Following plans to ensure peaceful coexistence amongst other ethnicities, the Niger and Delta State governments have agreed that, the Isoko and Urhobo ethnic groups will begin to participate in the state’s annual festival of cultural activities.
While assuring that the will reintroduce the annual cultural festival tagged Niger State Festivals (NIFEST) next year, the Niger state Commissioner for Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Hajiya Fati Adamu said that the Isoko and Urhobo ethnic groups are a peaceful people that have presented an avenue for the Government through the Ministry to harness unity.
The Commissioner who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Idris Legbo at the Isoko and Urhobo Young Men Association (IUYMA) End of Year Thanksgiving and Launch of the maiden Magazine at the AbdulsalamI Youth Centre Minna said the ethnic groups from Delta state have cohabited peaceful and endowed with rich culture.
She explained that the Ministry’s readiness to foster unity between Nigerlites and the people of Isoko/Urhobo and other ethic groups living in Niger state is borne out of the contributions made to the relative peace enjoyed so far.
According to her “the state government has created an enabling environment for the success of the people of Delta state and to further foster oneness, we will ensure the Isoko and Urhobo people participate in the anticipated NIFEST coming up in April 2024”.
Speaking also, the Delta State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Chief Darlington Ijeh encouraged Deltans living in Niger state to continue to live in peace and harmony and ensure they teach their children the norms and values of the people.
Chief Ijeh who was represented by Ambassador Yunusa Musa urged Deltans in the northern part of Nigeria to cohabit with their host states and ensure they do all they can to preserve their culture.
He further disclosed that, Delta state is ready to partner with Niger state to see that all ethnic groups cohabit to foster unity.
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, President of the IUYMA, Wilson Atujiyor call on sons of Isoko and Urhobo extract based in the state to identify with the Association.
According to him “wherever you reside try to identify and associate with your people, because they are your family either in good or bad times. This way, you will get closer to the people and understand the culture.”
In their separate goodwill messages, the Patron of IUYMA Mr. Albert Ukale and Alhaji Shaka Adaba explained that the Isoko and Urhobo people are the most culturally attached people in Nigeria and urged them to teach there children the mother tongue, noting the importance of cultural values.
Presidents of Isoko Development Union (IDU), Elder Godwin Enih and Chief Andrew Akpoguma of Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU) called on sons and daughters of Isoko and Urhobo ethnic extractions to avail themselves.
According to Enih “the IDU or UPU are your family members. Try and identifu with these groups wherever you find yourselves. This is the only way we remind ourselves of who we are, where we come from and to encourage ourselves to visit our home towns”.
Reviewing the content of the Magazine, the Editor of the Magazine Daniel Atori said it will serve as a guide to children and to non Isoko and Urhobo spouses, adding that, it will aid their quick understanding of the languages as well as play a vital roll in educating their children.
Highlights of the event were thanksgiving service at the St. Luke Military Church, Barracks, Minna and cultural displayed by IUYMA members and launching of the magazine.
