Dr. Salihu Girei to Chair LCCN Yola Diocese Cultural Dance Event

YOLA—The Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN) Yola Diocese Cultural Dance Committee will host a cultural celebration on Saturday, January 25, 2026, at St Monica LCCN Cathedral Nassarawo (Mission Quarters), with Dr. Salihu Bakari Girei, Director of Research and Development/Centres of Excellence at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), serving as chairman.

The event, scheduled for 3:00 p.m., aims to celebrate and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the region through traditional dances and performances.

Dr. Girei, who holds a PhD and is known in Adamawa as “Wakili Makaranta Adamawa” (Ambassador of Education in Adamawa), currently leads initiatives at TETFund that enhance productivity, quality, and innovation in Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

In his role at TETFund, Dr. Salihu Girei oversees programmes supporting research, development, and centres of excellence across tertiary institutions, working to strengthen Nigeria’s academic infrastructure and position institutions competitively on the global stage.

Beyond his administrative responsibilities, Dr. Girei is a scholar with publications spanning various academic fields. He frequently delivers public lectures on education and entrepreneurship, including a recent presentation at the University of Jos.

The cultural dance event will feature several distinguished guests and officials from Adamawa State. Mrs Yabo Gapsiso of the Customary Court of Appeal Yola will chair the event, with Hon. Emmanuel Kefas, Member of the Adamawa State House of Assembly representing Song State Constituency, serving as the special guest of honour.

Other dignitaries include Hon. William Bwade as Father of the Day, Mrs Parmata E. Ishaya as Mother of the Day, and Chief Joab H. Samah, Commissioner for Land and Survey in Adamawa State, as guest speaker. Rt Rev. Theophilus S. Shadrach, Bishop of LCCN Yola Diocese, will serve as chief host.

The programme will feature traditional performances such as rhythmic dances and drumming, which are intended to celebrate the diverse cultural traditions of the diocese’s communities and promote harmony among ethnic groups.

The LCCN Yola Diocese Cultural Dance Committee extended the invitation to Dr. Girei, stating,

“This is your special invitation. We look forward to meeting with you on Saturday, God willing.”

Cultural preservation events like this one play an important role in maintaining traditional practices and fostering unity among diverse populations in Adamawa State, where multiple ethnic groups coexist with distinct cultural traditions.

Dr. Girei’s participation in the event reflects his engagement with community activities beyond his professional responsibilities in the education sector. Supporters view his involvement in such cultural and community initiatives as evidence of his connection to grassroots issues in Adamawa State.

The event is expected to draw community leaders, church members, government officials, and culture enthusiasts from across the region, providing an opportunity to celebrate local heritage while building connections among attendees.