President Generals
Hall of leaders
Portraits of those who have led the Mbaduku Development Association. Names and terms reflect the confirmed MDA leadership record.
-
Current
–present
Dr. Fanen Maikur Ade Agera Akweshi
-
–
Deacon Emmanuel Tor Yaji
-
–
Maj. Gen. Jonathan India Garba (Rtd)
-
–
Dr Hyacinth A. Kyaagba
-
Mr. TVD Ihyuman (mni)
-
Chief Maj. D.U. Wende (Rtd)
-
–
Mr. Ambrose I. Agberagba
-
Engr. Joseph I. Igbetar
-
Mr. Godwin Yarkwan Uban
-
Mr. Apaa Kpen Abua
MDA Worldwide · Our development story
Brief History
The Mbaduku Development Association (MDA) was born out of a deep-seated conviction among the Mbaduku Tiev people that their progress could not be left to government alone.
In the early 1970s, visionary sons and daughters of Mbaduku—Late J.N. Kapu, Late Agwa Agera, Late Hon. Michael Achin, Late Akume Hir, and Late Chief Patrick Tortya—met on 14 April 1972 and resolved to create a community-driven organisation, the Mbaduku Development Association (MDA), to spearhead socio-economic development in Mbaduku Tiev GRACELAND.
Late Apaa Kpen Abua was elected the inaugural President General (PG), setting the tone for a movement that would become a cornerstone of Mbaduku’s socio-economic development and strong social fabric.
Core Objectives and Philosophy
Purpose: Mobilise collective effort, pool resources, and coordinate projects that address education, health, infrastructure, and peace-building.
The renewed focus on Mbaduku First / Mbaduku Dubai, using Shange la Mwem as a driving development philosophy, began with the belief that the community holds the primary responsibility for its advancement. Today, the Mbaduku Dubai, Mbaduku First Policy, anchored on Shange la Mwem Community Driven Development (CDD), encourages Mbaduku citizens to prioritise their communities, patronise their own businesses, and collaborate for economic development and prosperity in Mbaduku Graceland.
Milestones
Education
MDA founded Mbaduku Community Secondary School in Tsar (1975), providing secondary education to hundreds of youths who would otherwise have had to travel long distances.
Under Dr Fanen Maikur Ade Agera Akweshi, a Computer Based Center (CBT) examination hall has been constructed, to be equipped with 300 computers so students can learn computer science and sit examinations such as those of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and West African Examination Board (WAEC).
MDA, led by Dr Fanen, has renovated the science laboratory and revamped the introductory technology workshops. The workshops have commenced full operations, making school desks and seats.
Under Dr Fanen Ade, MDA instituted a sponsorship scheme for indigent students, enabling many to complete secondary education and attend university. Since Dr Fanen Maikur Ade Agera Akweshi became PG, over 200 indigent students have been sponsored in Mbaduku with contributions from Mbaduku citizens.
Infrastructure
MDA acquired land in Tsar and Vandeikya for a traditional palace and future socio-economic ventures.
To improve rural connectivity and access to markets, MDA constructed a network of feeder roads with bridges over River Be (Mbaadigam) and River Aya (Mbazerem), improving access for farmers and traders.
MDA also opened feeder roads linking Mbaduku to Kwande Local Government Area (LGA) and the Tsar headquarters, reducing travel time and boosting commerce.
Economic Empowerment
For commerce and economic empowerment, MDA established the Mbaduku Community Bank (later defunct) to provide micro-credit to local businesses and entrepreneurs. It also set up a filling station in Tsar to ensure fuel availability and improve transportation and commerce.
MDA secured a rice mill under the “Better Life for Rural Women” programme to empower women. The mill was never installed, but the initiative sparked later agribusiness and rice milling practices that earned Tsar the name Tsar Millers, with the Tsar Millers Football Club also serving as a youth sports development project.
Today, MDA has partnered with IFAD to construct rice mills and aggregation centres in Tsar, Mbatyough and Nyumangbagh. Construction of rice mills in other locations in Mbaduku is ongoing to boost agricultural and commercial growth.
