Rep Jeremiah Umaru Akwanga/Nassarawa-Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency presented N2 . 2 million and three live cows as prizes to the winners of the dance competition at the 2024 Sisimbaki Cultural carnival.
The 2024 cultural carnival sponsored by the National Assembly member was held on Friday at Sisimbaki, Wamba Local Government Area LGA) of Nasarawa State.
Speaking at the event, the lawmaker said that this is the tenth edition of the programme he has been supporting to revive the cultural heritage of the people and promote peace and unity in the area.
Rep Umaru explained that as a young person, he observed that the wall of culture was falling, hence the need for deliberate efforts to revive and promote it.
“It is our collective responsibility to serve the culture from going into extinction and pass it to our children as it was done by our parents,”
“We cannot afford to fail in this responsibility because any man without culture has lost his identity,” the lawmaker added.
Umaru also said that they are partnering with a lot of partners to provide a platform for the rich culture of the people in the area to be showcased to the entire world.
He presented N1 million and one cow to the Anzanlu Dancers of Nassarawa-Eggon, who took first, and N700 000 and one cow to Rindere Women Cultural Dancers from Wamba and Mada Cultural Dancers, who took second and third positions, respectively.
Also speaking, Mr Silas Agara, Director General (DG) of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), lauded the lawmaker for the initiative.
The NDE boss said that this was the first time he was attending the Sisimbaki Cultural Carnival, and the event was highly impressive.
Agara said that this is the only way that cultural heritage could be preserved and boost tourism if given the necessary support.
He also said that the event had boosted the economy of the people of Wamba and exposed it to the world given the dignitaries that attended the event.
His Royal Highness, Mustapha Zeberu-Adams, Gom-Mama and Chairman of Farin-Ruwa Traditional of Wamba LGA appreciated the lawmaker for taking it upon himself to organize the annual event in the last ten years.
He said that it was a platform where the culture and traditions of the various ethnic groups were showcased and helped the young generation learn from each other.
He, therefore, advised parents to speak their mother tongues to their children and make time to bring them to cultural activities to protect the culture from extinction.
Also, Mrs. Theresa Tanze, president of the Rindre Cultural Development Association, described the 2024 edition of the carnival as the best, given the innovations that were introduced.
She said that the event was educative, entertaining, and rewarding and appreciated those who are investing in the cultural heritage.
The event brought together cultural troops from the six states of the zone and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja as well as Taraba State.
The event featured a rich display of traditional dances, music, and attire from the various ethnic groups.
Some of the cultural groups at the event include; Gogye Dancers from Ukari, Taraba State, Nupe from Niger, Jarawa dancers from Plateau, Alago, Kwandara, Antelope from Kaduna, Sinsinbaki Women, Messengers Kulere Dancers, Eggon, Mada among others. (Follow www.krestnews.com).