Gashaka Celebrates Unity in Diversity
By Tanko Bauka
Unity of purpose and the desire to apply dimensional changes to the existing cordial relationship among the people of Gashaka local government area, the various tribes residing in the area rolled out drums to celebrate with the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of this year’s Sallah celebration.
Traditional dances are always featured during Sallah and Christmas celebrations and this year’s event drew prominent sons and daughters as well as dignitaries who came from far and near to grace the occasion.
Gashaka local government area is one of the most peaceful areas in Taraba state.
This is believed to be due to the tireless efforts of the traditional ruler, the Lamdo Gashaka, Doctor Zubairu HammanGabdo Mohammed Sambo and the constant sensitization by stakeholders on the importance peace and peaceful coexistence as the only prerequisite to development.
The efforts of the royal has since been paying off as the ethnic groups in the area always spare nothing to celebrate with the royal father who is loved by everyone because of his qualitative leadership style which has endeared him to his subjects.
Speaking before the cultural dances, the royal father, Dr Zubairu HammanGabdo Mohammed Sambo expressed appreciation to the people for their unwavering support which he said will not be taken for granted.
He charged the people to know that what peace cannot bring, crisis too will not hence the need to be united and always chart a new course that will bring development to the area.
The Lamdo Gashaka said he will continue to partner with relevant security authorities as well as stakeholders to complement the efforts of the Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas as he works round the clock to ensure peaceful coexistence among the people of the state, adding that peace and tranquility will always be the watchword.
He appealed to the people to be on alert at all times so as not to be taken unawares by enemies of progress who would want to disrupt the peace prevailing in the area, calling on them to report any suspicious movement of individuals or groups to the security agencies to enable them foil their devilish plans.
Also speaking, the Taraba State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon Joseph Titus Nagombe who was full of praises for the mutual understanding and the exhibition of high sense of togetherness, said the situation has rekindle his hope that the people are ready to live together as one irrespective of religion, ethnic or political affiliation.
The Commissioner charged the traditional ruler and the people of the area to support Governor Agbu Kefas whom he said in everything he does, the peace of the people is his first priority.
He said the number one citizen has been working day and night to ensure that the people go about their normal and daily businesses in a peaceful atmosphere.
Hon Nagombe commended the Lamdo Gashaka, Doctor Zubairu HammanGabdo Mohammed Sambo for his doggedness and commitment in ensuring that the people of the area live in peace with one another, pledging his support to the peace efforts.
Also speaking, the Chairman Gashaka Local Government Council, Hon Yusuf Umar Alura Gari lauded the unity of purpose and the peaceful atmosphere prevailing in the area, assuring that his administration will always accord top priority to security of lives and property as all security agencies in the area will be constantly put on the alert against any suspicious movement.
He solicited for the support of the people to the state government, the Gashaka traditional council and the security personnel in the area for their commitment, resilience and dedication towards ensuring that the peace of the area is maintained for the benefit of the people and the state.
One significant aspect of this year’s Sallah traditional dance celebration was the attendance by all the village and district heads among whom were the newly crowned chiefs of Garbabi Chiefdom, Alhaji Sulaiman Salihu Umar Abazunai and Thomas Maiyanga of Mayo Selbe Chiefdom among others.
