Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang has pledged his administration’s determination to support the revival of cultural festivals in the state to unite communities and tribes of the state together.
He said Plateau State known as the Home of Peace and Tourism must also take its rightful place in the country and as the home of rich culture.
Governor Mutfwang stated this during the Afizere Cultural and Community Development Association’s (ACCDA) annual cultural festival and celebrations of their heritage held at Izere Arena Gwafan Lamingo.
He charged traditional rulers to ensure unity and peaceful coexistence reign supreme in their domains for meaningful development.
The governor, who was represented by Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Davou Gyang, urged the Afizere people to continue to promote the culture and traditions of their kinsmen for posterity.
He urged all ethnic nationalities to unite for the peace and progress of the state.
Mutfwang lauded the organizers of the annual cultural festival for promoting the cultural values of the Afizere people.
The Plateau Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Musa Ashoms, who is one of the illustrious sons of the Izere Land said that the festival was principally to unite the people with the aim of promoting peaceful coexistence.
Ashoms said the 45th edition, which was supposed to take place in January, was delayed because of the Christmas Eve attacks in Mangu and Bokkos, as they joined the people in mourning the deceased.
The Commissioner of Information and Communication led the 2024 Carnival procession walk with thousands of Youth and women from Justice Sambo Atsi roundabout to the Arena of the cultural festivals known as “IKOS IZERE”
He said, “The significance of this cultural festival, especially to the Azure nation, It’s about unity, it’s about cohesion, it’s about togetherness. It’s about us coming together as a nation to say thank you to the Almighty God for the opportunity to see this year 2024”.
The commissioner urged the Afizere people to uphold their cultural identity, which he described as unique.
The paramount ruler of Afizere land, AGbang Agwom Izere His Royal Highness Rev. Dr Isaac Wakili, cautioned his subjects, particularly youths, against social vices.
Wakili urged the people to be peaceful, describing the Izere people as caring, loving, and accommodating. The monarch commended Afizere’s sons and daughters for putting together the festival.
Earlier the President of the Afizere Cultural and Community Development Association (ACCDA), Mr Yakubu Ashoms, said that the Izere land was in desperate need of infrastructural development.
He said that their communities were in dire need of accessible roads, healthcare facilities, boarding schools, and electricity, among others.
Other dignitaries who attended the cultural festival include the Emir of Kanam, Alhaji Muhammadu Babangida Mu’azu II, Member House of Repe Representing Jos East, Jos South Federal Constituency Abuja Hon. Alfred Ajang, Chairman Jos East Hon. Markus Usaini, Member Plateau State House of Assembly Representing Jos East Hon.Isa Madaki Ajiji and Former SSG Plateau State Prof. Danladi Atu among others.
