In a bid to leverage on cultural endowment towards development, the Gombe State government has indicated commitment to stage a cultural festival that will feature all tribes in the state.
This disclosure was contained in the speech of Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, at the 2024 Waja Cultural Carnival ( Toyir Wih) at Talasse Township Stadium, Balanga Local Government Area.
The message of the Governor which was delivered by his Deputy, Dr Manassah Jatau, at the event, stressed that culture is the vital component of human beings which made them superior beings and differentiate them from lower animals.
He noted that Gombe state has rich cultural heritage that can be exploited to turn around its socioeconomic fortunes for the overall interest of development.
He further explained that the plans are underway to establish a national museum in the state that can be a centre of cultural attraction and tourism which can further enhance the state’s revenue and sustainable socio-economic development.
Jatau commended the Waja Traditional Council and Waja Progressive Association (WAPA) for staging the carnival in order to preserve the cultural heritage of the Waja man. He assured them of government support towards the establishment of a museum and any other projects that can boost cultural activities of the people.
In his remarks, the immediate past Secretary to the Federal Government, Boss Mustapha, who was also the Chairman of the occasion described the event as more than a festival but a chance to reconnect with who they are, reflect on the roots that define them and draw strength from the cultural heritage that has carried the Waja community through generations.
He described the theme of the festival ” Celebrating Culture as a Vehicle for Integration” as no doubt a call to recognise the power of culture to unite, heal and shape a stronger future.
” I have always admired how the Waja people hold on tightly to their traditions. This resilience is part of their heritage, passed down from one generation to the next, from the fertile lands of Balanga to the stretches of Adamawa, agriculture is not only an occupation for the Waja people- it is a way of life, deeply intertwined with spiritual practice and community values,” he said.
He noted that the festivals we are witnessing today are living proof of a culture that evolves while staying true to its roots and they teach the importance of patience , community and the cyclical nature of life.
The Guest Speaker, Dr Babayo Sule of department of International Relations, Federal University, Kashere commended the people of Waja for making efforts to preserve their culture and traditions.
He advised them to document their traditions and post it on the internet for the whole world to see in view of its rich values and components.
He also urge them to use their dialect through out during future editions.
Goodwill messages came from the Senator representing Gombe South senatorial district, Senator Anthony Siyako, Member Representing Billiri-Balanga Federal Constituency, Ali Isa, and member representing Akko federal constituency, Usman Bello Kumo, who applauded the Wajas for preserving their cultural heritage showed commitment to the establishment of museum by pledging sums of money and assuring to take it up at the national assembly.
In his address of welcome, the Chairman Balanga LGA, Ibrahim Salihu, welcomed the dignitaries and appreciated them for supporting them.
The Bala Waja; Danjuma Muhammad appreciated the Governor Yahaya, his Deputy and the the dignitaries, including the traditional rulers who came from within and outside the state for making the festival a huge success.
Jack.A.Tasha
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity,
(Deputy Governor’s office)
