The management of Eggonnews Community Newspaper has presented bound volumes of its past editions spanning over two decades to the Aren Eggon, His Royal Highness, Justice Ahmed Ubangari Alaku (Rtd), in a move aimed at preserving the history and cultural heritage of the Eggon people.
The brief ceremony, held at the Aren Eggon’s palace in Nasarawa Eggon on Thursday (April 30, 2026), marked a significant step towards the establishment of a palace museum and archive for research and documentation.
Receiving the materials, the Aren Eggon expressed profound appreciation to the founder of Eggonnews, Mr. Matthew Kuju, and the newspaper’s management for what he described as a timely and visionary contribution. He noted that the donation aligns with the palace’s plan to create a befitting museum that will serve as a repository of Eggon history, culture, and collective memory.
According to the monarch, the archive of newspapers represents a rich source of information that will support scholars, historians, and future generations in understanding the identity and heritage of the Eggon people. He emphasized that the gesture goes beyond a mere donation, describing it as “a gift of history and preservation of legacy.”
The royal father also called on other sons and daughters of Eggon land, as well as friends of the community, to contribute historical materials, books, artefacts, and photographs to enrich the proposed museum.
Earlier in his presentation, Mr. Matthew Kuju highlighted the urgent need for a structured archive for the Eggon people, warning that the absence of proper documentation could lead to loss of cultural heritage, misinformation, and disconnection from ancestral roots. He stressed that for 27 years, Eggonnews has consistently documented the history, traditions, and socio-cultural evolution of the Eggon nation.
Mr. Kuju noted that the donated editions, dating back to 1999, constitute a “treasure trove” of knowledge that will serve as a foundation for research, education, and cultural preservation. He also advocated for the establishment of both physical and digital archives, as well as community involvement and capacity building to ensure sustainability.
He appealed to scholars, researchers, and members of the Eggon community to donate copies of their works to the palace archive, describing it as a collective responsibility to safeguard the people’s heritage for future generations.
In his remarks, veteran journalist and retired Permanent Secretary in the Nasarawa State civil service, Mr. Allahnana Attah traced the humble beginnings of Eggonnews, noting that it started in April 1999 in Jos and has grown into a vital documentation platform despite numerous challenges.
He emphasized the importance of record-keeping, recounting personal difficulties in accessing historical materials during research work.
Attah described the donation as a foundational resource for researchers and urged users of the archive to handle the materials with care to prevent damage or loss.
Also speaking, the General Manager of Nasarawa Broadcasting Service, Mrs. Patricia Akawu, expressed optimism that the initiative would lead to the establishment of a functional library and museum at the palace. She encouraged other Eggon sons and daughters to emulate the gesture by contributing relevant materials that reflect the people’s culture and traditions.
Similarly, Chief Adams Makka Nangba, District Head of Wakama and a member of the committee set up by the Aren Eggon to develop the archive, assured that efforts were underway to gather artefacts and other historical materials. He acknowledged that many cultural items had been lost over time and stressed the importance of collective action in preserving what remains.
Among those present to witness the historic event was the Aren Agidi, DCG Sule Alu (Rtd), the Eggon Cultural and Development Association (ECDA) represented by the Vice President and General Secretary. Some traditional titleholders in the Aren Eggon’s palace and community leaders were also present.
The event underscored a growing commitment within the Eggon community to document and safeguard its rich cultural heritage.
Recall that last year the Eggon culture was celebrated as the culture in focus during the 2025 edition of the International Museum Day in Jos.
Stakeholders express hope that the palace archive would serve as a lasting legacy for generations to come.