The Secretary to the Niger State Government (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane has said that sustaining cultural values remained a vital tool for promoting peace, unity and social harmony in society.
Ahmed Matane disclosed this at the 2022 Wawa Annual Gani Cultural Festival held at the Palace of Dodo in Wawa, Borgu Local Government Area of the State.
The SSG who spoke through the Director of Finance, SSG’s Office, Alhaji Abdullahi Wasagi disclosed that no society can achieve meaningful development in the absence of unity, security and peaceful co-existence, hence the need for people to always propagate the values and virtues of our rich cultural heritage which include good neighborliness, tolerance, accommodation, hospitality and showing love to one another.
Ahmed Matane described the present administration under the leadership of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello as a promoter of various cultural development initiatives in line with the universal principles of culture often described as a way of life that has attendant implications for the general welfare and peaceful co-existence of the people.
The SSG further explained that Government has accorded tremendous support to traditional institutions in the State particularly, the current Cultural Revolution through annual durbar and festivals.
According to the SSG, “Government also acknowledges the role of culture as a driver of economic diversification and social integration”.
He then commended the organizers of the festival for the wonderful job they exhibited, stressed that they should always see culture as the bedrock for peaceful co-existence, unity and sustainable development of society.
In his remarks, the Dodo of Wawa, Alhaji (Dr) Mahmud Ahmed Aliyu drawn attention to the critical role of culture in promoting sustainable development in society.
Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu pointed out that the Gani festival which unite the people of the area also showcased the rich cultural heritage and artifacts for the people to take advantage of, for job creation and economic empowerment.
The Senator representing Niger North, Senator Abdullahi Sabi Aliyu, representative of Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar and the Commandant of the 221 Tank Battalion were among the dignitaries who added colour to the festival.
Highlights of the occasion included the display of cultural performances and the presentation of awards among several others.
