By Our Correspondent, Ganye
The ancient cultural capital of the Chamba people, Ganye, hosted one of the most pivotal gatherings in its modern history as the Chamba Youths Council of Nigeria (CYC-N), in partnership with the Chamba Cultural Development Association (CCDA), successfully held the 2025 National Chamba Youth Leadership and Economic Summit.
The three-day summit, which concluded on Saturday, December 6, 2025, marked a triumphant return to the ancestral homeland after the highly acclaimed 2024 edition held in Jalingo, Taraba State.
This year’s summit was described by participants as symbolic, strategic, and deeply emotional, drawing leaders, scholars, traditional custodians, innovators, and entrepreneurs from across Nigeria and the diaspora. It represents a growing movement redefining Chamba identity and positioning the youth as the core drivers of cultural preservation and economic advancement.
Since its creation, the National Chamba Youth Leadership and Economic Summit has grown into one of Nigeria’s most influential youth-driven cultural platforms. It has evolved from a modest engagement forum into a major think-tank shaping conversations around indigenous identity, leadership values, and community empowerment.
The 2025 edition returning to Ganye was not merely a venue decision—it was a declaration of identity. Delegates described the homecoming as “a spiritual reconnection with the origin of our people.” From cultural performances to innovation showcases, the summit blended tradition with modern knowledge in a way that inspired both elders and young scholars.
Panel discussions explored strategic themes:
Leadership ethics, cultural diplomacy, indigenous economic models, youth entrepreneurship, creative industries, agriculture, and heritage tourism. The diversity of the sessions reflected a people refusing to be left behind in contemporary development.
A PRESIDENT WITH A VISION: COMRADE BILBONGA SHINFOGA GAMSHE SETS NEW AGENDA
A defining moment came with the keynote address by the National President of CYC-N, Comrade Bilbonga Shinfoga Gamshe, widely praised for its clarity, courage, and depth. Gamshe’s speech resonated across the hall, challenging Chamba youths to rise above complacency and defend their heritage with dignity and innovation.
Comrade Bilbonga Shinfoga Gamshe (National President of CYC-N)
> “Our culture is our identity, our pride, and our inheritance. No one will protect it for us—we must protect it ourselves,” he declared.
“Wherever Chamba youths are found—across states and continents—they must stand as global ambassadors of our values.”
Gamshe also made a unified call to Chamba traditional rulers worldwide, urging them to embrace the new wave of youth leadership and support CYC-N’s strategic vision for holistic development. He emphasized that youth energy, guided by tradition and mentorship, remains the most powerful tool for social transformation.
Delegates noted that under his leadership, the CYC-N has matured into a highly organized movement championing cultural education, peacebuilding, and youth empowerment.
THE POWER BEHIND THE WHEELS: HON. AHMADU ALI TOLA CELEBRATED FOR SELFLESS SERVICE
Beyond the stage and the speeches, one name echoed across committees, logistics teams, and strategic sessions—the National Secretary of CYC-N, Hon. Ahmadu Ali Tola.
Widely known for his ethical discipline and tireless commitment, Hon. Tola stood out as the mobilizer-in-chief, ensuring that the summit’s vision translated into real-time success. Delegates described him as the engine that powers the Council, often seen coordinating activities “running helter-skelter” to uphold the integrity of the Chamba cause.
In his address to youth participants, Hon. Tola gave one of the most inspiring messages of the summit:
> “Every Chamba youth is a living ambassador of our heritage. Your conduct, excellence, and character reflect the pride of our ancestors.”
He encouraged youths to adopt discipline, unity, and ambition in their personal journey—reminding them that identity and success are inseparable when rooted in culture.
Speakers and participants praised Hon. Tola as a young patriot, selfless leader, and symbol of dedication, noting his ability to bridge traditional values with modern leadership demands.
STRONGER TOGETHER: THE SUMMIT’S LEGACY
The closing ceremony was emotional. Youths from Adamawa, Taraba, Cameroon, and the diaspora joined hands, promising to defend the Chamba legacy and build new partnerships for economic development.
The 2025 Summit leaves behind:
✓ Renewed cultural confidence
✓ Stronger youth networks
✓ Digital innovation ideas
✓ New enterprise collaborations
✓ Inter-state solidarity agreements
✓ Commitment to cultural preservation
The loudest message of the summit was clear:
> “When the Chamba stand together—they stand unstoppable.”
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