By Daniel Dauda, Jos


As mark of honor for effective service delivery to humanity, the Anaguta nation has given a merit award of excellence for some individual personalities who contributed immensely towards the growth and development of Anaguta land.

Amongst the awardees is the executive Governor of Plateau state,Rt.Hon.Simon Bako Lalong, Senator Joshua Chibi Dariye, the Anglican Archbishop of Jos diocese, Rev. Benjamin Kwashi, chief Ofidile Okafor SAN and Barr.Harison Egola.

Others are Hon.Aminu Zang, former commissioner for Local Government and chieftaincy affairs Plateau state, HRH Maichibi Jah, Awh Laraba Sati as well as late Bill Iddo.

The award which came through the office of Ujah of Anaguta, Jos North, His Royal Highness, Pozoh Jauro Magaji during the Tukunku 2019 annual cultural festival, being his first assignment since the elevation of throne to the first class status.

However, Tukunku cultural festival is the historic event of Anaguta nation to usher in the farming season, showcase several delicacies and cultural artifacts yearly.

According to Ujah Anaguta,HRH Pozoh Jauro Magaji,Tukunku festival is very significant to Anaguta's Sons and daughters as the day afford the opportunity to showcase a rich cultural heritage inherited from the founding fathers.

He appreciates Governor Simon Bako Lalong for upgrading the stool of Ujah Anaguta chiefdom from second class to first class status.

The paramount ruler equally used the opportunity to call on all ethnic nationalities to embrace one another in unity of purpose, peace and harmony for development to thrive in Plateau and Nigeria as a whole.

In his goodwill message, Governor Simon Lalong acknowledge that the Tukunku cultural festival is no doubt an event that is dear to the Anaguta nation because it evokes memories of the great exploits and rich tradition of the Anaguta man.

The Governor who was represented at the occasion by his deputy, Professor Sonni Tyoden Said "given the fact that Nigeria is a multi-ethnic society, our cultures provide the basis for the projection of our identities and history. Therefore, to let go these God given natural attributes, is to say the least being ungrateful to God for creating us the way we are today.

"The APC rescue administration in the state has placed high premium on the culture, tourism and hospitality industries. This is a deliberate measure aimed at taking advantage of this sectors so as to develop same and boost the state's economy.

"Let me at this point call on all Plateau people to see our diversity as a blessing and, source of strength in unity because God has a purpose for creating and keeping us as a state. It is this unity that has kept us going despite the enemy's desperate struggle to see to our destruction." He mentioned.

Tyoden also cautioned teeming Youths to desist from illicit substance consumption which negates the rich cultural and moral values handed over to this present generation by our founding fathers.

He urged traditional and community leaders alike, to as matter of concern and urgency join hands with government to fish out evil doers in our midst, who are hell bent on the destruction of the hard earned peace.

While sharing on the theme 'Survival of ethnic minority nationalities in Nigeria' the guest speaker and vice Chancellor Plateau state university(PLASU) Bokkos, Prof. Yohanna Izam affirmed that culture is an important vehicle which we can continue to use it.

The VC expressed concern that ever since the amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914 the issue of cultural imperialism appearing to swallow the culture of minority groups.

He charged various ethnic nationalities to use cultural groups for national development rather than destruction, pinpoint three things which if properly key into will help to promote the pride of culture this includes; active participation in politics, respect for identity and education.

Chairman of the occasion Dr. Patrick Dakum admit Anaguta nation has the richest culture and call on the Plateau state government to continue including Anaguta's in their policies and programmes.

Also lending her  voice is honourable member representing Langtang North and South in the national Assembly, Beni Lar who was ably represented by Mrs. Esther Wazhai said Anaguta nation are very key to the development of as they are peace loving, calling on  all and sundry to love one another and leave in peace.

She revealed that one of the Beni Lar priority is Youths empowerment to be self productive.

You would recall recently Hon. Beni Lar commissioned a skill acquisition centre in Abattoir, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau state where Youths will be train on leather production such as shoes, bags, carpentry work etc.

Earlier, in his welcome address national chairman of Anaguta Development Association(ADA), Hon.Sunday G. Bunu call for unity of purpose among all and sundry, appeal for Governor Lalong to consider Anaguta sons and daughters in terms employment opportunity.

The Tukunku 2019 cultural festival held at Rwang Pam Township Stadium witnessed participation of crime of personalities both at home and diaspora, religious leaders and traditional rulers as well as friends and well-wishes of Anaguta nation with a cultural display by various dance groups.