By Jack Tasha
….praises Mai for sustaining peace, unity amongst the divers ethnic, religious and tribal groups
Gombe State Deputy Governor, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, on Monday attended the Durbar festival organised by the Mai Kaltungo, Engr Saleh Mohammed, as part of activities marking the 2025 Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
The colourful event, held at the Mai Kaltungo’s palace, featured a grand display of horse riders adorned in vibrant regalia, attracting a diverse audience from all walks of life.
In his address, Deputy Governor Jatau commended the Mai Kaltungo for fostering unity, peace, and harmony among the chiefdom’s diverse ethnic, religious, and tribal groups.
He emphasised the importance of such cultural events in promoting peaceful coexistence, especially in times when these virtues are essential for societal growth and development.
He said, “What seems like a coincidence between the Islamic fasting and Christian lent period and between the Sallah festival on a Sunday was part of the many ways God is sending messages for humanity to comprehend that we are one and God is the same.”
The deputy governor appreciated the involvement of the youth in the durbar procession and commended the Mai for making deliberate plans for sustaining the practice to the upcoming generation who will take over from them.
He also highlighted the role of social and cultural activities in enhancing physical well-being and strengthening community bonds, urging the Mai Kaltungo to continue the tradition. Furthermore, he called on the public to offer prayers for peace and sustainable development in the state.
Earlier, the Chairman of Kaltungo Local Government Area, Mr Iliya Suleman, welcomed the Deputy Governor and other dignitaries, appreciating their presence and contribution to the festive atmosphere.
He also commended the Mai Kaltungo for creating a platform where people could unite in the spirit of Eid-el-Fitr and prayed for everyone’s safe return to their destinations.
In his remarks, the Mai Kaltungo expressed gratitude to the Deputy Governor for honouring the invitation despite the short notice and bereavement. As a gesture of friendship and goodwill, he presented a bull to the Deputy Governor as a Sallah gift.
The deputy governor was accompanied by the Commissioner of Agriculture, and Animal Husbandry, Dr Barnabas Malle.
Jack Tasha, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity,
(Deputy Governor’s Office)
