From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
Yarkasuwa, the headquarter of Kudaru Chiefdom in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was agog today, Thursday December 26, as tourists, cultural enthusiasts, and indigenes celebrate the annual Kurama festival.
The palace of the Royal Highness, the Bugwam Kudaru, Yakubu Iliya Sauri bustled with activities as the Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, also witnessed the festival that showcased the dance and dressing of the Kurama people.
Speaking during the festival, Governor Uba Sani said he appreciated the good people of Kurama and the entire Kudaru Chiefdom for their support of his administration.
He pledged to do all in his power to uplift the living conditions of the people of this area through infrastructure upgrades and social intervention programs.
Gov Uba Sani, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mallam Sani Liman Kila, commended the people for striving to keep their culture and traditions alive.
Culture, according to him, is the way of life of a people, noting that through culture, they forge understanding and unity and promote peace.
“Culture gives us a sense of identity. Through this type of festival, we can also boost the local economy through tourism and by providing job opportunities for local artists and artisans.
Governor Uba Sani stressed that his administration is committed to leaving Kaduna State better than it met it.
He disclosed that his government is extending infrastructure to all Local Governments in Kaduna State.
‘We are transforming the educational and health sectors. But most importantly, we are stabilizing the security situation in Kaduna State through our peace initiatives.
“We shall continue to count on the support of the people of Kurama and the entire Kudaru Chiefdom as we ramp up our Rural Transformation Program.
“I congratulate you for putting together this cultural showpiece. May you continue to build on this worthy legacy, for the benefit of the people of Kudaru Chiefdom and the glory of God. I wish you a peaceful and enjoyable celebration. God bless you all,” he said.
In a show of solidarity, Governor Uba Sani packaged a special gift for the elderly women in the Chiefdom and Supported the Kurama Association with one million Naira.
In his remarks, His Royal Highness, the Bugwam Kudaru, Yakubu Iliya Sauri, stressed the importance of unity, peace, and peaceful coexistence among people anywhere they find themselves across the State and the Chiefdom.
The Royal Father said, “Here in Kurama land and Lere LGA, we thank God we don’t have any serious security situation or threat. That is because we have a robust security framework that is bottom to up where all the community leaders from the Grassroots are responding to emergencies.
In his welcome address, the President of the Federated Kurama Association (FKA) Comrade Yakubu J. Maigamo said they come together to revel in the richness of their Kurama culture and reflect on the values that bind us and the diversity that enriches our shared identity. The Kurama community stands as a testament to the values of peace and harmonious coexistence with our neighbors.
He said that Unity is one of the cardinal objectives of his administration and the unity of the Akurmi Nation is paramount, saying they must come together as a united force, fostering a spirit of solidarity and cooperation that will propel our nation forward.
“Our communities have been enjoying relatively peace but recently some parts of Lere and Kubau Local government areas in particular Alwalu in Yarkasuwa ward, Majagada and Garu in Garun Kurama ward, and Gada Nasaru in Karreh ward of Kubau Local Government.
“We appreciate the Kaduna State Government under the stewardship of d Senator Uba Sani, the Executive Governor of Kaduna, and the immediate past and present Executive Chairmen of Lere Local Government Council for their timely interventions in curtailing the loss of lives and properties.
“We also applaud our security agencies for their efforts and quick response whenever we call on them.
“My dear Akurmi people, it is imperative that we collaborate with the law enforcement agencies and local authorities to enhance security measures.
“Additionally, fostering community vigilance and promoting awareness can play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of our people and property. We also call on the government for its continuous swift interventions in the areas affected by this ongoing mayhem..” he said.
