“••••• As ECDA President, Abuluya receives encomium for uniting Eggon people•••”
Prof. Hamid Ozohu-Suleiman, Department of Public Administration,University of Abuja, has urged Nigerians to invest in cultural infrastructure in order to promote culture, unity and peace in the country.
Ozohu- Suleiman, made the call on Wednesday in a keynote speech at a Gala Night organized by Eggon Cultural and Development Association ( ECDA) in commemoration of International Museum Day in Jos, Plateau State.
It would be reported that the event had the theme, “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities”.
The professor said that, if Nigerians invested on cultural infrastructure, it would go a long way in promoting culture, unity and peace in the country.
” To our elders: You are the living libraries of our traditions. “Will you commit to mentoring the next generation?”
“To our leaders: You hold the keys to policy and funding. “Will you invest in our cultural infrastructure?”
” To our youth: You are the heirs of this great legacy. “Will you embrace your heritage with pride?” he questioned
He also called on Nigerians to embrace and preserve their culture for the overall development of the country
” How many of our children can speak the Eggon language fluently? ” The painful reality is that some of our most sacred traditions are on the verge of extinction,” he added
Suleiman said that the theme of the event was apt considering the importance of culture to societal development.
” The theme of this celebration, “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,” challenges us to see beyond artifacts and exhibitions.
” It demands that we recognize our cultural heritage as the ultimate economic asset – one that can transform Eggon land into a tourism hub, create jobs for our youth, and place Nasarawa State firmly on Nigeria’s economic map,” he said .
“This Museum Day celebration must serve as our cultural wake-up call. The artifacts we unveil today are not mere museum pieces, they are the soul of our identity,” he added
He called on Eggon nation to engage youths in cultural heritage.
” The Aren Eggon’s leadership in this endeavor is providential. Under his guidance, we must establish cultural education programs in all Eggon schools, document our oral histories before they are lost forever.
” Revive dying traditions through community festivals, engage our youth in heritage preservation .
“What will our grandchildren say of us, if we fail in this sacred duty?” he said
The professor congratulated Eggon nation for successfully show cased their culture to the world.
Speaking on behalf of other traditional rulers, the Abaga Toni, HRH Lawrence Sylvester Ayih called on Eggon sons and daughters to remain more united for the overall development of their land.
He congratulated Eggon nation for show casing their rich cultural heritage to the world.
The first class monarch called on Nigerians to continued to live in unity and peace irrespective of their affiliations.
In his good will message, Mr Ezekiel Jagga, the Executive Chairman, Wamba LGA commended the Eggon people for organising the cultural activity towards promoting their culture, unity and peace.
He said that the importance of culture to human and societal development could not be overemphasized, hence the need for Nigerians to embrace it.
In his vote of thanks, Dr James Angbazo, the. Aren Akun appreciated the Aren Eggon, Justice Ahmed Ubangari Alaku ( Rtd), the President, Eggon Cultural and Development Association (ECDA) Mr David Abuluya, and other Eggon sons and daughters for successfully hosted the event.
He also thanked other traditional rulers, politicians and other personalities for gracing the occasion.
The second class traditional ruler wished them safe journey to their various distinctions.
It would also be reported that the event featured cultural dance by different cultural groups as singers also entertained the guests.
