Indigenes of Karu, located in the outskirts of Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja, witnessed a historic event on Sunday, as the Karu Gbagyi Development Association (KAGBADA) inaugurated its new executive committee, led by its second elected chairman, Sumner Shagari Sambo. Sambo, a seasoned journalist and media consultant, emerged victorious in the association’s election. He takes over from Mr. Dangana Jimiko, the outgoing chairman. In his acceptance speech, Sambo expressed his joy and gratitude to God and the people of Karu for entrusting him with the leadership of KAGBADA, which he described as the umbrella body of all associations in Karu, home and abroad.
He said his vision for KAGBADA was to unify the Gbagyi people, who are the original inhabitants of Karu and other parts of Abuja, and to champion their development and welfare in the face of the fast-paced urbanization and marginalization that have threatened their identity and livelihood. He said his administration would adopt the slogan “Abegyi”, which means “progress” in Gbagyi language, and embark on various projects and programs to improve the quality of life, education, health, and economic opportunities for the people of Karu.
He also pledged to reform and reposition KAGBADA as an institution of good governance, transparency, and accountability. He also stated the group’s resolve to work with the Federal Capital Territory Administration, the Original Inhabitants Development Association of Abuja (OIDA), and other stakeholders to protect the rights and interests of the Gbagyi people in Abuja.
Sambo therefore appealed to all the members of KAGBADA, whether they voted for him or not, to join hands with him and his team to achieve the common goal of transforming Karu and making it a model community in Abuja and Nigeria at large. The KAGBADA Chairman paid glowing tribute to the late royal father of Karu, His Royal Highness, Emmanuel Kyauta Yepwi, who passed away in 2023. According to Sambo, the late monarch had a clear vision of what he wanted KAGBADA to become. He said it was therefore important for all Karu indigenes to strive to fulfil the royal father’s legacy and honor his memory.
Sambo also highlighted some of the key objectives and plans of his administration, which include working with the royal fathers and traditional council in Karu, respecting the political leaders, elders and mothers, and rebuilding confidence in the people. He stressed the need for the people to believe in themselves and understand that development can majorly come from within themselves and not from some persons or from outsiders.
Sambo similarly pledged that all funds would be accounted for and no acts of corruption would be tolerated on his watch. According to him, the security and welfare of the people would remain his top priority as an executive.