As Commodore Yahaya Owuna Assumes Office In Udege
By Yahaya Kana Ismaila
On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, retired Commodore Yahaya Owuna officially assumed office as the Sole Administrator of Udege Administrative Council. The occasion, which took place at the Council Secretariat, was witnessed by key stakeholders, including the Deputy Chairman and Secretary of Nasarawa Local Government Council, as well as security service chiefs deployed to Mararaba Udege to contain the ongoing unrest. For many, this moment marks a turning point, a watershed moment in the search for lasting peace in Eloyi land.
Commodore Yahaya Owuna (rtd’s) appointment is neither an accident nor a political favour. It is a decision borne out of necessity. At a time when the entire Eloyi land is grappling with security challenges, economic downturn, and deep-seated divisions, there is a need for a leader with a steady hand, a strong moral compass, and the courage to do what is right. Yahaya Owuna is that leader.
A fearless arbiter and strong voice for justice, Commodore Yahaya O. Owuna (rtd) was born in Apura Ogba. He attended LEA Primary School Edege-Mbeki, Government Secondary Katsina-Ala, Government College, Keffi and A.B.U. Zaria. He joined the Navy in 1983 and he was at the Royal Naval Engineering College, Plymouth U.K. for a post graduate study on Marine Engineering. He attended various engineering systems. This impeccable academic foundation laid the groundwork for his enlistment in the Nigerian Navy, where he rose through the ranks, holding several command positions and earning a reputation as a disciplined and principled officer.
After his retirement, Yahaya Owuna did not fade into obscurity like many of his peers. Instead, he took on the revered title of Waziri at the Osu Ajiri palace and became an influential voice. He settled in Nasarawa town where his home became a mecca of sorts for those seeking to drink from his overflowing river of wisdom. People from far and near come to his home to seek guidance on issues affecting the Eloyi people and pretty much any other issue of local, national and international importance. Fearless and outspoken, he developed a reputation for speaking truth to power, undeterred by the consequences. It is this unshakeable character that earned him the trust of Governor Abdullahi A. Sule, who has now entrusted him with the task of leading Udege Administrative Council in its most critical hour.
At a time when trust in leadership is at an all-time low, Commodore Yahaya’s appointment is a breath of fresh air. His ability to command respect from all factions involved in the Eloyi crisis makes him the right man for the job. He is not just a leader imposed by the government—he is a respected son of the land, one who understands the grievances, the history, and the complexities of the situation.
If for instance, the Eloyi Mbe Eji people have felt alienated from the corridors of power, with current political leadership positions somewhat favouring Eloyi Mba Eki, then Governor Sule appointing one of their own, has made a move that not only balances the scale of representation but also gives the people a sense of belonging. In this sense, this could be the first step towards reconciliation and healing. But it goes beyond that, the appointment of Commodore Yahaya is such that it breaks any feeling of ownership because the elder stateman has been nothing but the perfect picture of an Uloyi without difference, sentiments or exceptions.
Even the commodore’s acceptance of the role is a testament to his selflessness. Many who have attained his status in life would have considered the position beneath them. Yet, he has embraced this responsibility, driven not by personal gain but by a genuine love for our people. The least the Eloyi people everywhere can do is rally behind him and offer their support.
Leadership, however, is not just about goodwill. Commodore Yahaya is stepping into a role fraught with challenges. The security situation in Udege Development Area remains precarious, with the fear of violence still lingering, lurking in the shadows. Not to set agenda for one as experienced as him, but I believe his first task must, be to consolidate peace efforts, working with security agencies and local stakeholders to ensure that people can return to their farms and businesses without fear. The resurgence of the Mararaba Market is one of such endeavours.
Beyond security, there is the question of education. Commodore Yahaya, a firm believer in the power of knowledge, must prioritise getting children back in school and ensuring that educational facilities meet acceptable standards. The neglect of education in Eloyi land is alarming and may have fuelled poverty, anger, hunger and disenfranchisement, making it easier for conflict to thrive.
Economic revitalisation is another pressing issue. Eloyi land has vast agricultural potential, yet many farmers have abandoned their lands due to insecurity. The Commodore must partner the local and state government to work towards creating an environment where economic activities can flourish. Whether through government intervention or collaboration with private entities, the goal must be to restore the economic vibrancy that our people are famed for. Indeed, it was not a coincidence that he chose a Wednesday, the traditional Mararaba Market day to resume office. That market must be optimised to return to its former boisterous glory.
Culturally, the Eloyi people have always been known for their unity and rich traditions. Commodore Yahaya must leverage cultural festivals and communal gatherings to rebuild social cohesion. A people divided by conflict must find common ground in their shared heritage. For this, the abandoned Omadegye Cultural Day celebration must be revived. Thankfully, the Commodore has always been at the forefront of efforts to revive the entire Omadegye Cultural and Development Association – the umbrella Eloyi/Afo sociocultural association. Groups such as the Afo Heritage Think Tank Initiative (AHTTI) for which the Commodore is a founding member, Afo Youth Mobility, the Afo Coalition of Professors etc. should be carried along in the search for solutions to the myriad of problems in Eloyi land.
Dispelling all doubts to his suitability, Commodore Yahaya had, barely hours into his tenure, already shown signs that he is prepared to hit the ground running. His first official act, a visit to sites and homes destroyed during the recent crisis, taking in the scale of devastation firsthand was quite instructive. His address to the people was also quite significant, as he made it clear that Governor Sule is fully committed to ending the conflict and restoring stability in the land. His call for all factions to lay down their arms and embrace dialogue is a powerful reminder that violence has never been a sustainable solution, especially amongst us Eloyi who have always found the will to uphold peace no matter the provocation.
However, for his administration to succeed, our people must do their part. No leader, no matter how competent, can bring about change in isolation. The residents must be willing to set aside old grievances, work together, and embrace the peace efforts championed by Governor Abdullahi Sule with Commodore Yahaya as its conductor.
This is not just about the present; it is about securing the future of the Eloyi people. The opportunity for a new beginning is here, but it will take collective effort to turn it into a reality. If there is any lesson history has taught us, it is that no society thrives in an atmosphere of division and strife. Our people have survived through history as one unit and I see no reason why that should change.
For Commodore Yahaya, the burden is not of leadership, but this particular assignment is quite heavy. But with the right support and cooperation from all stakeholders, I’m more than convinced of his potential to leave behind a legacy of peace, progress, and prosperity. Let us all chant Kya Mooh, chorus a resounding ehhhh and give him that chance to lead us back to our glory days…
Yahaya writes from Kana of Nassarawa Local Government Area in Nasarawa state and can reached on: kanaismail@yahoo.com
