Newly elected officials of the Gwandara Development, Educational and Cultural Association (GWADECA), Kaduna State Branch, have been inaugurated with a charge to mobilize resources and work collectively towards advancing the association's goals and promoting the welfare of the Gwandara people.
The swearing-in ceremony, held in Kagom, Godogodo Chiefdom, attracted sons and daughters of Gwandara from within and outside Kaduna State.
The newly elected officials, who emerged from elections conducted in April this year, took the oath of office administered by Barrister Ibrahim Salisu.
In his goodwill message, the National President of GWADECA, Dr. John Mamman, congratulated the new executives on their successful inauguration and urged them to promote the rich cultural heritage of the Gwandara people.
Represented by the National Vice President, Alhaji Jibril Imam Karshi, Dr. Mamman called on the new leadership to prioritize education, security, and campaigns against drug abuse, particularly among young people. He noted that the Gwandara ethnic group is spread across the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kaduna, and Nasarawa States, warning that the national body would not condone poor performance or negligence from any state executive.
In separate remarks, the District Head of Karshi, Reverend Joel Galadima, and the District Head of Godogodo, Mr. Musa Bawa, pledged their support to the new executives. They urged them to work closely with traditional institutions and remain committed to the mandate entrusted to them.
In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated Chairman of GWADECA, Kaduna State Branch, Prince Emmanuel Sunday, thanked members for the confidence reposed in the new leadership. He pledged to operate an open-door policy and promote inclusiveness in the administration of the association.
Prince Emmanuel said the new executive would focus on educational development, unity, and the preservation of Gwandara cultural heritage. He appealed to all sons and daughters of Gwandara to set aside their differences and work together for the collective progress of the community.
While commending the Kaduna State Government for its developmental efforts, the chairman appealed to the government to consider the creation of a Gwandara Chiefdom to give the people a greater sense of belonging.
The GWADECA Kaduna State Chairman also urged Gwandara people to remain law-abiding and continue supporting governments at the local, state, and federal levels to attract more development to their communities.