The WHO Staff Association in Gombe State has organised a Cultural Fiesta, celebrating traditional heritage and customs in a vibrant display of diversity and unity.
Held at Emerald Hotel in Gombe, the event brought together WHO staff members and dignitaries not to discuss disease outbreaks this time, but to highlight the role of culture in fostering social cohesion, promoting health awareness, and strengthening communal ties.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that the fiesta showcased a colourful array of traditions, with participants adorned in cultural attire, engaging in performances, and sharing local delicacies.
Traditional dances, music, and food exhibitions enriched the event, reflecting the beauty of cultural diversity and its role in promoting social harmony.
Gombe State.
Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Mijinyawa Muhammad Tilde, represented by Mr Raymond Sams Roggee, highlighted the power of culture in bridging societal divides. “In a world often fragmented by race, religion, and politics, culture serves as a common ground that fosters mutual respect, understanding, and peaceful coexistence,” he stated.
WHO State Coordinator, Dr Faruk Ismail, underscored the strong connection between culture and health. “Cultural beliefs shape the way people approach healthcare, from dietary habits to traditional healing methods and mental health perceptions,” he explained. “By integrating these perspectives, we can enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of medical interventions.”
He further noted that the Cultural Fiesta, held across North-Eastern and North-Western states, including Abuja, was designed “not just to celebrate cultural heritage, but also to foster unity among WHO staff and promote cultural exchange.”
Malam Abdu Yakubu, one of the participants at the fiesta remarked, “Cultural gatherings like this remind us of the importance of preserving our traditions for future generations.”
Similarly, Mr Demas Mela and Mrs Comfort Ali, disclosed that celebrating cultural diversity encourages understanding, “tolerance, and appreciation of our differences essential elements in building a more inclusive society,” Mela and Ali separately noted.
Health definition include a state of physical and social well being.