By Emmanuel Awari, Jalingo
The Chairperson of Yorro Local Government Area of Taraba State and chief host of the Santi Mumuye Yam Festival, Hon. Dr Martina Anthony, the Secretary of the Organising Committee, Comrade Jabiru Kamba, and the entire Mumuye Nation have expressed appreciation to individuals and organisations that contributed to the success of the 2026 Santi Yam Festival.
This was contained in a statement issued in Jalingo, in which the organisers thanked the governments of Taraba and Adamawa states, political leaders, traditional rulers, security agencies, the media and members of the public for their support.
In her remarks, Anthony said, “Firstly, I want to thank God Almighty, who made it a successful and hitch-free festival. To Him alone be all the glory.
”I also wish to appreciate His Excellency, Dr Agbu Kefas, the Executive Governor of Taraba State, for his approval and support, as well as His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, and the Adamawa State Government for their support.
”My sincere appreciation goes to the APC governorship candidate in Adamawa State, Tijjani Galadima; the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. John Kizito Bonzena; the Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bathiya; Hon. Joseph Kassong Kanoh, member representing Yorro Constituency; Hon. Happy Shonruba, member representing Ardo-Kola Constituency; Hon. Tafarki Agbadu Eneme, member representing Kurmi Constituency; and other members of the House of Assembly who contributed in one way or another.
”I also wish to appreciate the Commissioner for Heritage and Ecotourism, Rev. Hon. Joseph Titus Nagombe; the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Aishat A. Barde; and other commissioners who stood by us.”
She further appreciated the royal fathers, including the Kpanti Zing, Alhaji Suleiman Sambo; the Chief of Ibi and Kunini; and other traditional rulers who supported the festival and graced the occasion.
”Again, I want to use this medium to appreciate our father, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ado Adamu Mazang II, the Chief of Mumuye Chiefdom; Hon. Nashon Gubi; Hon. Shonzen J. Benard; and all members of the Planning Committee, subcommittee members, security agencies, media crews, dance teams, and all sons and daughters of the Mumuye Nation who attended the event.
”We say thank you all,” she added.
Similarly, the Secretary of the Organising Committee, Comrade Jabiru Kamba, expressed appreciation to the Governor of Taraba State, Dr Agbu Kefas; the Executive Chairperson of Yorro Local Government Council, Hon. Dr Martina A. Anthony; the speakers and members of the Taraba and Adamawa state Houses of Assembly; Hon. Innocent Jabayan; Hon. Sadiq Isa Tafida; traditional rulers; political leaders; sponsors; invited guests; members of the Mumuye community; and everyone who contributed to the success of the festival.
In his remarks, Kamba said, “We sincerely appreciate your invaluable support, generous contributions, cooperation and commitment towards making the 2026 edition of the Santi Mumuye Annual Yam Festival a memorable and successful event.
”Your presence and support demonstrated the importance of preserving our cultural heritage, promoting unity among our people, strengthening peaceful coexistence, and encouraging the development of agriculture, tourism and economic activities within Yorro Local Government Area and beyond.
”We particularly extend our heartfelt gratitude to our royal fathers for their wisdom, prayers, guidance and continued commitment to preserving the rich cultural traditions of the Mumuye people. We also appreciate the Executive Chairperson of Yorro Local Government Council for her support and dedication to the promotion of culture, peace, unity and community development.
”Our sincere appreciation goes to the Chairman of the Planning Committee and his team for their dedication, hard work, effective coordination and sacrifices throughout the planning and execution of the festival.
”We equally acknowledge the efforts of the various subcommittees, security agencies, media houses, social media handlers, volunteers and everyone who contributed in one way or another to the success of the occasion.
”Indeed, the success of this festival is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together in unity and with a common purpose.
”We pray that Almighty God will reward your kindness, bless your endeavours and grant us the opportunity to celebrate many more successful editions in peace and harmony,” he stated.