What Happens When Taraba Celebrates? Inside Chief John A. Mamman 80th Birthday Party in Jalingo

Simon Zaku
Dec 31, 2024
3 min read

Have you ever attended a birthday party so grand that it felt more like a state event? Well, yesterday, I had the privilege of attending one, and let me tell you - it was nothing short of magical.

Simon Taki Zaku here - proud son of Wukari, and founder of IBI Foundry. Today, I want to take you through a memorable celebration I attended at the Grand Shield Hotel in Jalingo, Taraba State.

This wasn’t just any birthday party; it was the 80th birthday of Chief John A. Mamman - a name that resonates with wisdom, leadership, and service in Taraba.

How It All Started

The day kicked off on an adventurous note.

My friend Collins and I had just connected, and we were brainstorming about what the day had in store. We both knew it was going to be memorable, but we had no idea just how remarkable it would turn out to be.

Collins Danjuma (Operations Coordinator, IbiFoundry)

me (Simon Taki Zaku, Founder IbiFoundry)

Our first task?

Tracking down Jikan Mamman - Chief Mamang’s youngest child. Once we caught up, the real fun began.

From there, it was straight to the Grand Shield Hotel, Jalingo, Taraba state, the venue for this monumental occasion.

And here’s the interesting part: every video and image you see in this blog post was captured live by the IbiFoundry team (AKA "IbiFounders") Yes, the team deserves a round of applause because together we document history!

Now, let’s dive into the event itself.

Who Is Chief John A. Mamman?

Chief John A. Mamang, fondly called “Mamman” by friends and admirers, is a true icon of Takum.

Born in the quiet village of Sufa, located 25km from Takum on the Takum-Kashimbila road, his life has been nothing short of inspiring.

As a young man, Mamman answered the call of duty, serving as an ex-serviceman and later joining the Native Authority Police in November 1944.

Over the years, he became a symbol of strength and resilience, raising 12 remarkable children, including Rear Admiral Jonathan Unuji, Kuru, Shepuya, Jimkuta, and Hikon, among others.

At 80, Mamang stands tall as a respected elder statesman, celebrated not just by his family but by an entire state.

The Celebration: Glitz, Glamour, and Dignitaries

The event took place at the prestigious Grand Shield Hotel, Jalingo, and it was a gathering of the who’s who of Taraba State. Picture this:

Governor Kefas Agbu gracing the occasion with his presence.
Senator Jimkuta and his siblings celebrating with their dear elder.
Traditional royalty, including the King of Takum, adding a regal touch to the festivities.
Countless dignitaries and prominent figures from across Taraba State and beyond.

As a proud attendee, I had the rare opportunity come close and even converse with some of these influential personalities and figures. The sense of camaraderie and respect in the air was infectious.

Highlights of the Event

The Grand Entry; Chief John A. Mamman arrived like a true statesman, welcomed with applause and admiration. His presence commanded respect, and his smile lit up the room.
Traditional Performances; Cultural troupes from Takum entertained us with mesmerizing dances and songs that celebrated Mamman’s life and legacy.
Heartfelt Speeches; Dignitaries took turns sharing touching anecdotes about Mamman. Governor Kefas Agbu’s tribute was especially moving, highlighting Mamman’s dedication to community and service.
Family Moments; Mamman’s children and numerous grandchildren showered him with love and praise. It was a beautiful reminder of the legacy he has built.
Delicious Cuisine; What’s a Taraba party without food? Guests were treated to an array of traditional and modern dishes that left everyone satisfied.

Reflections: What This Celebration Meant to We Tarabans

Attending Chief Mamman ’s 80th birthday wasn’t just an event; it was an experience.

It reminded me of the strength of community and the importance of celebrating our elders while they are still with us.

As I mingled with the guests and soaked in the atmosphere, I couldn’t help but feel immense pride in being from Taraba - a state rich in culture, history, and remarkable people like Mamman.

Final Thoughts - Celebrating a True Legacy, Chief John A. Mamman

Chief John A. Mamman’s 80th birthday was more than a party; it was a testament to a life well-lived and a legacy that continues to inspire.

If you were there, you know exactly what I mean.

And if you missed it, don’t worry - I’ve captured the essence of the celebration in this blog. Taraba, let’s continue to honor our heroes and celebrate the rich culture that binds us.

Until next time, stay inspired and keep celebrating life.