By Ben Adaji, Jalingo
Chief Bulus Maiyaki (PhD), popularly known as Makama Donga, is steadily earning recognition across Taraba State for his people-oriented interventions, which many residents say have brought tangible relief to communities at the grassroots.
A philanthropist with a reputation for practical impact, Dr. Maiyaki has distinguished himself through initiatives designed to address everyday challenges faced by rural communities, particularly in areas of water supply, electricity, and basic infrastructure.
Among the projects credited to him are the provision of electricity transformers, installation of solar street lights and home solar systems, and the rehabilitation of critical water facilities in several communities.
In a move to combat water scarcity and water-borne diseases, Dr. Maiyaki recently embarked on the rehabilitation of abandoned and non-functional boreholes across Donga Local Government Area. One such borehole, drilled in Gyatta’aure Ward, now serves over 300 households, drastically reducing the cost of potable water and improving access to clean water.
The intervention, residents say, has helped cushion the effects of acute water shortages while reducing the risk of diseases such as cholera.
Speaking on the initiative, Dr. Maiyaki said access to safe water remains central to public health, education, and economic productivity.
“Life revolves around water, and its importance cannot be overemphasised. By restoring these sources, we are addressing real needs and offering sustainable solutions,” he said.
Beyond water projects, Maiyaki also facilitated the distribution of ten electricity transformers across Southern Taraba through his office as Director of Procurement at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abuja, extending power supply to several rural communities.
Residents in Donga described his interventions as uncommon and impactful. Many praised his inclusive leadership style and responsiveness to grassroots needs.
One beneficiary, Mallam Sanusi Mohammed, noted that for decades, communities in Donga saw little impact from elected representatives.
“It was only with the emergence of Makama Donga that we began to see projects that directly address basic needs and restore dignity to the people,” he said.
Stakeholders also observed that Maiyaki’s approach suggests a capacity to deliver meaningful infrastructure if entrusted with elective office.
His growing profile recently received a boost when the Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Wukari, Most Rev. Mark Maigida Nzukwein, offered prayers for him and urged members of the Catholic community to support his political aspiration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Bishop made the remarks during a New Year thanksgiving service at St. John Parish, Afogba, in Donga Local Government Area. He described Dr. Maiyaki as a philanthropist whose contributions cut across religious, ethnic, and political lines.
According to Bishop Nzukwein, Maiyaki’s long-standing support for education, youth empowerment, community development, and vulnerable groups reflects qualities required for public leadership.
Responding, Dr. Maiyaki thanked the Bishop for the prayers and pledged to continue working with stakeholders to restore peace in crisis-affected communities in Donga. He identified injustice as a major cause of the unrest and promised to promote fairness, equity, and justice if elected into the National Assembly.
Also speaking, the Traditional Leader of the Tiv in Donga, Chief Sabastine Uma, commended Maiyaki for providing solar street lights, home solar systems, food support, and job placements for Tiv youths. He said the gestures demonstrate inclusive leadership beyond ethnic boundaries.
Observers note that Dr. Maiyaki’s growing acceptance is closely linked to his grassroots engagement, advocacy for equitable representation, support for education and healthcare, and consistent calls for unity and peaceful coexistence.
Supporters believe these qualities position him as a credible contender capable of advancing people-centred policies and sustainable development if elected in 2027.
Beyond Donga, Maiyaki’s interventions across Taraba South Senatorial District have strengthened his reputation as a leader with vision, compassion, and execution capacity—factors many say explain growing calls for him to contest the House of Representatives seat for Donga–Takum–Ussa Federal Constituency in 2027.
