Thrills and frills of Gbagyi cultural displays

Gbagyi natives of Karu chiefdom in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on January 2, 2019, held their 4th annual cultural festival during which they showcased their cultural heritage which thrilled spectators within and outside the FCT. Spectators were enthralled at the dance steps as cultural troupes, decked in their costumes, marched in a procession to […]

Gbagyi natives of Karu chiefdom in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on January 2, 2019, held their 4th annual cultural festival during which they showcased their cultural heritage which thrilled spectators within and outside the FCT.

Spectators were enthralled at the dance steps as cultural troupes, decked in their costumes, marched in a procession to the stage to display the Gbagyi culture.

Troupes entertained with dances, masquerades gyrated while hunters displayed their hunting prowess with bows and arrows, and locally fabricated guns.

The event, organised by Karu Chiefdom Development Association, was aimed at preserving the culture of the Gbagyi who are among the nine ethnic groups that are indigenous to the FCT.

The minority whip of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Umar Barde, who was the chairman of the occasion, said the carnival was an avenue for unity, adding that it was a sign that the Gbagyi natives of the FCT have been living peacefully among themselves and with other ethnic groups in the territory.

He noted that the cultural event also signified thanksgiving to God for the New Year.

“There are a lot of people that dwell among us who have forgotten what the Gbagyi culture is. There is an adage which says “if you don’t know your history, you don’t know where you are going.” So we are remembering our history and we are telling other people out there that we are really indigenous people of the FCT who respect culture and value peaceful co-existence,” he said.

Also speaking, the senator representing the FCT, Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda, said the celebration of the Gbagyi cultural carnival every year was significant because it brought people together from different walks of life.

He added that the carnival was an avenue where all Gbagyi come together to deliberate on issues that affect their lives and how to sustain peaceful co–existence in the territory.

He said the cultural event attracted Gbagyi sons and daughters both at home and abroad.

An FCT senatorial candidate on the platform of Alliance for Democratic Congress (ADC) for 2019 election, Mrs. Esther Audu, who also graced the event, described the Gbagyi carnival as interesting, adding that it was an occasion that not only reminded the Gbagyi natives of their background, but also enabled their children know their culture.

“If you don’t have a foundation, it means you are just existing. So the cultural carnival is the foundation of the Gbagyi people, as it reminds us of who we are and also of our culture and tradition,” she said.

In his address, the chairman of Karu Chiefdom Development Association, Comrade Dangana D. Jimiko, said the occasion served as a symbol of strengthening the

bonds of unity and togetherness among the socio-cultural life of the good of Karu chiefdom and the entire original inhabitants of Abuja which, he added was in line with government policy and programme of promoting culture and tourism for development.

He commended the FCT minister, Muhammad Musa Bello, for the approval for expansion of Karu village to Karu Kuchi, which he said would enable the people of the area to have a befitting tourist village.

He lauded the FCT administration for the ongoing reconstruction of Karu bridge which links to Karu General Hospital as well as rural feeder roads.

According to him, the association was also appreciative of Senator Philip Aduda, for the completion of the multi-million naira multipurpose town hall and feeder road linking Karu village and Karu site.

“We also laud the efforts of Senator Philip Aduda, for disbursing scholarships to our children who are studying at various tertiary institutions across the country. I must confess that such gesture was the first of its kind in the history of the FCT,” he said.

The association chairman therefore appealed to government to upgrade  the chief of Karu’s palace and upgrading of the status of the Sarakuyi from second to first class status.

Comrade Jimiko also requested for the upgrading of access roads in Kurudu MTN mast area, access road to Anka community, access road to Gidan Mangoro, Badna and Mulowyi communities as well as access road to Kugbo 1 and 2 and Anguwar Dadi Nyanya.

He further requested for provision of potable drinking water in Badna, Poroko and Kugbo 2 communities.

“To this end, as we approach the general elections, I crave your indulgence for peaceful co-existence among ourselves, during and after the elections,” he said.

The paramount ruler of Karu chiefdom, Mr. Emmanuel Kyauta Yepwi, expressed happiness over the event, while calling on his subjects, especially the youth, to be good ambassadors wherever they found themselves.

He said the event was meant for cultural orientation and sustenance.

The traditional ruler charged the youth to focus on education and skills acquisition so as to contribute to the development of their respective communities.

He also cautioned the youth not to allow themselves to be used as political thugs during elections.