Valentine: Adamawa Tol Huba Crowns Gov Fintiri ‘Midala’ in Epic Celebration as Huba Chiefdom Marks Historic 1st Anniversary

By Tom Garba

In a spectacular fusion of love, tradition, and gratitude, His Royal Majesty, Tol Huba Dr. Alheri Bulus Nyako, the paramount ruler of the Huba Chiefdom, turned Valentine’s Day into a grand tribute to restored heritage, crowning Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, CON, with the prestigious traditional title Midala Huba amid thousands of jubilant celebrants who hailed the occasion as a long-overdue “liberation day” after more than a century of struggle.

The milestone event at the Hong Mini Township Stadium doubled as the grand finale of the Huba Chiefdom’s first anniversary celebrations, marking exactly one year since Governor Fintiri presented the staff of office to the Tol Huba on February 14, 2025 coinciding with Valentine’s Day and formally restored the chiefdom’s autonomy following its creation in December 2024 as part of reforms establishing seven new chiefdoms and emirates across Adamawa State.

Thousands of Huba sons and daughters, alongside dignitaries from across Adamawa and beyond, thronged the venue in colorful traditional attire, turning the day into a vibrant display of cultural pride, unity, and appreciation.

The crowd erupted in cheers as the Tol Huba conferred the Midala title meaning “Defence Minister,” warrior, hero, and champion defender in Huba (Kilba) tradition on the governor, portraying him as a valiant battle leader who restored the people’s traditional glory after decades of marginalization and administrative downgrading under colonial and post-colonial structures.

Explaining the significance of the title, Tol Huba Dr. Alheri Bulus Nyako highlighted shared ancestral ties between the Huba warrior family and the governor’s Marghi heritage, noting that both embody strong leadership qualities rooted in defense and protection of the people.

“Governor Fintiri deserves this title for his bravery in standing firm against all odds to create more chiefdoms, demonstrating equity, fairness, and inclusive governance for all Adamawa people,” the monarch declared.

He described the governor as a “defender, pillar, and strong voice for the downtrodden who have been sidelined, marginalized, and forgotten over the years.”

Extending Valentine’s greetings to Fintiri and the mammoth crowd, the Tol Huba pledged to lead with sincerity, fairness, and inclusiveness across all clans of the Huba Chiefdom.

The conferment ceremony was a highlight of a week-long program blending heritage and progress, featuring cultural exhibitions, an inter-district football tournament (Tol Alheri B. Nyako Annual Tournament), thanksgiving services, a mini Durbar procession, and the unveiling of the Hong Local Government Development Plan signaling structured growth, infrastructure expansion, and community advancement.

The celebration drew an impressive array of dignitaries, including the entire Adamawa State Executive Council, top government officials, leaders from both APC and PDP, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha, CFR (who chaired the occasion), former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hon. Aliyu Idi Hong, traditional leaders of various ethnic nationalities of Adamawa State,Ambassador Omar Suleiman, Director General Barr. Kanya Hanawa, and many other prominent figures.

Governor Fintiri’s creation of the Huba Chiefdom ended what community leaders have long described as a 120-year chieftaincy struggle, restoring institutional dignity to a people with deep pre-colonial roots of organized governance.

As the Huba Chiefdom enters its second year, the Valentine’s Day festivities underscored themes of love, reconciliation, unity, and forward momentum cementing the Tol Huba’s leadership and the governor’s legacy as a champion of equitable traditional governance in Adamawa State.