Kaduna State deputy governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, has hailed the Nok culture and described the festival’s evolution in 1980 as heartwarming.
She noted that it had transformed into a week-long annual celebration.
Dr Balarabe emphasised this during the Ham (Jaba) Day celebration held in Kwoi, Kaduna South on Saturday.
She said culture is not just about tradition and history but also a catalyst for development, peace, and prosperity. She reaffirmed the Kaduna State government’s commitment to supporting cultural initiatives that foster unity among diverse ethnic communities.
Also, the Kpop Ham, Dr Danladi Maude, highlighted how the Ham people have consistently demonstrated that culture can be leveraged for unity, tourism, and economic growth.
He expressed appreciation to all individuals and organisations that contributed, both in cash and kind, to the success of the 2025 Tuk-Ham Festival.
Dr Maude also urged the state government to revive the water treatment plant in Kwoi to address the acute water shortages affecting residents.
Earlier, Barrister Audu Maikori and Capt. Caleb Danladi, founder of the Caleb Danladi Foundation, explained that culture not only diversifies but also unifies, citing the diverse representation from around the world at this year’s festival.
“Culture is a true stamp of who we are. It’s essential that we continue to grow festivals like this, and we hope for support from the federal government and the global community,” Maikori stated.
Capt. Caleb, who equally stressed the need to promote culture, maintained that culture remains the best form of promoting peace and unity in Nigeria.
On his part, Ambassador Bulus Lolo, chairman of the Tuk-Ham Organising Committee, described the festival as a moment of gratitude to God for the bountiful harvest from the past farming season. He informed the gathering that the week-long celebration featured a peace football tournament, free medical outreach, symposia, and a beauty pageant.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima has observed that investment in security and peace is crucial to unveiling and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the ancient Nok civilisation.
Shettima observed this Saturday while addressing attendees at the 2025 Tuk-Ham Cultural Festival in Kwoi, Jaba local government area of Kaduna State.
Mr Stephen Shekari represented him as Senior Legislative Aide to the deputy senate president and a member of the Presidential Committee on the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund.
The vice president urged the people of the Nok area to shun bitterness, embrace dialogue, and collaborate with all tiers of government to restore peace and build upon existing security efforts.
He stressed that substantial investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare are equally vital in showcasing the richness of Nok culture.
“I’m proud to say President Tinubu shares this great vision and is leading the way with initiatives like the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, and the Federal Medical Centre, Kafanchan,” he said.
“I challenge the elected representatives from this area to complement Mr President’s commitment by working in the people’s best interest.”
