The thrills and frills of Koro cultural festival

The Koro tribe is among the nine ethnic groups that make up the indigenous people of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). They are found in Zuba, Tungan-Maje, Anagada, Yelwa-Zuba, Bwari, Shere, Kawu, and Tungan- Adaka. Apart from the above communities, the Koro ethnic group is also found in Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger and Kaduna states. […]

The thrills and frills of Koro cultural festival

The Koro tribe is among the nine ethnic groups that make up the indigenous people of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). They are found in Zuba, Tungan-Maje, Anagada, Yelwa-Zuba, Bwari, Shere, Kawu, and Tungan- Adaka.

Apart from the above communities, the Koro ethnic group is also found in Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger and Kaduna states. Occupationally, the tribe is known for farming and hunting, Aso Chronicle learnt.

So it came to pass on Saturday, December 19, 2021, that the Koro natives of the FCT, including their kinsmen from neigbouring states of Kaduna, Nasarawa, Niger and Kwara, converged at Shere Community Primary School in Bwari Area Council of the territory where they showcased their cultural heritage.

At the event, various masquerades, traditional dancers in their different regalia, drummers and hunters entertained guests and other tribes who trooped to the venue to witness the cultural display.

Speaking at the event, the national president of Koro communities in Nigeria, Alhaji Mohammed Kasim Zuba, said the festival was an annual event held to showcase the culture and tradition the ethnic group not only in the FCT but across the country.

He added that the festival was also aimed at fostering peace and harmony among not only the Koro ethnic group but other tribes across the country.

Alhaji Zuba, who is also a traditional title holder  of Marafan of Zuba in the FCT, said the cultural festival will enhance peace and mutual relationship among all Koro people.

He said the Koro cultural festival will address the culture issue which was almost going into extinction due western civilization.

“Today, it is quite unfortunate that our culture and tradition are gradually going into extinction especially as the world is becoming a global village to the extent younger ones now tend to abandon their culture and prefer western ways,” he said.

He therefore called on all Koro to remain united and speak with one voice, while urging the youth to shun violence and all forms of social vices and be obedient to constituted authorities.

Also speaking, the District Head of Shere, Alhaji Ibrahim D. Gila, stressed the need for every Koro person to uphold their culture and tradition, saying society can only prosper where culture and tradition are uphold.

He said it was disturbing that the youth devoted their time copying the lifestyles of the western world while abandoning the culture of their forefathers, which he said was gradually going into extinction.

He therefore commended the national executives of the Koro communities association for organizing the cultural festival, while calling on all Koro people to support the government to overcome the security challenges facing the country.

“It is obvious that the country is seriously facing security challenges, which I want to call on all Koro son’s and daughters to support the government in tackling them,” he said.

Aso Chronicle reports that the event also featured the launching of the 2021 calendar by Koro youth in the area.