By Our Reporter, Lafia
Tiv ethnic group in Nasarawa state have appealed to Gov. Abdullahi Sule to create Chiefdom for Tiv extraction like any other group in the state to give them a sense of belonging.
Comrade Chunku Solomon, President Tiv Development Association (TIDA) made this appeal during the 2024 Tiv Day celebration in Imon, Obi local government area of the state.
According to him, Tiv extraction in Nasarawa state is the only indigenous community in Nasarawa State that has no traditional stool despite their number and political participation.
TIDA President also appealed to Gov Sule to expedite action to return internally displaced persons mostly Tiv community in the state t noting that his peace effort was deeply appreciated.
“We shall be most grateful if Your Excellency as God’s sent will liberate us from this decades of neglect for considering the creation of chiefdom(s) headed by Tiv extraction so that the Tiv People can feel a complete sense of belonging.
“That we greatly appreciate the political appointments given to our sons and daughters but we are still requesting for more considering our effective population in the state,” he appealed.
Solomon explained that Tiv Day is an annual cultural festival of the Tiv people in Nasarawa State envisioned by their predecessors to serve as forum for the Tiv people to come together to celebrate their rich culture.
He said the day also provided opportunity to discuss matters that affected them as a people and also to promote cordial relationship with neighbours.
In his remarks, Gov Abdullahi Sule, commended TIDA for organizing Tiv Day to promote cultural heritage, peaceful coexistence and uniting Tiv communities in the state.
Gov Sule, represented by Permanent Secretary Government House Administration, Umar Idris, said the government was passionate in the promotion of culture and the well-being of the people of the state.
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has urged the Tiv People of Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States to come together for the sake of peace and the advancement of their nation.
The governor who was represented at the event by Dr Emmanuel Atser, said that the Tiv people were one despite coming from different states and urged them to unite to accomplish a shared objective.
He, therefore appealed to them to support the Governor of the state, Engr Abdullahi Sule to enable him provide more dividends of democracy to the people of the state .
Guest lecturer, Emmanuel Jime, warned against engaging in divisive politics to the detriment of common goals of the community.
“There’s nothing wrong about belonging to a political party, but what is wrong is when we advance the political discussion, interest way and above the interest of the community.
“If we engage in politics that is divisive, that divide the Tiv people in Nasarawa state, my dear brothers that’s the recipe for disaster,” he warned.
Jime advised Tiv communities to take education of their girl child seriously, saying that it will avert broken society, family and early marriage.
Sen. Ahmed Wadada, thanked the Tiv Community for showcasing their rich cultural heritage, while underscoring the need to live in unity to attract more development to their communities.