*Kogi Celebrates Abu Bebeji Akono's Legacy with Maiden Sallah Durbar Festival*

By our Reporter 


The Eid el Fitri Sallah Durbar Festival was held at Etutuobo in Ugwolawo, Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State, with the Mandala Ata Igala, Alhaji Chief Mahmoud Baba Haruna, leading the procession. The event attracted prominent figures, including government officials, royal fathers, civil society organisations, community leaders, and leaders of thoughts.

Dr. Aminu Musa Audu, President of the Abu Bebeji Descendants Association, called on the Kogi State government to recognize and sponsor the annual Sallah Durbar Festival, citing its potential to boost tourism and economic growth. "The Durbar festival for my over two decades of cultural heritage research about Abu Bebeji Akono and the warfare in precolonial Igala Kingdom," he said. He also requested that the historical traditional stool of Mandala Ata Igala be considered for grading to reflect its historical significance and status in Kogi State.

The Mandala Ata Igala, Chief Alhaji Mahmud Baba Haruna, echoed similar sentiments, saying the festival was a testament to the community's resilience and cultural pride. "We are celebrating our rich culture and the legacy of Abu Bebeji Akono, a legendary Hausa warrior who helped shape our history," he said.

The festival aimed to promote cultural exchange between Hausa and Igala communities, preserve cultural heritage and traditions, foster community building and belonging, generate economic benefits for local businesses, and honor ancestors' contributions to Igala history and culture.

The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Elder Joel Salifu Oyibo, represented by Hon Shehu Ahmodu Sheidu; the Ata Igala, His Royal Majesty Alhaji Mathew Opaluwa Ogwuche Akpa II, represented by The Onu Ugwolawo, His Royal Highness Engr. Samuel Atodo; the Director General, Kogi State Community Watch and Allied Matters, Hon Muhammed Nasir Alfa; President, Ugwolawo District Development Association (UDDA) & Former Ugwolawo Ward 1, Hon. Godwin Etu; Ugwolawo Community Leader & Former Chairman, Nigeria Union Of Teachers (NUT) Ofu LGA Chapter, Hon. Ali Omede; African Alliance Party (AAP) Kogi State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Malachi Achimugu Audu; Youth Leader, Igalamela Odolu LGA Chapter, Hon. Ayegba Muhammed; and Dr Victor Alewo Adoji, Political Alliance (DVAA-PA).

The festival featured traditional music, dance, and cultural displays, showcasing the rich heritage of the Igala people. The event concluded with a call for peace and unity among the people of Kogi State and Nigeria as a whole.

The Sallah Durbar Festival is to become an annual event in Kogi State, attracting visitors from across Nigeria and beyond. This year's celebration was marked by a sense of pride and unity among the people of Etutuobo and the wider Igala community.


Hassan Abubakar -Editor.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sodangi ; Exploring Nigeria's 'Art' World Towards Global Engagements

Image
,  BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF  For the vibrant, energetic, and charismatic leadership under the new Director General, National Gallery of Art, NGA, Ahmed Bashir Sodangi has portrayed the agency both to domestic and global sphere. One  year down the line at the helm of affairs, Sodangi held three exhibitions consecutively that had brought 'Art' to both national and international discourse. The latest one hosted by the agency in May tagged 'International Art Fair' held at the exhibition pavilion with its theme"The Intersection of Treasures" attracted both local and international artists as well as bringing to fore the correlation between local and foreign artists. The assemblage of both local and international professionals in the art world will not only galvanize the art world powered by Nigeria, but will bring series of innovation, Initiatives, as coming together will kick start a major program of cross ideas and consolidate artistic activities across globa...
Read more

*"MTN's Issues with Kogi State Government: A Matter of Non-Compliance"*

Image
Hon. Dr. Issa Tawfiq, Director General of Kogi State Utility, Infrastructure Management and Compliance Agency, has shed light on the issues surrounding MTN's operations in Kogi State. According to him, MTN has been non-compliant with the agency's regulations, leading to conflicts between the state government and the telecommunication company. Dr. Tawfiq explained that MTN has refused to comply with the agency's directives, despite numerous invitations and discussions. He stated that other telecommunication companies, such as GLO, have been cooperative and compliant with the agency's regulations. The Director General emphasized that the agency is committed to enforcing the law and ensuring that all telecommunication companies operating in the state comply with the regulations. He urged MTN to come forward and discuss their issues with the agency, stating that the door is open for dialogue. Dr. Tawfiq also highlighted his experience as a security expert and ad...
Read more

A renowned philanthropist and retired Chevron Engineer Alhaji HayaTudeen Ojochide Sule has been honored by his community for his contributions to humanity.

Image
A renowned philanthropist and retired Chevron Engineer Alhaji HayaTudeen Ojochide S Engineer HayaTudeen Ojochide Sule was among notable personalities honored with the prestigious award of the Igalamela youth Renaissance Ajaka during the Organization 's inauguration of new Executive at Ajaka, headquarters of Igalamela Odolu Local government area.  Engineer HayaTudeen Ojochide Sule was recognized for his contributions to the Educational advancement of the Igalamela community particularly, his contributions to towards the sponsorship of several notable youths into tertiary institutions through his scholarship foundation and employment of youths in the area into oil firms and other opportunities he has provided for self reliance for the youths of the area  The body described his contributions to the growth of the community as legendary and worthy of commendation urging other well to do individuals from the area to emulate his good gesture for the overall de...
Read more