Gombe State Deputy Governor Manassah Daniel Jatau has announced his plans to organize a grand cultural festival to promote the rich cultural heritage of the state.
The deputy governor was in Deba on Thursday during the inaugural cultural festival of the Deba Emirate, an event aimed at highlighting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Emirate.
Manassah Daniel Jatau, praised the Emirate for its initiative to preserve and promote its culture for the world to see and appreciate.
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He emphasized that culture is the identity of a people and its impact on society goes beyond heritage, influencing moral education and discouraging social vices.
He also revealed the state government's plan to organize a mega cultural carnival, where each emirate and local government would be tasked with presenting their unique cultural assets.
The deputy governor urged the residents of Deba to prepare for this opportunity to showcase their traditions on a larger scale.
Manassah Jatau encouraged the people of Deba to ensure that cultural knowledge and traditions are passed on to younger generations, highlighting the importance of preserving legacies for future generations.
Held at the Emir's Palace in Deba, the festival attracted a large crowd, including dignitaries from across the country such as the Shehu of Borno, the Mai Kaltungo and several other traditional rulers.
The festival, an unprecedented event for the Emirate, showcased the unique traditions, values ​​and practices that make Deba stand out.
The event also garnered support from national legislators, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajjudeen Abbas, represented by the Member for Ningi/Warji Federal Constituency, Bauchi State, Adamu Hashimu, commended the festival organizers for their efforts.
He described the event as an impressive display of the cultural diversity of the Deba people and pledged a donation of N5 million to support the planning committee.
Similarly, the Hon. Inuwa Garba, a member representing the Yamaltu/Deba Federal Constituency, announced a generous donation of N100 million, of which N50 million will go towards combined cultural festivals for the Emirates of Yamaltu and Deba, and N25 million naira each for the cultural festivals of Deba and Yamaltu.
The Shehu of Borno, Alh. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, who presided over the occasion, highlighted the historical and cultural links between Borno and Gombe states.
He called for greater unity, understanding and cooperation among peoples, underlining these values ​​as essential to prevent conflicts and foster peace in the region.
The Chairman of the Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area also welcomed the guests and encouraged everyone to enjoy the festival, which aimed to bring the cultural heritage of Deba to the attention of the global community.
The cultural festival featured several traditional performances, including a dramatic telling of the history of the Deba people, as well as cultural displays from the Waja, Tangale and Bolawa tribes, illustrating the vibrant diversity of the region.
The groundbreaking event in the Deba Emirate is seen as a critical step in preserving the traditions of the people, while also serving as a platform for broader cultural exchange and unity.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE