The Secretary of the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume has tasked the socio-cultural group, Tiv Community in Lagos , (Mdzough U Tiv Lagos) , to always work for the unity and progress of the tribe . The SGF gave this charge last Saturday during the grand finale of the Tiv Cultural Fiesta 2024 which was held at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
The activities of the Cultural Fiesta with the theme “Tiv Heritage: Promoting Unity, Preserving Culture and traditions” began on Friday, 15th November and ended , Saturday, 16th November, 2024.
During the two days of the event , Tiv men and women in Lagos from different works of life came out with their families to express and show love for their cultural heritage.
The SGF who was represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Mr Christopher Tarka commended the organizers for their creative ideas in keeping alive their heritage.
He asked them to unite and extend fellowship with others , especially his principal, the President of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who he said has the Tiv at heart . He said with Bola Ahmed Tinubu as president, the Tiv people will continue to be recognized in the scheme of affairs of the country.
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Others who were also honoured at the event were House of Representatives member, Gwer East /Gwer West Constituency, Hon Arc. Asema Achado and Executive Secretary, Nigeria Shippers’ Council , Barr Pius Akutah, who was the chairman of the occasion.
Also on the honourees list was Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Utsev , philanthropist and Industrialist , Engr Chief Sylvanus Ghasara, Associate Professor of Law, Viashima Akaayar, and Chief Augustine , Osondu Nwego , an astute philanthropist and friend of Tiv people amongst others.
All the honourees appreciated the organizers and commended them for hosting such a colorful fiesta . Speaking at the event as Special Guest of honour, Senator Representing Benue North West, Dr Titus Zam called on Tiv people to be supportive of one another .
Dr Zam noted that with the right mentality, there would be nothing difficult for Tiv people to achieve. That they too who are representatives of the people will also be willingly to help at all times .
In his remarks , The president of Tiv Community in Lagos State , Hon. Steven Terfa Uzer called on all Tiv in Lagos to put aside their differences and work towards a common purpose and growth of all Tiv people. ” I urge every Tiv person in Lagos to join me in this quest for unity . …We must recognize that our diversity is our strength and not our weakness” , he said .
Earlier in his welcome address , the CPC chairman, Hon. Atondu Thomas outlined the wonderful ideas that the community has put in place to empower Tiv people living in Lagos including to acquire land and build a habitable place for the whole of Tiv Community to be called Ayatutu House , Lagos .
The Chairman of the event , Barr Akutah who was represented at the event by his Principal Adviser on Politics and public affairs , Mr Faeren Atir , in his speech said that he was deliberate about his plans targeted at uplifting the lives of Tiv people in Lagos and beyond.He encouraged the organizers to be steadfast and promised to help them in anyway possible that he can to actualize their lofty ideas .
Meanwhile, an academic don, Prof James Tar Tsaaior , who was the Guest Speaker at the fiesta gave a talk on the topic, “Our soil , our oil” . He invited the people to reflect deeply on their cultural heritage as it affects their socio- economic standing in Nigeria today . He said that to make a significant headway in Nigeria , the TIV must leverage on and maximize their agricultural potentials.
On Friday Night that the fiesta began , there were variety of cultural displays like Kwagh hir theatre, MAMIWATA dance , SWANGE Dance , Tsue Tsele, dances from Idoma community troupe and a beauty pageant to choose Kumashe and Tor Kwaor.
After a heated contest the winners of the pageants were Torkwaor: Master Zaam Ternenge Emmanuel and The Kumashe was won by Miss Ordan Dooshima Magdalen.
His Royal Highness, Tor Tiv Lagos , Chief Cletus Kukunu, was in attendance and all the Tiv traditional council members in Lagos with their families . HRH Luke Atane Och’ Idoma Akubo Agaba Idu, Lagos who also attended the fiesta expressed his desire to build synergy with Mdzough U Tiv Lagos to host similar events subsequently.
Others in attendance were the Chairman board of Trustee of The Tiv community in Lagos , ESV Kwaghbo Simeon Shangev -de, a board member , Hon Prince David Makir, and Mr Terry Atoba, a Stakeholder, a Lagos and Abuja businessman.