Peace and Community Relations
MDA has facilitated peace accords with neighbouring communities in Obudu, Cross River State, Nigeria, reducing inter-communal conflicts.
MDA organises cultural festivals celebrating Tiv heritage and fostering unity among the various Mbaduku kindred and clans.
Leadership and Notable Contributions
The association has been led by a succession of dedicated individuals, each contributing to its growth.
| Period | President General | Notable contributions |
|---|---|---|
| 1972–1982 | Late Apaa Kpen Abua | Laid the foundation and vision. |
| 1982–1984 | Late Godwin Yarkwan Uban | Expansion of MCSST school programmes. |
| 1984–1991 | Late Engr. Joseph I. Igbetar | Infrastructure development and planning, electrification and rural water schemes. |
| 1991–1995 | Mr. Ambrose I. Agberagba | Community bank initiative. |
| 1995–2002 | Chief (Major) D.U. Wende (Rtd) | Rural roads and bridge projects. |
| 2002–2009 | Mr. T.V.D. Ihyuman mni | Scholarship drive. |
| 2009–2014 | Dr Hyacinth A. Kyaagba | Women’s empowerment programmes. |
| 2014–2018 | Maj. Gen. Jonathan India Garba (Rtd) | Strategic partnerships; construction of school blocks in MCSST; supplied 35 computers and paid scholarships to indigent students. |
| 2019–2022 | Deacon Emmanuel Tor Yaji | Revival of cultural events, pavement of a street in Tsar and revival of the water works in Tsar. |
| 2023–present | Dr. Fanen Maikur Ade Agera Akweshi | Revival of local MDA branches worldwide; mobilisation of youth and introduction of the Mbaduku Rice Farming Scheme; planting of economic trees for climate change, agricultural economic development, environmental protection and conservation; formation of women and widows into revolving micro-credit schemes; digital outreach; and a renewed “Mbaduku First Policy” agenda with a strong Shange la Mwem Community Driven Development Philosophy. |
Current Activities
Under Dr. Fanen Maikur Ade Agera Akweshi
- Youth Mobilisation: Launch of the “Mbaduku Youth Rice Farming scheme/Initiative”; sponsorship of youth in schools with contributions from ALL Mbaduku diaspora citizens; mentorship of secondary-school graduates, career counselling and encouragement of entrepreneurship.
- Digital Outreach: Partnership with Mr Mbahon and Dr Ben Gbe to create a community website and social-media platforms to share news, opportunities, and success stories.
- Infrastructure Renewal: Construction of a Computer Based Center (CBT) for JAMB examinations, and a modern entrance gate and fence for MCSST. Repairs of the Tsar–Kwande road are planned. During his time, construction of a modern market complex in Tsar market has been completed. He also requested Dr Matthew Damkor, Benue State House of Assembly legislative representative, to construct toilets and water supply facilities for Tsar markets.
- Health: Partnership with Mbaduku diaspora, such as the children of Late Zaki Tyoor Baba Atsor Nyamor, and local clinics to provide free health outreaches, camps and vaccination drives to prevent hepatitis.
- Community-driven development: Launched Mbaduku Dubai Vision and popularised Shange La Mwem crowdfunding strategies for resource mobilisation, ownership of community projects and sustainability of community initiatives supporting development in Mbaduku GRACELAND.
Vision
Dr Fanen envisions a self-sufficient Mbaduku where:
- Every child has access to quality education.
- Basic infrastructure—roads, bridges and electricity—is reliable and community-owned.
- Local enterprises, with Tsar Millers revived, thrive and create jobs through the Mbaduku Youth Rice Farming Scheme, reducing kurumi migration.
- Peace talks and peace-building activities continue with Obudu communities.
- Cultural revival and heritage are preserved through continuous dialogue and joint celebrations with neighbouring communities for peaceful coexistence.
MDA remains committed to Shange la Mwem: collective effort, guided by the wisdom of its founding fathers and the leadership of its current executives, can transform Mbaduku from a rural enclave into Mbaduku Dubai—a model of sustainable development and a vision in Tiv land christened Mbaduku Dubai.