By correspondent in Minna.
Photo credit: Wikipedia.
Former Governor of Niger state, Dr. Mua’zu Babangida Aliyu,over the weekend, said the many traditions and culture of the about 250 ethnic nationalities are part of Nigeria’s natural heritage that must not be left to die.
Aliyu gave the warning in Minna, the state capital,when he spoke at the mini durbar to mark the 2024 Sallah celebrations, adding that Durbar or traditional horse riding is part of the Sallah which provides the opportunity for interested participants to display their rich cultural heritage.
Niger state, according to former Governor, is one of the states in the north-central with rich culture and tradition, but regretted that the heritage is fast dying due to neglect.
Aliyu, who was the Chief Host/Sponsor of the mini durbar also wants all the eight Emirate councils to be practical advocates of culture and traditions of their subjects and encouraged Nigerlites to keep hope alive , adding he was making efforts to ensure that culture tourism is promoted across the state and beyond.
Meanwhile,Governor Mohammed Umar Bago who attended the durbar had poured encomium on the former Governor over what he described as concerted effort to, “Preserve and uplift the different cultures and traditions of the north, Niger state in particular during his tenure as Governor”.
Governor Bago,who remind trouble makers, youths in particular, that promotion of culture and tradition should not be an opportunity to disturb the peace of other law abiding citizens, stressed the need for caution in their words and actions to ensure that they infringe on the rights of other Nigerlites.
On the directive on security agencies to deal decisively with criminals, Bago explained that it is in line with his administration’s zero tolerance for rascality and thuggery under whatsoever guise.
He assured the people of the state that thuggery and all forms of criminality were being dealt with accordingly, warning that sponsors of the criminal elements would also not be spared , adding that buildings/warehousing serving as operational base for the criminals would be demolished.
Due to the magnitude and the innovations in criminality, Bago said he was committed to taking proactive steps by combining conventional and non-conventional security strategies to contain other forms of terrorist activities that could pose threats to the peaceful people of Niger state, including the protection of the lives and properties of law abiding citizens.
Our correspondent reports that during the durbar which took place at ‘Talba Farm’, cultural performances by different traditional musicians, hunters, and colourful horse riders entertained hundreds of fun seekers who came from within and outside the state.
Edited by Dawud Ahmed.
