Alh. Buba Umaru Njobbo: A Journey from Public Service to Traditional Leadership
By Lawan Bukar Maigana
Leadership is not just for those in power; it’s a responsibility borne by every patriotic individual. This reflects the character of Alh. Buba Umaru Njobbo, an elder statesman who lives a recommended life, from childhood to this day.
He proves that anyone influential in their society, whether a public servant or not, is a leader by default. This uncommon trait is what has endeared him to the hearts of the good people of Shelleng Local Government in Adamawa State, which is why they unanimously recommend him for a traditional title called ‘Santuraki Shelleng,’ setting aside November 16th for his confirmation by the royal authority.
Born in 1954 into the famous royal family of Jauro Njobbo Garba in Kula/Ladeno of Jumbul, a ward in Shelleng Local Government Area, Alh. Buba had exceptional support from his mother, an outstanding woman. He completed his primary school at St. Patrick Primary School in Numan in 1970.
A promising young man known for his patriotism even at an early age, he joined the Police Force in 1973 where he grew faster than his contemporaries due to his sagacious commitment to delivering assigned tasks.
Aspiring for prosperity, he combined work and studies—an effort considered by only hard workers, and successfully earned a General Certificate of Education (GCE) in 1986. Shortly after, he moved to the United States of America where he obtained a Diploma in Drug Administration in 1988.
His leadership traits positioned him to serve in different hectic capacities, ranging from 2/IC General Investigations for Port Harcourt State CID, Divisional Crime Officer at Diobu of Rivers State, Divisional Police Officer Omoku, Divisional Police Officer Ahoada, all in Rivers State, and then became the OC SARS in Adamawa State.
All these positions would not have been held by him if he had not undertaken detective courses, anti-fraud courses, and an exceptional course on man-management, which shaped him to perform colorfully, earning him many commendations and meritorious awards from reputable individuals and organizations.
Philanthropically, he had secured jobs for numerous individuals in various organizations through formidable networks of friends. This was done to alleviate unemployment and youth restiveness in his state, thereby reducing the rate of deviant practices across the country.
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The latest Santuraki Shelleng not only contributed to the growth of Nigeria, but also to countries like Cameroon, Saudi Arabia, the United States of America, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates in terms of security intelligence through numerous multi-security engagements. Outside the public service, he worked for Aradel Holdings Plc, which used to be the Niger Delta Exploration and Production (NDEP) in Rivers State.
His legendary performances and achievements during service led to his employment as Security and Community Relations Manager by Niger Delta Petroleum Refinery (NDPR), a position he currently holds. Like his late father, Alh. Njobbo was an aggressive farmer, a paternal legacy he has sustained till today. He consistently uses traditional mechanisms such as seasonal visits, especially after bumper harvests by farmers. He and the good people of Kula/Ladeno community pay occasional courtesy calls to neighboring communities to strengthen local alliances.
This is also another legacy passed on to him by his late father. His father, until his departure, was known for extending financial, medical, and agricultural supports to his relatives, friends, and community members. These qualities reflect on Alh. Buba Umaru Njobbo.
Santuraki Shelleng has been quietly enrolling underprivileged children, including orphans, in standard schools. Despite his desire to keep his efforts hidden, responsibility and decency are impossible to conceal—they reveal themselves, no matter how one tries to cover them.
Maritally, he has two wives and productive children, among whom are the District Head of Kula/Ladeno Alh. Sani Buba Njobbo; a Police officer, Salisu Aminu Buba Njobbo; a PhD holder, Dr. Jibril Buba Njobbo; and a renowned geologist, Muktar Buba Njobbo, among several other graduates from various exceptional fields.
Religiously, he has reconstructed and built mosques across strategic areas in and outside Shelleng Local Government of Adamawa State. All these remarkable contributions put together led to the conferment of the Santuraki Shelleng title on him.
On behalf of his family and the good people of Adamawa State, especially Shelleng environs, we wish him a happy confirmation ceremony set aside for November 16th, 2024, and we ask Allah to bless his life illimitably, with good health and prosperity to continue to add value to his society and state.
This article is inspired by Prince Abdullahi A. Adamu Shelleng, one of the proud mentees of Alh. Buba Umaru Njobbo.
