‘Civilizational Significance’: Boss Mustapha Lauds Huba Chiefdom’s Progress on 1st Anniversary, Urges Unity, Progress

The air around Hong Mini Township Stadium was thick with celebration on Friday as the Huba Chiefdom marked one year since its historic restoration, an event former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha described as carrying “civilizational significance” for the Huba people.

Mustapha, who chaired the anniversary grand finale, spoke with visible emotion as he addressed traditional rulers, government officials, and community members who had gathered to witness cultural displays, traditional processions, and a mini Durbar that showcased the rich heritage of the Huba people, also known as Kilba or Həba.

“The creation of the Chiefdom is therefore not merely administrative in character; it is civilizational in significance,” Mustapha declared, his words drawing applause from the crowd. For him and many others present, the moment represented the formal acknowledgment of a resilient heritage that colonial interventions tried but failed to erase.

The Huba Chiefdom anniversary celebration wasn’t just about looking back. It was about recognizing how far the community has come since Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri created the chiefdom in December 2024 as part of sweeping reforms that established seven new chiefdoms and emirates across Adamawa State. The governor, who presented the staff of office to the paramount ruler on February 14, 2025, received the traditional title Midala Huba during the festivities.

Mustapha, a distinguished son of Hong himself, didn’t hold back in praising Governor Fintiri’s decision. “Your Excellency, what you did was not merely to create a Chiefdom; you restored institutional dignity and corrected a long historical imbalance,” he said, expressing gratitude on behalf of the Huba community for ending what leaders have described as over 120 years of struggle under previous administrative structures.

The former SGF took time to explain how the Huba people had maintained organized systems of governance and authority long before colonial powers arrived and disrupted those structures. That aspiration for recognition, he noted, endured across generations with what he called “patience, dignity, and abiding faith in fairness.”

His Royal Majesty, Tol Huba Dr. Alheri Bulus Nyako, also received commendation for his leadership during the chiefdom’s inaugural year. Mustapha highlighted the monarch’s wisdom in establishing governance structures and creating an inclusive environment that provided stability during what could have been a difficult transition period.

The anniversary programme itself reflected the blend of tradition and forward thinking that leaders hope will define the chiefdom’s future. Among the highlights was the unveiling of the Hong Local Government Development Plan, described by organizers as a blueprint for infrastructure growth and community advancement. An inter-district football tournament named after the Tol Huba, thanksgiving services, and vibrant cultural exhibitions rounded out the celebrations.

For many residents of Hong and surrounding communities, the restoration of the Huba Chiefdom has brought renewed pride and a sense of cultural revival. Market women interviewed by The Gazette News (Nigeria) spoke about feeling more connected to their heritage, while youth leaders expressed optimism about development opportunities the new administrative structure might bring.

Mustapha wasn’t content to let the day pass as mere celebration. He challenged those present to think about what comes next. “Anniversaries are thresholds,” he told the gathering. “They ask not only what has been achieved, but what must now be built.”

His call to action was directed at everyone with a stake in the chiefdom’s success, from the Tol Huba and district heads to stakeholders and members of the diaspora. He urged them to consolidate unity, strengthen institutions, mobilize resources, and ensure the chiefdom becomes what he termed “a pillar of stability, a bridge of unity, and a partner in development” for both Adamawa State and Nigeria as a whole.

The former SGF also made a compelling case for the modern relevance of traditional institutions like the Huba Chiefdom. In his view, these structures serve as vital partners in peacebuilding, conflict mediation, social cohesion, and grassroots development within Nigeria’s complex governance landscape. It’s a perspective that resonates with current discussions about the role traditional rulers can play in addressing security challenges and promoting community development.

As the sun set over the Hong Mini Township Stadium and the sounds of celebration continued, Mustapha offered a closing blessing that captured the hopes many in attendance carried in their hearts. “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 turnout of traditional rulers, political leaders, and residents from across the region underscored how the Huba Chiefdom’s restoration represents more than just administrative restructuring. It symbolizes the intersection of tradition, effective governance, and collective progress in a state working to balance its rich cultural heritage with the demands of modern development.