combating insurgency and addressing security challenges across the country being widely acknowledged. The Chamba community also holds him in high regard for his gesture of inclusivity, when he selected a Chamba man as his gubernatorial running mate in a previous election, underscoring his commitment to unity and diversity.
Ribadu’s dedication to the Chamba community, coupled with his leadership in national security, makes him a fitting recipient of this award. His contributions highlight his resolve to uplift the community and strengthen Nigeria’s security, exemplifying the leadership ideals celebrated by the Chamba Youth Council.
The National Chamba Youth Leadership and Economic Summit drew a diverse audience, showcasing the deep-rooted pride within the Chamba culture and heritage. The summit provided a forum for prominent leaders, young advocates, and well-wishers to discuss economic growth, leadership, and cultural preservation. The participation of notable Chamba personalities and representatives from various African nations underscored the unity and solidarity within the Chamba community.
The awards presented to Walin Ganye and Ribadu are more than a tribute to their individual achievements; they are a source of inspiration for the younger generation. Both leaders’ legacies encourage Chamba youth to aspire toward excellence, generosity, and patriotism – values essential for the progress of any community.
As both awardees continue their influential journeys, they leave an indelible mark on the Chamba people, exemplifying how unity, philanthropy, and security can work hand-in-hand to create a prosperous future for all. The CYCN and CCDA have set a commendable example by recognizing leaders whose lives are devoted to the betterment of society. The awards will undoubtedly inspire others to follow in the footsteps of Walin Ganye and Nuhu Ribadu, paving the way for a brighter and more harmonious Nigeria.
PIONEER NEWS 