Karu Chiefdom have held its 6th Cultural festival in Abuja, to showcase the rich heritage of the Gbagyi tribe.
This year’s event had the theme: “Our culture, our pride”. The annual event which is held on the second day of each year features various cultural displays such as dance, music and other interesting cultural performances.
It is that time of the year when sons and daughters of the Gbagyi tribe gather together to celebrate their rich cultural heritage. The Gbagyis are spread across five states in Nigeria, Niger, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Kogi and the FCT.
This interesting festival brings with it an opportunity to strengthen bonds of Unity between the seven Gbagyi Chiefdoms in the FCT as natives from all tribes are represented here.
Adorned in various cultural apparel, cultural performers thrill their audience with various displays, music and dance to showcase their rich culture and tradition. Hunters also displayed their hunting skills with bows and arrows and locally fabricated guns.
The celebration is in line with the Federal government’s policy of diversifying the economy by promoting culture and tourism for national development. But the indigenes also used the platform to express what is closest to their hearts, appealing for more inclusion in the Affairs of government.
The event aimed to preserve the culture of the Gbagyi people who form part of the nine ethnic groups in the FCT and they believed this annual Celebration will awaken the cultural awareness of its people and by extension, all Nigerians.
The occasion was graced by dignitaries, traditional rulers and political office holders including Senator representing FCT and Senate Minority Whip (Talban Karu), Sen Philip Aduda; Minister of FCT, Muhammad Bello, represented by his SSA on Community Relations, Isiyaku Yamawo; Sa’karuyi of Karu, HRH Dr Emmanuel Jepwi; Esu of Karu Nassarawa State, HRH Pharm. Luka Baba; Chairman of Abuja Municipal Council, Hon Abdullahi Candido among others.