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The Governor of Plateau, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has called on the Federal Government to support the State’s initiatives in revitalizing agriculture sector and restoring the lost glory of education in the state as a result of security challenges.
The governor who was represented by Hon. Dr. Timothy Golu, made the call on Saturday 16th November, 2024 during an annual Rigwe cultural festival (Otu Rigwe) at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium, Jos.
Adding that, successive leaderships of Nigeria as a country, made lots of promises to redeem communities that were devastated as a result of the lingering security breach in some parts of the state. Therefore, he urged the federal government to dust its files and ensure that everything that is there concerning rebuilding ravaged Plateau villages should be expedited so that the Internally Displaced Persons can return to their ancestral homes and go about their farming and schooling amongst other legitimate endeavours.
The governor continued that, “the conviviality of the cultural festival is not unconnected with the Rigwe people’s commitments to showcasing and preserving their tradition, arts, and identity by fostering community cohesion.
Earlier on, the governor urged the people to stand and observe a minute silent in honour of the memories of the former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taureed Lagbaja. “This significant loss is not only for the Nigerian Armed Forces but for Plateau too, considering the fact that upon his appointment, Plateau State was one of his first points of call where he was seen shedding tears at Kpachudu Jebu Miango one of the ravaged communities in Plateau State.
While speaking on the theme of the festival, “Culture & Tradition As A Tool For Promoting Peace And Tranquility”, the Vice-chancelor ANAN University Kwall, Professor Inuwa Musa Fodio said “the peaceful disposition of the Irigwe people which was fostered by their rich culture and traditions attracted the support and partnership of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) over the years.”
Prof. Fodio, the guest speaker of the occasion who was represented emphasized on national benefits of unity in diversity.
Earlier on in an opening address of the president of the Irigwe Development Association (IDA), Rev. Dr. Daniel Gya revealed that though, “the violence bedeviling the Irigwe people has reduced but the attacks are not completely gone.” According to Gya, in 2024 a lone, at least, 32 persons were lost to violence attacks, and farms worth millions of Naira destroyed” by the said “Herders”. He assured the people that whatever funds realized at the festival “shall be designated for agricultural development and education” as part of effort to revamp its economy.
He continued that, IDA, being the Irigwe umbrella body for national development, developed a 10 year strategic plan of action: 1. Governance and Administration, 2. Agricultural Development, 3. Security, Justice, Peace & Reconciliation, 4. Education, and 5. Political Engagement. Others are 6. Economic Development, 7. Cultural Enrichment, Tourism and 8. Infrastructural Development.
Major General Yakubu Usman rtd who served as chairman of the described the Irigwe people as peaceful and hospitable. While expressing disapproval over the sad incidences of security challenges in the community, Usman said “it affected farmland and educational facilities.” Therefore, he called on well spirited individuals and government to support IDA as they launched an agricultural and educational development fund. “We know that in the past, the Irigwe community at home and abroad have engaged themselves in initiating development activities like the settlement project at Rotsu which includes a school and a clinic including a green area for cultural activities was set up. Equally, I’m told that the youth of Irigwe in collaboration with the National Teachers Institute of Kaduna established a study center in Miango” Usman lauded.
The highlight of the occasion was no doubt the display of the Rigwe cultural dance performances as grazed by traditional and political leaders.
