By Emmanuel Kwada
In a powerful and fervent address delivered at the historic inaugural Congress of the Gongola Peoples’ Forum (GPF), Chief L. D. Nzadon, the Interim Chairman, heralded a groundbreaking movement aimed at uniting diverse ethnic nationalities and reclaiming their rightful place in society.
Standing in front of a gathering of distinguished elders, socio-cultural leaders, and passionate representatives from over 80 ethnic groups, Chief Nzadon emphasized the urgent need for unity, justice, and self-determination among the peoples of the Gongola region. “This is a new dawn for our people,” he proclaimed, igniting a spirit of resilience and determination among attendees. “We are awake to take on the historic responsibilities of transforming our destinies.”
We are awake to take on the historic responsibilities of transforming our destinies
The Congress is a direct response to the Ribadu Declaration of June 29, 2024, a significant milestone that sought to chart a course towards autonomy and empowerment. Chief Nzadon lamented the historical marginalization faced by the Gongola peoples, asserting that the time has come to dismantle the oppressive structures that have favored a select few for decades. “We will not relent nor be dissuaded in this pursuit,” he declared, rallying support against systemic injustices rooted in colonial legacies.
We will not relent nor be dissuaded in this pursuit
Highlighting the myriad challenges faced by the region – from insecurity to economic disenfranchisement – he painted a grim picture of life under siege by violence and terrorism.
“Life for us is fast becoming Hobbesian: short, nasty, and brutish,” he lamented, calling on everyone to unite against these pervasive threats. “Together, we can,” he urged, signaling that unity is not merely a choice but a necessity for survival and progress.
Life for us is fast becoming Hobbesian: short, nasty, and brutish
Chief Nzadon made a clarion call for a paradigm shift — urging leaders and citizens alike to prioritize collective good over individual ambitions. “We must take control of our future by determining who our leaders should be,” he stressed, advocating for a leadership model rooted in the needs and aspirations of all ethnic groups represented in the Gongola Forum.
Attendees erupted in applause as Chief Nzadon encapsulated the spirit of the Congress by quoting Abraham Lincoln on the importance of freedom. He reminded the assembly that the plight of the oppressed cannot be ignored and that silence in the face of injustice is complicity. “This is therefore a wake-up call for us,” he asserted, challenging every individual present to rise above self-interest and work toward a future where equity and justice prevail.
This is therefore a wake-up call for us
In closing, Chief Nzadon reinforced the theme of resilience and determination, asserting, “It is our time to fulfill destiny. It is the dawn of freedom for our people. YES WE CAN.”
As the Congress unfolds, the GPF seeks to educate, empower, and enliven the discourse around self-determination and justice, creating an unprecedented momentum in the heart of Adamawa state. The palpable energy in the room signals a collective readiness to embark on a transformative journey, reminding the world that the voices of the Gongola people will no longer be silenced.
It is our time to fulfill destiny…It is the dawn of freedom for our people. YES WE CAN
This is not just a Congress; it’s the beginning of a movement that reverberates with hope and the promise of a united future for the Gongola peoples.
