From Joseph Asegba, Yola
The National Association of Jukun Waanu (NAJUWA) has elected Engr. Moses A. Amankye as its National President General for the next four years.
Amankye emerged victorious in a keenly contested election recently held in Abinsi, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, the national headquarters of the Jukun Waanu nation.
According to a report signed by the Chairman of the National Electoral Committee (NAJECOM), Adahnu Asegba J., Amankye’s victory was uncontested, as he clinched the presidency without opposition.
Other members of the newly constituted and elected executive council include Barrister Joel L. Awoke as Vice President I, Mary S. Walker as Vice President II, Musa Atase as Secretary General, Barrister Danjuma Anagu as Assistant Secretary, and Hajiya Ango D. Haruna as National Treasurer.
Other appointments include:
– Musa Akando Aidoh O, Financial Secretary
– Nuhu Gabriel, Auditor I
– Engr. Adi Adagba, Auditor II
– Salisu A. Abdullahi, Public Relations Officer I (PRO)
– Ayitu Affection, Public Relations Officer II (PRO II)
– Ajiri Asemenya, Director of Social and Culture
– Maggai Atoshi, Provost Marshal I
– Silas Amina, Provost Marshal II
The elections were mostly unopposed, except for Vice President I, a position initially contested by Joseph Akuta, who later stepped down in favour of Barrister Awoke.
In his remarks, the outgoing President General, Barrister Dogara Aboshi, apologized to anyone he may have offended during his tenure and expressed his gratitude to his executives, Board of Trustees members, and the traditional leader of Abinsi, the Abiseku of Abinsi, Chief Christopher Danjuma Apaki, for their support over the past four years.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected President General, Engr. Moses Amankye thanked the former executive council and pledged to work closely with the previous leadership, stakeholders, and all sons and daughters of the Waanu nation. He emphasized the need to update the Waanu database, which stood at 5.2 million in the past three years. “I intend to update it,” Amankye declared.
He further highlighted his plan to collect data from various regions, stating, “I have tasked the Abinsi Chairman, Siman Azyintu, to provide me with the data for Abinsi. We will then move to Agyogo (Wurukum), North Bank, Wadata, Bajimba, and other regions like Taraba, Wukari, Ibi, Gassol, Mutum Biyu, Bali, and Ardo Kola. I will remain in Abinsi until I receive the data.”
During the 2024 Jukun Day celebration in Abinsi, the Abiseku of Abinsi, Chief Christopher Danjuma Apaki, expressed his commitment to serving the Waanu nation and upholding its values and principles. He thanked his subjects for their continued support, which fueled his passion to serve them better.
Before proceeding, a minute of silence was observed for those who participated in the previous Waanu Day celebration but could not attend this year’s event. The departed were remembered, and prayers were offered for the repose of their souls.
Chief Apaki also conferred traditional titles on 21 individuals, including a woman, Mrs Msakawa Allahnana Elish, who was honoured as the “Anyonwune” of Waanu Land. He emphasized the importance of celebrating Jukun Day in their homeland to address socio-political challenges and encouraged everyone to cultivate love and unity, rather than betraying each other for selfish gain.
Revd. Dr. Agabison J.W. Azooka, one of the beneficiaries of the traditional titles, spoke at the event, reflecting on the significance of unity. “As we celebrate the 19th Jukun Waanu Day, let us reflect on the power of unity in our lives,” Azooka said. “Unity is the thread that weaves our diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives into a beautiful tapestry.
“It is the foundation upon which we build trust, cooperation, and mutual support. When we stand together in unity, we become an unstoppable force for good, capable of achieving far more than we could ever achieve alone.”
