By Isaac Uzaan, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia said the Kegh Sha Shwa (KSS) cultural festival reminds the Tiv people of their root as a unique tribe with rich cultural heritage.
Governor Alia stated this Friday, December 27, 2024 at Benue State Secretariat, Makurdi while speaking at the 2024 edition of Kegh Sha Shwa – an annual Tiv cultural festival aimed at promoting commonality, reconciliation, and coexistence.
He expressed satisfaction with the level of cultural display at the event featuring songs, drama, and other distinctive traditional values of the Tiv people.
He called on Tiv sons and daughters in Nigeria and in the diaspora to always strive to come to KSS where they would meet and talk together as brothers and sisters.
The Governor promised, on behalf of the government of Benue State, to support the initiative of KSS and turn it into an expanded event that would embrace a lot more than what people have been seeing.
While thanking the founder of KSS, Rev. Fr. Mfa Ukeyima for his commitment to maintaining the cultural values of the Tiv people, Governor Alia called on President General of Mzough U Tiv, CP Iorbee Ihagh (rtd) to liaise with the Tiv paramount ruler and come out with a date for the entire Tiv nation to be meeting in Gboko.
He also advised Benue youth to invest in agriculture by forming Young Farmers’ Club (YFC) and farmers’ cooperatives through which his government will give them farm inputs and fertilizer free of charge.
The Governor reiterated his determination to reducing poverty in the state, praying that KSS should unite the Tiv people and give them spirit of forgiveness.
He thanked all those who attended the event, particularly those who presented different performances, encouraging them to keep showcasing their talents for their benefits and the benefit of Benue State at large.
Earlier, the Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh appealed to the Governor to domestic Tiv Day and make it a cultural fiesta that would attract the presence of Tiv sons and daughters across the globe.
The Senator representing Benue Northwest, Dr. Titus Tartenger Zam, and Prof. Igyô, were amongst other people who also spoke at the event.
