…FG called to explore sustainability of culture of people’s social behavior.
by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Culture is a concept that encompasses the social behavior, institutions, and norms found in human societies, as well as the knowledge, beliefs, arts, laws, customs, capabilities, and habits of the individuals in these groups. Culture is often originated from or attributed to a specific region or location and is also bringing people together.
Culture is a set of values, behaviors, or traditions which are inherently gifted from the previous generation. This could include many things, such as language, religious beliefs, attitude, food, arts, music, or anything tied to what that particular group is identifies with.
Recently, the Ngas Community celebrated its Cultural Day, tagged, ‘Puusdung,’ with a theme: “2023 Puusdung Ngas, Economic Emancipation – Ngas Pathway.” The occasion was held at the Pankshin Mini Stadium in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The Puusdung is one of the popular festivals on the Plateau with a largest gathering, and attracts people both from home, outside Plateau and abroad, to witness the festival – which is an annual event.
The Ngas people are found in the central zone of the state, occupying two local government areas of the State and part of Kanam, and has boundary with Bauchi State.
The Ngas people are very rich in dances and songs, and they could engage the whole of their day singing and dancing because they love and cherish their culture. Also, they are gifted people that exhibit crafts as well as exhibit their food (local dishes).
Culture is a way of life of the people, the totality of the way of the people, and all this is brought into one place on the day of Puusdung. The day has always been a day of attraction, and the Ngas people that live outside the state would normally program their activities to ensure that they attend Puusdung, and will bring their younger ones to witness some of their cultural dances they had never seen.
The said Puusdung has been on for the past 35 years, with the first National Chairman of Ngas Development Association, Nde Dr. Gideon G. Barde, who came on board in January 1989 to1993 and handed over to Nde Prof. Haruna Dabin as Ngas Youth Movement National President.
Middle-Belt News Networks reports that, the first Puusdung was hosted on May 14th, 1988. Since then, it has been continuously except for some specific reasons like during Covid-19 pandemic. (Puusdung means, “Gray Day”).
Economic endowments found in Ngasland are numerous. Some of these are: Tomatoes, Baobab (Tori), Olive Oil (Murpet), Dogmeat (Nam’as) and Millet (Nanza), among other things.
Speaking during the occasion, National President of Ngas Development Association (NDA), Nde Gonen Gofwen, said they have designed that through the Ngas Economic Foundation, they intend to train on skills acquisition and, where possible, provide guided start-up kits to their teaming youths, women and, especially to people living with disabilities.
While calling on all sons and daughters of the land to contribute generously towards this noble cause, Nde Gofwen noted that, “As elites, we must be seen to be doing everything possible at providing the necessary support to their parents, children, and siblings.
“It is no secret that government is overwhelmed, and the people must do well to at least feed and clothe themselves, and put a decent roof over their heads,” he stressed.
The association’s national president further encouraged the people to “hold strongly the burden of trust the nation is putting on them, and must be willing to learn and relearn in this fast-pace of global economy.”
He added that, “The occasion has been a weeklong celebration – with various activities, commencing with prayers, and followed by ‘Hike, Traditional Games, Business Round-Table and Carnival, as it climaxed with the grand finale, the Pusdung 2023, respectively.”
According to him, “The theme: ‘Economic Emancipation – Ngas Pathway,’ has decided to take the bull by its horns together with you; the Private Individuals, Government and Development Partners to help our people create wealth from the natural and human resources bountifully given by God.
“It is our belief that doing just that will help reduce unemployables and the Rural-Urban migration where planned cities are gradually becoming slums, while home fronts are vacated, making them prone to incessant security challenges,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, assured Ngas Nation of his resolve to conduct the selection process of Ngolong Ngas within the shortest possible time, to help coordinate and build a united front for not only the Ngas Nation, but Plateau and Nigeria as a country.
The governor was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS), Arch. Samuel N. Jatau, who congratulated the Ngas Nation for celebrating yet another peaceful Pusdung Festival, and also commiserated with the Ngas Nation over the brutal murder of their son, Fwinbe Thomas Gofwan, and promised to ensure that the perpetrators were brought to book.
While disclosing that all arrangements were in place to conduct the selection of Ngolong Ngas, the governor said, “Government has no interest in who emerged as Ngolong Ngas, and would not interfere in the process. I therefore, urge all Plateau people to take advantage of our diversity for the strength and unity of Plateau State.”
Speaking earlier, the Chairman, Central Planning Committee (CPC), Hon. David Kasuwa Barji, thanked all who took out time to come and celebrate with the Ngas Nation on this special day and that, this demonstrations of love would go a long way in uniting the tribes on the Plateau. Also, there were goodwill messages from the Chairman of Ngas Elders Forum, Nde Joshua Waklek, and Nde Gideon Barde, among others.