By Umar Muhammed, Lafia
The dust is yet to settle after a whirlwind week of humanitarian action, as Zumunta Association USA Incorporated, a United States-based charity group, lit up Nasarawa State with a string of philanthropic activities that have sparked admiration, praise, and lingering questions.
From empowering over 1,000 youths with cutting-edge ICT training, to conducting free medical outreach for nearly 5,000 people, to organizing an international golf tournament that catapulted the Lafia Golf Club onto the global map—the association’s presence has been hard to ignore.
Yet, amid applause for the far-reaching impact, a subtle question lingers: was this pure benevolence, or a signal of the vacuum civil society and diaspora groups are filling in public service delivery?
Partnering with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) and the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), Zumunta rolled out an ambitious ICT programme at the Wing Commander Abdullahi Ibrahim Vocational and Technical Institute, Lafia. Not only were participants trained in emerging tech skills, but twenty of the top-performing youth also walked away with ₦100,000 each to launch tech-based ventures.
Declaring the programme open on behalf of Governor Abdullahi Sule, Deputy Governor Dr. Emmanuel Akabe praised the initiative, urging the beneficiaries to take advantage of the Bank of Industry’s SME-friendly loans and contribute to the state’s knowledge economy.
“This kind of initiative puts Nasarawa on the global digital map,” he said. “Our youths cannot afford to be left behind.”
Princess Margaret Elayo, Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources and NIDCOM focal person, called the project a “clear act of service,” while Zumunta President, Mr. Sunday Bitrus, said the project was inspired by the state government’s visible commitment to youth development.
Equally impressive was the medical outreach held at the General Hospital in Gudi, Akwanga LGA. The week-long programme featured diagnostics, minor surgeries, prescriptions, and health education. More than 5,000 people were attended to, with 40 surgeries successfully carried out—free of charge.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Gaza Gwamna, lauded the intervention and invited Zumunta to explore long-term partnerships with the state’s health insurance scheme.
Dr. Akabe echoed the sentiment, saying, “Governor Sule deeply appreciates the Zumunta Association. Their work aligns with our administration’s push to expand healthcare access and improve health indices in the state.”
In a unique fusion of sport and charity, Zumunta hosted an international golf tournament—Zumunta Golf Classic—at the Lafia Golf Club. The event was more than leisure; it was a fundraiser to sponsor scholarships for underprivileged students in the state.
At the tournament’s closing, Dr. Akabe praised the association for not just supporting education, but also boosting sports tourism. “Lafia Golf Club is now on the international scene,” he said, pledging more government support for the course and sport development.
State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Kwanta Yakubu, confirmed plans for a formal partnership with Zumunta to promote golf and identify young talents.
Capping the week of activities was a gala night hosted by the Nasarawa State Government in honour of Zumunta’s delegation. Governor Sule, a former member of the association himself, challenged them to remain steadfast in their mission to foster unity and development.
“Your passion for Northern Nigeria and the country at large is not in doubt,” he said. “Let this be the beginning of even greater interventions.”
In his response, Zumunta President Bitrus reaffirmed the group’s commitment to humanitarian efforts and praised the governor’s visionary leadership, especially in infrastructure and policy.
Awards were presented to Governor Sule and distinguished members of the association, symbolizing a bond between home and diaspora—cemented in service, solidarity, and a shared dream for a better Nigeria.
Founded 35 years ago, Zumunta Association USA Inc. has grown into a vibrant umbrella for Northern Nigerians in the United States, promoting unity, education, and development.
For Nasarawa State, the association’s recent visit may be over, but its echoes—of lives transformed, partnerships forged, and communities uplifted—will ring for a long time to come.