By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
A university don, Professor Dahida Philip, of the Department of Public Administration, University of Abuja, on Sunday urged the Taraba State Government to officially recognise the “Ter Tiv Taraba”, stool and the general Tiv traditional leadership structure to enhance their functionality and contributions to the state’s development.
Dahida made the appeal on Sunday while speaking at the 25th anniversary of Tiv traditional leadership in Bali Local Government Area of the state, held at the Government Day Secondary School, Bali in the Bali Local Government Area of Taraba.
Represented by Dr Joels Terkuram, the Ter Tiv Zamfara and Chairman, Zamfara inter-ethnic forum noted the critical role of traditional leaders in promoting peace and unity in any given society and called for a proper recognition of Tiv traditional institutions to foster mutual understanding between the Tiv and other ethnic groups, thereby creating sustainable peace in the State.
“The Tiv traditional leadership in Bali Local Government Area has achieved remarkable milestones over the past 25 years, including fostering peace and stability, sustaining interethnic relationships, and mobilising the Tiv people to participate in democratic processes that have produced numerous leaders since 1999.
“I want to appeal to the Taraba state government to recognise the Tiv traditional institution in the state as done in Adamawa, Kogi and Zamfara states for easy coordination and for the people to have a deep sense integration and development,” Dahida appealed.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Taraba State Tiv Traditional Leaders’ Council, Chief David Gbaa Tella, commended Governor Kefas for his commitment to fostering peace and development in the state.
He assured the governor of the unwavering support of the Tiv people, pledging their continued cooperation to ensure the state’s progress.
“I want to thank the Governor for ensuring the security of lives and property and for providing an enabling environment for communities to thrive.
“We are solidly behind him and we want to appeal to him to encourage inter-ethnic cooperation and unity, help facilitate the return of all displaced people back to their communities especially in Wukari Local Government Area.”
Our correspondent reports that the three-day event which ended on Sunday featured the presentation of awards and traditional titles on deserving personalities including Governor Agbu Kefas who was presented with an award of Inclusive Governance and Development Award in recognition to his inclusive governance approach, infrastructural development and providing enabling environment for all Taraba citizens.
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the Governor Agbu Kefas on Political Matters, Professor Josiah Sabo Kente, was honoured with a chieftaincy title of Zege Vende U Myom U Tiv (The Rock of Saviour of the Tiv people of Taraba), while the member representing Bali 1 Constituency in the Taraba State House of Assembly was also recognised with a traditional title of the Backbone of the Tiv in Bali Local Government Area for her unwavering support to the Tiv people in the area.
The silver jubilee celebration, which commenced on Thursday and ended on Sunday with a Thanksgiving Service featured various activities, including the launch of a commemorative book, the crowning of the Face of Tiv (Kumashe U Tiv), cultural dances, masquerade display among others.
