By Tom Garba,Yola
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, CFR, today described the restoration of the Huba Chiefdom as a milestone of profound “civilizational significance,” delivering a compelling address as Chairman of the grand finale marking the chiefdom’s first anniversary.
Speaking at the Hong Mini Township Stadium amid vibrant cultural exhibitions, traditional processions, and community gatherings, Mustapha a distinguished son of Hong reflected on the deep historical roots of the Huba (also known as Kilba or Həba) people.
He highlighted how their organized pre-colonial systems of governance and authority were disrupted by colonial realignments, yet the aspiration for recognition endured across generations with “patience, dignity, and abiding faith in fairness.”
“The creation of the Chiefdom is therefore not merely administrative in character; it is civilizational in significance,” Mustapha declared, framing the event as the formal acknowledgment of a resilient heritage that colonial interventions could not erase.
Mustapha heaped praise on Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, CON, crediting his visionary leadership for fulfilling a long-standing dream.
The governor, who created the Huba Chiefdom in December 2024 as part of reforms establishing seven new chiefdoms and emirates, and presented the staff of office to its paramount ruler on February 14, 2025, was honored during the celebrations with the traditional title Midala Huba.
“Your Excellency, what you did was not merely to create a Chiefdom; you restored institutional dignity and corrected a long historical imbalance,” Mustapha said, expressing deep gratitude on behalf of the Huba community for ending what leaders have described as over 120 years of chieftaincy struggle and subjugation under previous administrative structures.
The former SGF also commended His Royal Majesty, Tol Huba Dr. Alheri Bulus Nyako, for his steady, unifying leadership in the chiefdom’s inaugural year.
Mustapha noted the monarch’s wisdom and inclusiveness in establishing governance structures, describing his role as essential in providing stability amid the transition.
Emphasizing the modern relevance of traditional institutions, Mustapha positioned them as vital partners in peacebuilding, conflict mediation, social cohesion, and grassroots development within Nigeria’s evolving governance landscape.
He spotlighted the anniversary’s blend of heritage and progress, including the unveiling of the Hong Local Government Development Plan a forward-looking blueprint for infrastructure, growth, and community advancement alongside cultural displays, an inter-district football tournament (the Tol Alheri B. Nyako Annual Tournament), thanksgiving services, and a mini Durbar procession.
“Anniversaries are thresholds,” Mustapha urged. “They ask not only what has been achieved, but what must now be built.”
He called on the Huba people, under the stewardship of the Tol Huba, district heads, stakeholders, and the diaspora, to consolidate unity, strengthen institutions, mobilize resources, and ensure the chiefdom becomes a “pillar of stability, a bridge of unity, and a partner in development” for Adamawa State and Nigeria.
The celebrations underscored a triumphant year since the chiefdom’s restoration, symbolizing renewed pride, cultural revival, and developmental momentum for the Huba people. Mustapha concluded with optimism and a blessing: “May this Chiefdom flourish in strength. May it stand in unity. And may it contribute meaningfully to the enduring harmony and advancement of Adamawa State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The event drew traditional rulers, political leaders, community stakeholders, and residents, reinforcing the intersection of tradition, effective governance, and collective progress in Adamawa State.
