By Oboh Linus, Lafia
The Nasarawa State Government has commended the Otaru of Ugya, Alhaji Musa Adamu, for his commitment to peacebuilding, unity and harmonious coexistence among diverse ethnic groups in Toto Local Government Area.
The Secretary to the Government of the State, Dr Labaran Magaji, SAN, gave the commendation in Toto during the 10th anniversary celebration of Alhaji Musa Adamu’s enthronement in Ugya Chiefdom.
Magaji warned proponents of division and violence in Toto LGA, particularly Ugya, to rethink, noting that the state government would not condone any attempt to jeopardise the peace being enjoyed by the Bassa returnees and other ethic groups.
Magaji praised the peaceful coexistence among the various ethnic groups in Toto and reaffirmed the commitment of Gov. Abdullahi Sule to peacebuilding and protection of lives and property across the state.
He said Gov. Sule’s development strides in the area were only possible, noting that peace and unity remain the foundation for sustainable development.
“Only recently, because of the peace mission of the governor, the United States of America declared Nasarawa State as the only state in the North Central that its citizens can visit.
” Similarly, the United Kingdom also declared the state as the most peaceful state in the North Central,” he said.
He also commended Aguma of Bassa and other traditional institutions for their contribution to peace building in the area, noting that the large turnout of different ethnic groups at the occasion was a testament to unity.
The SSG also disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a Brigade in Nasarawa State with four battalions in Keffi, Wamba, Doma and Toto, adding that over 150 military officers have been deployed to Toto with 350 more expected.
“If you are preparing for peace, you are welcome. If you are preparing otherwise, you will be visited with full force,” he warned, urging residents to campaign peacefully ahead of January and February elections.
Earlier, Chairman of Toto LGA, Pharm. Ahmed- BabaYahaya, said holding such a celebration in Ugya 10 years ago would have been impossible, but unity has prevailed and urged for sustenance to attract development to the area.
Also speaking, the National President of Egbira Cultural Development Association, Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed, called for continued cooperation and preservation of cultural heritage.
He urged Egbira people to remain steadfast in preserving their cultural heritage, supporting educational and development initiatives as well as fostering unity for future generations.
The climax of the 10th anniversary/ second edition of the Egbira Cultural Festival at Ugya Chiefdom was the presentation of a history book documenting the cultural heritage of the Ugya, where the SSG donated generously as he unveiled five copies of the book with the sum of N10 million.
