By SUMAYYAH ADEFAKA-ONIFADE
The Arewa community in Festac has witnessed a significant development with the appointment of Alhaji Umaru Balarabe as the new WANBAI of Festac by Sarkin Hausawan of Festac, Alhaji Mustapha Musa Uban Tafiya.
This prestigious title is a testament to Alhaji Umaru Balarabe’s contributions to the community.
Alhaji Mustapha Musa Uban Tafiya, Sarkin Hausawan of Festac, officially confirmed Alhaji Umaru Balarabe as the WANBAI of Festac on August 16, 2024.
The formal letter of appointment was presented to Alhaji Umaru Balarabe on November 17, 2024, at his residence in Festival Town.
A delegation led by Alhaji Ibrahim Joda, Sarkin Dawaki Mai Tuta, presented the letter of appointment to Alhaji Umaru Balarabe. Other notable members of the delegation included Mallam Hadu Usman katsina(Uban Garin Festac), Abdullahi Mohammed Wakili, and Secretary to the Sarki of Alahun Osunba, Comfort Obot,Chief Imam 3rd Avenue central mosque Mallam Mudassik, Abduljabar Jimeta ‘Dan-Amanan Festac and sheikh Adam sharif chief imam F-Shour central mosque Oriade LCDA respectively.
Alhaji Umaru Balarabe expressed his gratitude to Almighty Allah, Sarkin Festac Alhaji Mustapha Musa, and the entire Arewa community in Festac and Amuwo Odofin.
He also thanked His Highness Alhaji Dr. Mohammed Abubakar Bambado II, Sarkin Fulani of Lagos, and Chairman of the Council of Fulani Chiefs, Southwest Nigeria.
In another development, the wife of New Banbai of festac and Sarauniyar festac, Dr. Amira Ibrahim Thanked the sarkin festac and his cabinets for considering her husband for such wonderful appointment
She further promised to be more loyal to the Arewa Council of Chiefs lagos under the leadership of our Royal fathers Alhaji Aminu yaro Dogara,sarkin Hausawa of Lagos and chairman Arewa Council of Chiefs lagos, Alhaji Dr. Mohammed Abubakar Bambado II,sarkin fulani of lagos, chairman Council of fulani chiefs southwest and vice chairman Arewa Council of Chiefs lagos as well as our able chief Administrator of the council of Arewa chiefs lagos and Galadima of Lagos Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar Bambado.
Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe Wanbai and Sarauniyar festac specifically thanked Mallam (Dr.)Ahmed Isa jimeta for his wonderful support and prayed to almighty Allah Allah to bless him and his family.
The appointment of Alhaji Umaru Balarabe as WANBAI of Festac marks a new chapter in the community’s history. His leadership and dedication will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and development of the Arewa community in Festac.
