Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who is also the Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, has called on the people of the state to sustain and develop their rich cultural heritage as a means of preserving their identity and promoting socio-economic development.
The Governor made this call while gracing the 2025 Kaltungo Carnival, held in Kaltungo Local Government Area of the state. He was represented at the colourful event by the Deputy Governor, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau.
Delivering the Governor’s message, Dr. Jatau emphasised that culture remains the identity of any people and must be consciously nurtured to remain relevant in the modern age. He noted that culture differentiates human beings from lower animals and shapes behaviour, values, and ways of life.
According to him, age-long cultural practices have historically bonded communities in unity, but the distortion of cultural values, religious teachings, and family norms has contributed to the rise of social vices such as crime, drug abuse, and begging. He stressed that begging is alien to the culture of the people and urged youths to channel their strength and energy towards developing their inherent potentials.
Dr. Jatau further disclosed that, in recognition of the importance of culture to socio-economic development, the Gombe State Government is planning to stage a state-wide cultural festival to further promote and preserve the diverse cultural heritage of the people. He called on youths to embrace government policies aimed at developing their potentials and to shun tendencies capable of ruining their destinies. He also appealed to the people to collectively fight drug abuse, which he described as a major driver of crime, and to support security agencies to ensure sustained peace and unity across the state from now through 2026 and beyond.
Earlier, the Special Guest of Honour, who also represented the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, the Minister of Transportation, Senator Saidu Ahmed Alkali, described Kaltungo Day as more than a celebration, but a moment of reflection, unity, and recommitment to shared heritage and aspirations.
He highlighted the historical significance of Kaltungo as a melting pot of cultures known for peaceful coexistence, agriculture, and resilience. Senator Alkali reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to inclusive growth and national integration, noting that ongoing transportation infrastructure development would enhance connectivity, trade, tourism, and economic opportunities for communities like Kaltungo.
The Chairman of the occasion and Gombe State Accountant General, Alhaji Aminu Yuguda, commended the Mai Kaltungo and the organisers for staging the carnival as a means of reviving cultural heritage for economic transformation. He urged the people to make the event memorable by contributing to its success. Goodwill messages were delivered by the Royal Father of the Day, the Emir of Hadejia, Alhaji Adamu Abubakar Maje; Senator Tony Siyako, representing Gombe South Senatorial District; Dr. Obed Shehu, member representing Kaltungo–Shongom Constituency; and Dr. Jerry Joseph Damara, all of whom pledged continued support to the chiefdom and announced cash donations.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the organising committee, Mr. Ndus Dantata, stated that the objective of the carnival is to promote tourism and economic growth, showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Kaltungo people, and foster unity and social harmony among communities. In his remarks, the Mai Kaltungo, Alhaji Saleh Mohammed, expressed profound appreciation to the Governor, dignitaries, organisers, and all sons and daughters of the chiefdom for identifying with the people and supporting the revival of their cultural values. The highlight of the event was the colourful display of cultural dances, artifacts, and traditional regalia showcasing the rich heritage of the Kaltungo people.
Jack A.Tasha,
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity,
(Deputy Governor’s Office)
